While the word ‘grotto’ refers to a small picturesque (often artificial) cave (there’s one in Bristol worth checking out), you probably know it best from Santa’s grotto. You won’t find many Father Christmas’s wrapping presents in caverns, however, but more likely at your local department store or festive market.
The world’s first Christmas grotto opened in 1879, in fact, in Bon Marche in Liverpool. But we may have discovered the world’s first real-life Santa’s grotto much closer to Bristol. Underneath the mysterious Forest of Dean lies a vast natural cave system that transforms into a Christmas market every year.
With a history that dates back to the medieval period and further, locals have been minding Clearwell Caves of ochre and iron ore for thousands of years. You can still meet Freeminers here today – those with an ancient Forest of Dean birthright to mine the area – but only since 1968 first opened has it been open to the public.
There are 10 caverns to discover, descending 100ft down, and plenty of ancient and modern history too. Either enjoy a self-guided (no need for a hard hat) tour through 4,500 years or dare to go deeper with group deep caving expeditions. Plus, an onsite cafe, shop and surface walks, are explorable all year round. But it’s at Christmas that Clearwell Caves become their most magical.
Watch the story of The Very Hungry Polar Bear unfold as you trail around Clearwell Caves from November 30 to December 31. You’ll follow the adventures of Bernard, a young boy in ‘the land where snow covers the ground for most of the year’, who finds a baby polar bear floating on an iceberg and decides to take it home…
Halfway through the caves, you’ll come across a Christmas market full of stalls selling gifts, decorations, hot drinks and delicious cakes. You’ll also have the chance to meet Father Christmas in this real-life Santa’s grotto, with all children aged two to 12 receiving a gift. Tickets are £19 each. To book your visit to Clearwell Caves at Christmas head here.