In our busy, hectic lives, sometimes there is nothing better than to leave it all behind and experience nature. The peace and relaxation you find in the idyllic countryside can’t be beaten. With this in mind, one of the best things to do in Yorkshire is explore, swim, walk and photograph the many beautiful waterfalls across the county. It offers unmatched tranquillity. Sound delightful? Well, plan your trip with our guide to the most wonderful hidden waterfalls in Yorkshire.
We travel across Yorkshire, discovering secluded waterfalls in places such as Heden Bridge, Whitby, the Yorkshire Dales, and many more. Let’s jump in.
Here are 8 of Our Favourite Secluded Waterfalls in Yorkshire
These Yorkshire waterfalls are particularly known for their idyllic beauty and are a great place to relax and even do some wild swimming. Do you agree with our list? Have we missed any?
1. Catrigg Force, Stainforth
The first on our list of best Yorkshire waterfalls is a magical, secluded place. Catrigg Force is tucked away in a wooded gorge located one mile upstream from Stainforth village, near the market town of Settle.
The main waterfall is a vertical drop of approximately 6 meters into a deep pool below. It is a perfect wild swimming spot. The waterfall was one of composer Edward Elgar’s favourite places, drawing inspiration from here and the Yorkshire Dales for two of his most famous works – Pomp and Circumstance and Enigma Variations.
As you walk to the waterfall from Stainforth, you’ll travel through woodland and open fields. Along the way, you will get to see stunning views of the famous Yorkshire Three Peaks and Ribblesdale.
2. Mallyan Spout, Goathland
Many of you may know the village of Goathland as the home of the classic TV series Heartbeat. However, long before PC Nick Berry, Gina, and Greengrass were on our screens, it was one of the best waterfalls in Yorkshire that put it on the map as a tourist village in the 19th century.
The waterfall which delighted these Victorian visitors is on a 3-mile circular walk from the village. It is the highest waterfall in the North York Moors at over 70 feet, and flows down West Beck. The drop is almost vertical, and is at its most spectacular after periods of heavy rain.
The pool at the bottom of the waterfall is perfect for paddling. The surrounding dramatic landscape is ideal for hiking if you want to go a bit further on your adventure. Oh, and the entrance to the footpath for the waterfall is near the Mallyan Spout Hotel, so you can nip in for a nice pint when you have finished your walk.
3. Falling Foss, Whitby
Next on our list of the best waterfalls in Yorkshire is Falling Foss, located just 6 miles from Whitby. Set in Sneaton Forest, this 30-foot-high waterfall surrounded by magical woodland is perfect to visit any time of year.
It is an easy walk from the car park, taking approximately 15 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a 2-mile circular walk starting from May Beck. Along the way, you can explore the woodland, and once you reach the waterfall, you can go wild swimming in the deep plunge pool at the bottom. If you aren’t up for a full swim, there are shallower sections to paddle in.
While you are there, you can also visit The Hermitage. This is a cave carved from a larger boulder. Above the entrance to the cave, you will see the letters ‘CG’ and the date ‘1790’ inscribed. These are thought to be the initials of the cave’s builder, George Chubb, and its construction date.
Oh, and the best part of a visit to Falling Foss is that there is a delightful tea room located next to the waterfall. You can enjoy homemade scones with jam and cream, bacon butties, cake, and so much more.
4. Aysgarth Falls, Aysgarth
Next on our list are three stepped waterfalls in the Yorkshire Dales. Aysgarth Falls have been a tourist attraction for over 200 years. Some very famous people have visited, including William Wordsworth and J.M.W Turner, who painted them. When you take in the beauty of the place, you can understand why it is so popular.
You will find the falls in Freeholders Wood, with three separate falls to discover – Low Force, Middle Force, and High Force. They are very easy to reach, as you just have to follow a well-maintained footpath. Along the way, you will enjoy stunning views of Bolton Castle and Wensleydale. It really is one of the best waterfall walks in the Yorkshire Dales.
When you get to the falls, there is a viewing platform over Middle Force so you can really take in the power and majesty of the water crashing on the rocks. You then have a choice of turning around and heading back the way you came, or following a longer route where you enjoy the countryside and woodland surrounding the falls.
5. Lumb Falls, Hebden Bridge
Our next addition to the best waterfalls in Yorkshire takes us west to the picturesque town of Hebden Bridge. Located just 3 miles north of the town, it is a highly enchanting waterfall and provides an idyllic spot to unwind and relax.
You will find it tucked away in woodlands on Crimsworth Dean Beck on the River Calder. The walk to Lumb Falls is just as magical as the waterfall itself. You will trek down well-marked footpaths, winding through beautiful Pennine countryside, rolling hills, and mystical woodland. If you time it right, you will come across wildflowers such as bluebells and wild garlic.
During your visit to Lumb Falls, you will likely come across a plaque depicting the poem ‘Six Young Men’ by poet Ted Hughes. It was inspired by a family photo taken in the valley of six young men who all perished during World War One. The poem sheds light on one of the many families who suffered this tragedy during the war.
As well as walkers, the waterfall is a very popular spot for swimmers. So, if you are looking for a bit of wild swimming, it is the ideal place. The crescent pool beneath the falls is perfectly safe for a bathe, and is incredibly relaxing, especially on a hot day!
6. Wain Wath Force, Keld
Another one of the many beautiful waterfalls in the Yorkshire Dales is Wain Wath Force. Located on the River Swale, this hidden gorge is tucked away around a kilometre upstream from Keld. It is not the biggest waterfall, with a drop of around 1.5 metres into the river flowing beneath the magnificent limestone cliffs of Cotterby Scar. However, what it lacks in size it makes up for in its beauty. It is a popular place for photographers wanting the perfect picture of this stunning Yorkshire waterfall.
If you fancy a dip, it is an ideal spot for wild swimming. You will swim in the cool waters while enjoying unspoilt views of its natural environment. If the kids are with you, then there are shallower sections for them to swim in. If you are feeling brave, people do jump from the limestone ledges at the top of the waterfall into the pool beneath,
7. Cauldron Falls, West Burton
Cauldron Falls, also known as West Burton Falls, takes its name from its beautiful plunge pool. The waterfall is near West Burton village, and is within walking distance of Aysgarth Falls, so you can visit both falls on the same day! It was another spot sketched by J.M.W Turner in 1816 during his tour of the Dales, highlighting the charm of this Yorkshire waterfall.
It has a 6-metre fall which tumbles into the deep plunge pool below, and is a great spot for a wild swim, especially on those warmer summer days. Another feature of Cauldron Falls is that you can walk behind the waterfall, so you experience the water’s power up close.
Cauldron Falls is a great place for wildlife spotting. In Autumn, if you time it right, you can see salmon making their way up the river. You can also see plenty of birds such as wagtails and bobbing dippers darting around near the water.
8. Posforth Gill Falls
Last on our list is another stunning waterfall in the Yorkshire Dales. It is set in woodland in the slightly spooky-sounding ‘Valley of Desolation’ in the Bolton Abbey Estate. The valley took its name from a devastating storm that destroyed the area in 1826.
It is a highly peaceful spot, and a very picturesque waterfall with a small pool, and the stream leads into a glen. Unlike some of the other Yorkshire waterfalls on our list, the pool is quite shallow. So, you will have more of a wild dip than a swim, but it is wonderful nonetheless.
Once you have experienced the waterfall, you can head up to Simon’s Seat, where on a clear day, you can see across the valley for miles. You can also head to Bolton Abbey to discover the 12th-century priory church, acres of natural beauty, and the 80 miles of footpaths.
Looking for More of the Best Things to Do in Yorkshire?
Exploring the many beautiful waterfalls in Yorkshire is just one of the many incredible things you can do in our county. It is a place full of adventure, fun, discovery, history, and entertainment. No matter if you are in the north, south, east, or west, you can find the perfect activity for you and the family.
For more information about the best things to do in Yorkshire, discover our events and travel pages for our latest guides.
Read More: 8 Of The Most Secret & Secluded Beaches In Yorkshire
