The Best Waterfalls in the UK You Need to Visit, Easy to Get to

We have some impressive waterfalls in the UK that you can visit, and they’re easy to get to. Here are a selection of the best waterfalls in the UK you should visit.

Here is a selection of the best waterfalls in the UK. We will tell you where they are, the walking routes, how easy they are to get to, and accommodation nearby. Let’s help you plan your next adventure and explore some stunning parts of the UK. Plus, waterfalls are even more beautiful when it’s raining! So don’t worry too much about the weather.

1. Aira Force Waterfall, Lake District

Probably the most famous fall in the Lake District, Aira Force, is located in Matterdale. This is a popular fall, so be a little wary of the fact that it can get quite busy at peak times of the year. If you love waterfalls, this impressive fall is a great place to visit. It’s an approximately 22m fall with a car park nearby for easy access.

While visiting, take advantage of the surrounding Ullswater area. Aira Force provides a glimpse of a landscaped Victorian park with dramatic waterfalls, an arboretum and rock scenery.

What we love about this fall is that you can quickly get to this pretty spot. There are several paths to and around the Aira Force waterfall. The lower track allows you to wander through lovely woodland. Many people say this is a top spot for spotting red squirrels. The route is flat, and the path is even.

Enjoy this waterfall while trying one of our easy Lake District walks for beginners.

After a walk along this part of Ullswater, Wordsworth wrote his famous poem, ‘I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud’.

Ways you can visit Aira Force waterfall

• Aira Force Circular Walk: is a 2.1 km loop trail near Glenridding. It is suitable for all skill levels.
• Aira Force and Gowbarrow Fell Walk: This walk is 3.7 miles and takes you to the top of the following hills: Gowbarrow Fell (Wainwright summit), Gowbarrow Fell, Gowbarrow Park, and Green Hill – Gowbarrow Park.

Accommodation nearby

The Inn on the Lake: This award-winning 4-star hotel in Glenridding enjoys one of the most spectacular settings in the Lake District. It is set in 15 acres of grounds with lawns sweeping to the shores of Lake Ullswater, 2.8 miles from Aira Force.

2. High Force Waterfall, County Durham

High Force is surrounded by the stunning countryside of Upper Teesdale and is situated in the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This is the perfect place to view various animals and plants in different seasons; you might even spot a Roe Deer.

High Force Waterfall in County Durham honestly lives up to its name. You can find High Force at Forest-in-Teesdale. The River Tees has been plunging into this gorge for thousands of years, and the rocks it reveals have origins dating back over 300 million years.

High Force can get busy, and it is popular with visitors. It has a visitor centre, car park and facilities you can visit. This might not entirely be the tallest of England’s waterfalls; however, it has the highest volume of water falling over an unbroken drop and stands around 22 metres high.

Ways you can visit High Force Waterfall

• Walk on the Pennine Way along the River Tees from Bowlees to the top of the falls, with the return along the same route. This route is well-marked.
• Circular Walk from Middleton in Teesdale. Long route: 18. 75 miles.
• Walk to the bottom of the waterfall from The High Force Hotel; this requires a small fee.

Accommodation nearby

The High Force Hotel: If you’re looking for dog-friendly accommodation that’s excellent value for money, providing character, charm and the best personal service, you are looking in the right place. You can walk to the bottom of the waterfall from here.

3. Catrigg Force Waterfall, Yorkshire

For the lovers of all things magical, this fall is like visiting a spot from a fairytale. This might not be up there as one of the most impressive waterfalls, but Catrigg Force offers the most peaceful experience. It is a hidden gem; this waterfall lies deep within a wooded gorge and is a perfect secluded spot located just North of Stainforth village, part of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. The main waterfall has a vertical drop of about 6 metres into a step-pool.

Close by is a national car park. It is also only a short walk from the same car park to Stainforth Force, another dramatic waterfall—a favourite haunt of composer Edward Elgar! It is a perfect place for travellers who want to connect with nature. It is loved by everyone who finds it.

Ways you can visit Catrigg Force waterfall

• This circular walk visits the beautiful Catrigg Force waterfall in the Yorkshire Dales. It’s an excellent spot and can be easily reached from Stainforth. This longer walk starts at Settle and involves some more challenging hill climbing. This circular route is 7.5 miles.

Accommodation nearby

Middle Studfold Farm is ideally located for walkers, cyclists, and those who want to enjoy the peace of the Yorkshire Dales.

4. St Nectan’s Kieve Waterfall, Cornwall

You’ll find the picturesque St Nectan’s Glen near Tintagel in North Cornwall. A vast area of woodland featuring several waterfalls. This includes the 60 ft Nectan’s Kieve, as pictured, which has punched a hole through the rocks over time!

If you want to reach the waterfalls, the glen will take you on an adventure through Ivy-clad trees along the River Trevillet.

St Nectan’s Kieve is considered a sacred place, and the area now features numerous offerings of ribbons, crystals, inscriptions, prayers, and more all over the rock and foliage near the fall. It is a spiritual place of hope and wonder you won’t forget.

Ways you can visit St Nectan’s Kieve Waterfall

• Circular walk through St Nectan’s Glen and Rocky Valley: The walk starts from Bossiney, heads out across fields to the hamlet of Halgabron, and then descends into the woods of St Nectan’s Glen. It is 3.9 miles.

Accommodation nearby

Padstow Harbour Hotel: A 4-star, recently-renovated Victorian boutique hotel offering sweeping harbour views perched above the charismatic fishing port of Padstow. It’s the quintessential Cornwall getaway. It is 13 miles from St Nectan’s Glen.

5. Falling Foss Waterfall, North Yorkshire

Falling Foss is a pretty waterfall, accessible by wandering through ancient woodland on either side of Littlebeck and Maybeck.

If you are Travelling by car, it is on the B1416 road, approximately four miles south of Whitby. You will pass over the bridge through Ruswarp and onto the Red Gate bend. Follow the sign for the parking at Sneaton Forest Car Park.

In the woods nearby, you’ll come across Midge Hall, a gamekeeper’s cottage built in the 1780s and recently renovated in 2008. It is now known as Falling Foss Tea Garden. Open April to October. Stop here for hot chocolate, tasty homemade soup, or toast some marshmallows.

The 30’ waterfall is spectacular after heavy rain and is on the Falling Foss Forest Trail in Sneaton Forest. A few different walks are found here, starting from the car park, Littlebeck, or Sleights.

A cave carved out of a boulder is not far from Falling Foss waterfall. The locals affectionately know it as ‘The Hermitage, ‘ which dates back to the 18th century. It was once the secluded home of a hermit. The woods provided food, fuel, shelter, and building materials!

Click here for ways to visit Falling Foss.

Accommodation nearby

Bagdale Hall: An old Tudor manor house dating back to 1516. It is 4.6 miles from Falling Foss.

6. Becky Falls, Devon

An easy waterfall walk in Devon is Becky Falls in Dartmoor National Park. The falls flow through a gully filled with boulders and ancient moss-covered trees within an SSSI. There is an admission fee to see the falls as part of a private estate. The entrance fee also includes access to various other activities and attractions, including a zoo that families can enjoy. 

The park has three different colour-coded walking trails. The Red Trail is the best one to see the falls. The entire circuit takes about an hour to complete, and you’ll have the opportunity to explore the 20-metre waterfall drop and climb some enormous boulders.

The Red Trail at Becky Falls has footpaths filled with roots, boulders, and wooden bridges, making it a great adventure for young explorers. However, it is challenging for toddlers and unsuitable for pushchairs. There are cut-throughs available if little legs get tired midway. 

The park offers several facilities, including a cafe, shop, picnic area, zoo, family activities, and toilets.

Ways you can visit Becky Falls Waterfall

• Becky Falls has three circular trails: a Blue Trail, a Red Trail, and a Purple Trail, all of varying difficulty. You can find further information here.

Accommodation nearby

Haytor Vale Lodge: sleeps four people and is pet-friendly too. It is 3 miles from Becky Falls.

7. Henrhyd Falls, Brecon Beacons 

Henrhyd Falls is widely regarded as the most stunning waterfall in Wales. It boasts an unparalleled combination of size, beauty, and power, making it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and hikers. Located within a deep wooded gorge, this 27m/90ft waterfall is the highest in South Wales.

Interestingly, Henrhyd Falls is famous for its appearance in ‘The Dark Knight Rises’, where it is the entrance to Batman’s Batcave in the final scene.

What makes Henrhyd Falls genuinely unique is the path that takes you directly behind the waterfall. While there may not be a hidden Batcave, standing behind the waterfall is unforgettable. Pack some waterproof gear!

Ways you can visit Henrhyd Falls

• Henrhyd Falls and Nant Llech walk: A moderate riverside walk with steep climbs and descents. This walk is 3.5 miles.

Accommodation nearby

Eluneds Place: Situated in Coelbren, Eluneds Place features accommodation with access to a garden. The property has gorgeous mountain and garden views. It is 2 miles from Henrhyd Falls.

8. Plodda Falls, Scotland 

Plodda Falls is truly one of Scotland’s hidden treasures. It boasts a spectacular 151-foot waterfall that cascades past towering trees, hidden amongst a forest of fir trees. 

The falls are located near the quaint Victorian village of Tomich and are surrounded by a legacy of fine trees. It all started when Lord Tweedmouth, a wealthy brewer and Liberal Member of Parliament, bought the area from Laird Fraser in 1856. He planted magnificent Douglas fir, larch, grand fir, and redwoods and built Guisachan House. Although the house is long gone, the trees signify his vision.

Nowadays, a newly constructed viewing platform offers incredible views of the falls and the surrounding forest.

Ways you can visit Plodda Falls

• Plodda Falls Trail: Mostly firm gravel surface, with uneven sections that may be narrow, grassy or muddy. Steep slopes with some stone steps. Includes some exposed tree roots. This trail is 1/2 mile.
• Tweedmouth Trail: Wander through the majestic Douglas firs and larch, planted by Lord Tweedmouth on the former Guisachan estate. This trail is 1.5 miles.

Accommodation nearby

Whitebridge Hotel: The Whitebridge Hotel is a classic Highland retreat nestled in breathtaking landscapes on the serene south shore of Loch Ness. It features straightforward rooms adorned with fresh decor, complemented by friendly and genuine customer service, ensuring a warm and inviting atmosphere for all guests.

We hope you have enjoyed reading about these waterfalls in the UK you need to visit and that we have inspired you to take a trip. Let us know your favourite UK waterfall in the comments.