Clearwell – Castle, Gardens and Caves

Clearwell combines historic architecture, distinctive garden landscapes and an unusual experience underground. Anyone looking for a mix of culture, walks and discoveries for their holiday will find several different points of interest here to consider when planning their trip. A holiday apartment in Clearwell can serve as a base for days that do not follow just one area of interest.

Clearwell Castle and its gardens

Clearwell Castle was built in 1727 by Roger Morris for Thomas Wyndham in the Gothick style. This gives the building a specific historical connection that is well suited as a starting point for a culture-focused exploration. The Castle also includes a late-17th-century park and terraced gardens dating from the mid- to late 19th century. These garden areas surround an early Georgian Gothick mansion and complement the architecture with their own period and design dimension.

It is precisely this contrast between architectural history and landscape that makes Clearwell interesting: you can focus on the design language of the building or turn your attention to the park and terraces. If you are travelling with different interests, this allows you to plan a varied stay without every family member having to experience the same things.

Walking routes across Clearwell Meend

Clearwell Meend is common land around the mine, crossed by walking routes. For a day of travel between the more strongly cultural and historical destinations, this place offers a different way to experience Clearwell. The paths can be included in your plans if, alongside architecture and history, you would also like some outdoor activity. The choice of accommodation remains a matter of personal travel pace: anyone who enjoys combining different impressions will focus above all on which destinations and activities are to shape their holiday when searching for a holiday apartment.

St Peter's Church as a destination for culture enthusiasts

St Peter's Church was designed by John Middleton and opened in 1866. It is regarded as an outstanding example of the French Gothic style. Its defining details include carvings, coloured stone, brasswork and stained glass. This makes the church interesting not only because of its year of construction, but also because of the craftsmanship and design elements that define its appearance.

For visitors who would like to learn more about ecclesiastical art and architecture, St Peter's Church can provide a focus of its own. Together with Clearwell Castle, it creates an itinerary in which different historical architectural forms stand side by side. The stay can be divided accordingly: one day focusing on the mansion and gardens, and another on sacred architecture or walking routes.

Underground impressions in the Clearwell Caves

The Clearwell Caves offer a particularly striking experience. There, a tour leads through ten caves and around 100 feet underground. The approximate depth remains an important part of the experience: this is not merely a brief look at a single grotto, but a tour through several cave areas.

Lydney is the nearest railway station for travelling to the Clearwell Caves and is five miles away. From there, a bus runs to Coleford. The stop is in Milkwall; from there, a three-quarter-mile footpath leads to the Clearwell Caves. This information helps you include the excursion in your day plan in advance and choose the most suitable form of transport for your group.

Which accommodation suits your travel plans?

Clearwell is particularly appealing if you would like to combine different themes during your holiday: historic buildings, gardens, walking routes, ecclesiastical art and a cave tour. When searching for a holiday apartment in Clearwell, you can therefore first decide whether culture, activity or the underground experience should take up the most space.

Further places for your travel planning

If you would like to compare other destinations in addition to Clearwell, you can also visit Shipton Moyne, Newnham, St Marys, Longborough, Lechlade, Cirencester, Winchcombe and Stroud.

For the higher-level travel overview: Gloucestershire.