Aira Force

Aira Force is one of the Lake District's most visited waterfalls, famously inspiring William Wordsworth's poetry and featuring in his 1804 poem 'The Somnambulist'. The dramatic 20-metre cascade through a wooded gorge with its iconic arched stone bridge has made it a beloved Lakeland landmark for over 200 years.

No. Swimming is not permitted at Aira Force due to dangerous currents and cold water temperatures. Please verify on the official website before you go.

Dogs welcome on leads at all times on the woodland trails and near the waterfall. Please verify on the official website before you go.

Free to visit, but car parking charges apply (free for National Trust members). No permit required. Please verify on the official website before you go.

National Trust car parks available at Aira Force with pay-and-display charges (free for National Trust members). The main car park is a short walk from the falls. Please verify on the official website before you go.

About 1 km / 0.6 mi return from the main car park to the waterfall viewing bridge and back via the lower path. Please verify on the official website before you go.

Easy to Moderate. Well-maintained woodland paths with some stone steps and uneven surfaces near the falls, plus a stone bridge crossing. Please verify on the official website before you go.

Spring (April–May) and autumn (October–November) for high water flow after rainfall and fewer crowds, though the waterfall flows year-round. Please verify on the official website before you go.

From the main car park, follow the well-marked woodland path downstream along Aira Beck. The trail leads through ancient woodland with stone steps descending to the stone bridge that crosses directly in front of the 20-metre waterfall. You can view the falls from the bridge or continue on circular routes through the gorge. Return via the same path or take the upper woodland trail for a longer loop.

• •Ullswater Lake — England's second largest lake, popular for boat cruises and watersports
• •Gowbarrow Park — scenic parkland with fell walking and views over Ullswater
• •Lyulph's Tower — Gothic folly and picnic spot with panoramic views
• •High Force waterfall — another impressive cascade in the Aira Beck gorge system
• •Pooley Bridge — charming village at the northern tip of Ullswater with cafes and boat hire