15 Beautiful Waterfalls in Northern England

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Joe D’Ambra (@joe.dambra)

Firstly, we’ll start with the obvious as no Northern England waterfall appreciation list is complete without a mention of the mightily impressive High Force falls. It’s huge, as the entire River Tees dumps itself over a 21 meter/ 69 ft high precipice. Usually, the falls go over the left side, but if water levels are high enough there will also be water coming down the right side.

There is a paid-for walkway to view the falls, or there are some unofficial routes that take you to other viewpoints which can be equally amazing. You can even look upon the falls from above, but please tread carefully as the rocks can be slippy.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by ToothsInternationalTravelShots (@tooths_intrntl_travel_shots)

Aira Force is undoubtedly the most popular and famous waterfall in the Lake District, and with good reason. Set in lush woodland, the falls tower 20 meters/ 65 ft high. After heavy rain, the falls are especially noteworthy as the narrow gorge above the falls forces the water to thunder down the drop very dramatically to the rocky pool below.

There is a delightful walk with well-maintained paths managed by the National Trust that takes you to the foot and to the top of the falls. For the best views walk the route clockwise.

Learn more about visiting the lakes in our Lake District guide.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Yorkshire Dales National Park (@yorkshiredales)

There are no two ways about it – the Gaping Gill is cool. Gaping Gill is actually the name of a cave, a staggeringly large one that is. It’s one of the largest underground chambers in Britain, at 129 meters/423 ft long, 31 meters/101 ft high and 25 meters/82 ft wide.

People aren’t fascinated with Gaping Gill just because of its size, but because of Fall Beck, a stream that pours into it. The seemingly normal stream flows down a moorland valley and disappears down a large pothole, where it consequently enters Gaping Gill. The waterfall in the cave is said to be the highest unbroken waterfall in England. Reaching the bottom, the water disappears into fissures in the cave floor only to resurge again later. The opening through which Fall Beck rushes means that the cave is also the largest underground chamber with a natural opening to the surface.

Visiting the cave system is not easy; twice a year local caving clubs organise days where members of the public can be safely winched down. Prepare to get wet and bring waterproofs and a change of clothes as your route down the shaft is the same as much of the water, so you’ll get drenched.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Darren Owen (@teesvalleytogger)

You know how we earlier said the waterfall in Gaping Gill was the highest unbroken waterfall in England? Well, Hardaw Force is the highest unbroken waterfall in England ABOVE ground. Comprising of a 30 meter/98 ft long single drop, this is in our opinion actually one of the most majestic waterfalls in Northern England, especially if there’s been a decent bit of rain recently.

The waterfall sits within the grounds of the popular and historic Green Dragon Inn, and therefore there’s a fee for viewing access. The footpaths are good, suitable for wheelchairs, and you can go right up to the bottom of the falls.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by The Best of the Peak District (@letsgopeakdistrict)

The River Kinder flows across a moorland plateau named Scout Kinder and flows down the waterfall now known as Kinder Downfall. This is the tallest waterfall in the Peak District, being 30 meters/98 feet high. Kinder Downfall is guilty of being just a trickle most of the time, but when it goes, it’s certainly awe-inspiring. If the winds are high, the water is blown back on itself which is a very cool sight to see and if it freezes over in the winter it’s a popular ice climbing route.

There are various direct ways to approach the falls, but all options are a considerable walk over muddy and rough terrain featuring ascent. You can also see the falls as part of a 13 kilometre / 8-mile circular route. The route was once walked as a deliberate act of trespass in 1932 to protest that hikers in England and Wales were denied access to large parts of open country.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Phil Holroyd (@philthelandscape)

Stickle Ghyll provides a great series of smaller waterfalls to visit if you’re looking for some epic mountain scenery as well. The stream runs down the side of the Langdale Pikes and there’s a route that goes all the way up to Stickle Tarn, the source of Stickle Ghyll, an impressive sight in its own right. This gorgeous mountain lake sits at around 473 meters/1,552 ft high.

Although the walk is short, the terrain can be challenging so be aware of the weather and wear appropriate clothing and shoes.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Dan Monk (@danmonk91)

Cauldron Snout actually sits roughly 9 km/5.5 miles upstream of the first waterfall in this list, High Force. It’s magnificent in an entirely different way. High Force is huge, whereas Cauldron Snout is more modest in its height. However, what makes Cauldron Snout notable is that it’s very long. The cascade pours down a 180 meter/590 ft long stretch. Some argue that it’s not really a waterfall, but if you do acknowledge it as one, it’s one of the longest waterfalls in the country.

Refreshingly, access to the falls is free, but you do have to walk a bit to view them. The falls sit immediately below the dam of the Cow Green Reservoir.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Kate Paterson (@ktp_kaptures)

The Brontë Waterfall is not a mightily impressive waterfall compared to others on this list – but visiting it makes for a delightful walk, even in the rain, as it only adds to the atmosphere. The scenery is very picturesque and the landscape is steeped in history.

If you’re a literary fan, the area was a popular place to visit by the Brontë sisters, Charlotte, Emily and Anne. It’s lovely to immerse yourself in the surroundings that had hand in inspiring multiple English classics, such as Jane Eyre, Wuthering Heights, and others.

There’s free parking at Penistone Hill Country Park, and it’s roughly a 30-minute walk to get to the falls.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Darren Stait (@darrenstait)

Ashgill Force has some definite Lord of the Rings vibes. A large bridge goes across Ashgill Beck just above the falls which makes Ashgill Force both very Instagrammable and relatively accessible. Water drops 16 meters/55 ft over a rock shelf, and it’s possible to get behind the falls (but this is done at your own risk). At the right time of year, the area is very lush and green. The track from the road is not the easiest, so proper footwear is a must. You can also walk to the falls from Garrigill.

Ashgill Force is quite close to High Force and Cauldron Snout, which were mentioned earlier in this list of waterfalls in Northern England, so you could combine visiting them all in one day.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Chris Wright (@chrisjwright_)

Stock Ghyll Force is a stunningly pretty woodland waterfall. The entire cascade drops down 21 meters/70 ft, with the river splitting at the top of the falls, with a third channel about halfway down. The way to the waterfall is a pleasant and short walk from Ambleside with viewing platforms.

It’s usually quieter here as the falls do not maybe share the same allure as other attractions nearby, but we highly recommend it fill some time in a day.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Tony Allaker (@tonyallakerphotography)

Despite its diminutive stature (the water only drops about 1.5 meters/5 ft), Wain Wath Force is a beautiful spot and well worth a visit. As you pass the falls while walking Wainwright’s Coast to Coast long-distance trail, Wain Wath Force falls have become popular. The falls can easily be reached from the road.

Wain Wath Force sits in the epitome of quintessential British countryside. It’s green, spacious and peaceful with the backdrop of Yorkshire’s iconic limestone landscape. You can safely swim in the pool and there are benches for a sit-down and a picnic too.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by James Frater (@jafrater)

Linhope Spout is an 18 meter/59 ft chute waterfall. To see the falls it’s a 5km/3.1 mile round trip on moderate and steep terrain. People are attracted to Linhope Spout as it is a magnificent 5 meter/16 ft deep plunge pool, perfect for jumping in if there’s enough water.

Visit the waterfall in the evening for epic stargazing as it is located within the Northumberland International Dark Sky Park. For those visiting by day, keep your eyes peeled for red squirrels as the area is a known hotspot for them even though they are rare across England.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Stephen Tomlinson (@s.tomlinson_photography)

This is easily one of our favourite beauty spots in the Yorkshire Dales. Aysgarth Falls are actually 3 limestone tiers carved out by the River Ure as it flows through Wensleydale. The walk to the falls is very picturesque and great for enjoying the local flora and fauna. The upper and middle falls were used as a location in the film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves.

There are relatively easy paths and signage to see the lower, middle and upper falls. There’s no fee to see the falls, but there is paid parking.