The Area

Clearwell is a pretty village nestling on the edge of the Wye Valley in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire.

Just a five minute walk from Foxglove Cottage is Clearwell Castle plus the famous Clearwell Caves, with their atmospheric mine workings and impressive caverns with winding passageways. Puzzlewood, just up the road, is also well worth a visit, with its magical wood used recently as a film set for Dr Who and Merlin.

Within easy driving distance other places of interest include Tintern Abbey, “Go Ape”, Symonds Yat, the Parkend to Lydney steam railway, Dean Heritage Museum, Chepstow Castle, Goodrich Castle, and Chepstow racecourse. See here for more ideas..

The Cottage is a very reasonable drive to the Brecon Beacons National Park to the west, for superb walking and beautiful open, far-reaching views; and similarly, eastwards to the scenic Cotswolds for picturesque honey-coloured villages – both areas being under an hour’s drive away.

The busy market town on Monmouth is only six miles away & a pleasant drive along the River Wye. Here you will find many independent shops as well as restaurants & a Waitrose.

Although a quiet, peaceful village, Clearwell has the good fortune to have three pubs and a restaurant, all within easy walking distance. Both the Butcher’s Arms and the Clear Well are historic pubs, serving good pub food and both pubs allow well behaved dogs (the Butcher’s by prior appointment).  

The Lamb is an excellent traditional pub with open fires & is also dog friendly.

The Tudor Farmhouse restaurant is ideal for a special meal, with its reputation as one of the best restaurants in the area using high quality, locally sourced, seasonal produce.3