Visiting Santa in Clearwell Caves
This year for our Christmas family gathering we all headed off to the Forest of Dean. First we had a very nice and very large lunch in the Miners Arms and then went to Clearwell Caves to visit Santa.
The caves are actually a combination of natural caves and extensive mine workings. The mining dates back to Neolithic times and has continued throughout the ages, mainly for iron ore, but also for ochre to use as a colourant. Many of the passageways that are accessible today are therefore old mine workings which join the natural chambers, one of which is large enough and well-vented enough to allow underground cooking.
The mines / caves are open all year but in December the are adorned with festive decorations and become a Santa’s Grotto. It was pretty busy there on Sunday but still really nice. The journey underground started out past a few bits of mining equipment and museum pieces but soon the Christmas decorations started. Christmas trees and lights everywhere, some nice light displays and presents all over the place. Each present had a name-tag on it so the children (and adults) had a good time trying to find a present with their name on it. We then came upon Santa in his grotto and had to queue for a while to see him. The children then chose their presents and we continued through the caves and passageways following the story of ‘The Very Hungry Polar Bear’.
The story was written on posters for all to read and in each chamber there was a display of handmade characters and amazing lights, each depicting scenes from the story. Halfway around we came upon a Christmas market deep in the largest of the underground caverns. There was also a little tea-room here where you could buy drinks and snacks if you wished. We continued onward, slowly making our way back to the surface and following along with the story.
It was actually a really nice day out. The children seemed to love it, although they just like being together really so wouldn’t mind where they were. The adults had fun too. It was a little busy, but I guess that is to be expected – Santa certainly seems to draw in the crowds wherever he goes! Certainly a recommended way to visit Santa. At £7.50 each it was OK as that included a present for the children, but it was £7.50 for the adults too, so I think they should have been given a free mulled wine and mince pie instead of a present from Santa.
