The best waterfalls in England

Aysgarth Falls is one of the most famous groups of waterfalls in the area, and it’s just a few minutes’ drive to reach.

With a combination of forest trails and cascading waterfalls, it’s a perfect place for a relaxing walk.

Cautley Spout, the highest cascade waterfall in England, is absolutely worth a stop on your list.

The scenery is stunning and definitely worth the effort. Although the hike is quite challenging, we even saw a couple in their 70s camping at the summit and crossing a cliff section with ease. As younger hikers, we definitely couldn’t lose to that!

That said, the weather here is no joke. The wind was so strong it completely numbed my lower lip to the point where I couldn’t even speak properly. At times, it felt like I could literally be blown off my feet. The “wild British wind” is real and should not be underestimated.

The Aira Force waterfall area in the UK’s Lake District is a popular hiking spot. There are three National Trust car parks nearby. Along the trail, you’ll encounter many waterfalls of various sizes.

Aira Force is one of the most classic waterfall walks in the Lake District, located near Ullswater. The waterfall is hidden within a forest, and the path features stone bridges, small streams, and ancient woodland—giving it a very cinematic feel.

The overall hike is not difficult, taking about 1 hour round trip, making it perfect for a relaxed walk and photography. It is especially beautiful during autumn foliage season, and becomes particularly impressive after rainfall when the water flow is stronger.

High Force is known as “the most spectacular waterfall in the UK.” Its waters plunge more than 7 meters over a dramatic basalt cliff, creating a truly powerful and awe-inspiring scene.

What makes it especially unique is the section of river below the falls, where part of the flow passes beneath the waterfall, creating the remarkable illusion of an “underwater waterfall”—a rare and fascinating sight that’s well worth visiting.

Address: Alston Rd, Forest-in-Teesdale, Barnard Castle DL12 0XH

The largest single-drop waterfall in the UK! A hidden paradise in North Yorkshire

Tired of London and Edinburgh? Then Wensleydale in North Yorkshire is definitely worth a visit. It’s not only famous worldwide for its cheese, but also home to England’s highest single-drop waterfall—Hardraw Force.

Hardraw Force Waterfall: With a vertical drop of about 30 meters, the flow becomes especially impressive after rain, which is common in the UK. It was also a filming location for *Robin Hood*.

Lydford Gorge – a mystical natural canyon

Lydford Gorge is one of the most atmospheric and mysterious natural gorges in southwest England, known for its dramatic waterfall and forested walking trails.

As you pass through dense woodland, you’ll eventually reach the 30-metre-high Devil’s Cauldron waterfall. The water rushes violently through the narrow gorge, creating a powerful, roaring presence that feels almost otherworldly.

Janet’s Foss is located in the Yorkshire Dales National Park in northern England, near the picturesque village of Malham. The waterfall is tucked away in woodland close to Gordale Scar and is one of the area’s most well-known natural attractions.

“Janet” comes from local folklore, referring to a fairy queen said to live in a cave behind the waterfall. “Foss” is an old Norse word meaning waterfall, commonly found in place names across Yorkshire.

The limestone waterfall is about 5 metres high, where water flows over layered rock into a clear, emerald-green pool below. Over time, dissolved calcium carbonate has formed distinctive white tufa terraces on the rocks, similar in appearance (though smaller in scale) to Turkey’s Pamukkale.