When picturing gorgeously cascading waterfalls, the UK does immediately spring to mind, right? Well, we’re here to let you in on some of the country’s best kept secrets and show you that you can, in fact, go chasing some pretty breathtaking waterfalls in this country, after all.
1. Kyoto Garden Waterfall, Holland Park
Up first is this stunning waterfall, and guess what? It’s ever so close to home Kyoto Garden is one of London’s sparkliest hidden gems and is located inside Holland Park. Visitors can expect to find a traditional Japanese garden, a plethora of colourful plants, a serene pond (complete with koi fish) and this lovely tiered waterfall. If you’re lucky, you may even spot a peacock – they are known to roam this beautiful garden from time to time.
📍 Ilchester Place, W8 6LU
2. Aira Force, Lake District
Aira Force in the lovely Lake District certainly won’t disappoint. Here you’ll find a series of pools, rocky scenery, and a very dramatic waterfall, plunging over 70 feet. To get to this waterfall you will need to travel through the woods, venture up and down some pretty steep hills and climb several steps, but if you’re able to, it is definitely worth the journey. And if you’re in need of respite and a light refreshment on the way, there is a well located tea room offering a variety of tasty treats.
📍 Matterdale, Penrith, CA11 0JY
⌛ Aira Force Waterfall is approximately a 5.5 hour drive from London.
3. Middle Black Clough, Peak District
This secluded waterfall can be found at the end of Longdendale Valley. This is one of the lesser known waterfalls in the UK, meaning that it very rarely attracts large crowds. It is perfect for a quiet getaway and you also have the option to go for a dip in the ponds. There are three beautiful black cloughs here named near, middle and far, and the middle clough is where you will find this extraordinary waterfall.
📍 High Peak, SK13 1JE
⌛ Middle Black Clough Waterfall is approximately a 4.5 hour drive from London.
4. Warleigh Weir, Somerset
Along the River Avon in Somerset, you’ll find Warleigh Weir. This waterfall has become a very popular attraction, with people travelling here to swim, hire boats and bask in the beautiful scenery. This waterfall will make getting the perfect picture a walk in the park.
📍 Ferry Lane, Claverton, Bath, BA2 7BH
⌛ Warleigh Weir is approximately a 3 hour drive from London.
5. Stock Ghyll Force, Cumbria
Credit: @jp_pursuits via Instagram
Stock Ghyll Force is a characterful waterfall located in the Lake District town of Ambleside. It is multi-tiered, over 60ft, and is surrounded by a gorgeously quaint wooded area. This waterfall is unique because the stream splits into several segments before reuniting at the bottom, giving it a very interesting shape.
📍 6 Stockghyll Lane, Ambleside, LA22 0QT
⌛ Stock Ghyll Force is approximately a 5.5 hour drive from London.
6. Pecca Falls, Yorkshire Dales
Credit: @_ginger.g_ via Instagram
Pecca Falls is the first stop on the Ingleton Waterfall Trail. This well-known trail has some of the most spectacular woodland and waterfall scenery in the country. Pecca Falls is located on the River Twiss and its natural colours are incredible. Just a stone throw away is Pecca Twin Falls, which you also won’t want to miss. This trail costs £7 per adult and there are five waterfalls to view in total.
📍 Yorkshire Dales National Park, Ingleton, Carnfoth, LA6 3ET
⌛ The Ingleton Waterfall Trail is approximately a 5 hour drive from London.
7. Thornton Force, Yorkshire Dales
Thornton Force is another waterfall on the Ingleton Waterfall Trail. It is the highest and arguably the most visually impressive waterfall of them all. With a drop of 46ft over a limestone cliff, it is definitely one of the more dramatic sights.
📍 Yorkshire Dales National Park, Ingleton, Carnfoth, LA6 3ET
⌛ The Ingleton Waterfall Trail is approximately a 5 hour drive from London.
8. Beezley Falls, Yorkshire Dales
Credit: @robbo_captures via Instagram
Yet another waterfall on the Ingleton Waterfall Trail is Beezley Falls. This name is actually given to a set of waterfalls on the River Doe, which are each spectacular in their own right. An array of water activities take place here, with canyoning being the most popular sport if you fancy being up, close and personal with this waterfall. Bernie’s Cafe is also nearby if any drinks or snacks are needed during your visit.
📍 Yorkshire Dales National Park, Ingleton, Carnfoth, LA6 3JH
⌛ The Ingleton Waterfall Trail is approximately a 5 hour drive from London.
9. Low Force, Durham
Credit: @northernwild.co.uk via Instagram
Low Force is a set of serene falls on the River Tees in Upper Teesdale. This series of low cascades offer a spectacular view, the option to swim in the wide pools, and the chance to kayak. The Wynch Bridge is also located here; a chain suspension bridge across the Tees where you can get the perfect view of Low Force waterfall.
📍 Middleton-in-Teesdale, Barnard Castle, DL12 0XF
⌛ Low Force is approximately a 5.5 hour drive from London.
10. High Force, Durham
Just upstream from Low Force is, you guessed it… High Force waterfall! This waterfall is extremely grandiose and actually has the highest volume of water plunging over an unbroken drop in England – there’s a fact for your next pub quiz. Not only is it visually impressive, but you will be able to hear the crashing water from far and wide.
📍 Forest-in-Teesdale, Barnard Castle, DL12 0XF
⌛ High Force is approximately a 5.5 hour drive from London.
11. Hareshaw Linn, Northumberland
Credit: @kerry.waddell via Instagram
In Northumberland you will find the impressive Hareshaw Linn waterfall. Not only is it beautiful, but it has also been appointed a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to the rare ferns and lichens that can be found there. If you keep an eye out, you may also come across great spotted woodpeckers, badgers and maybe even Daubeton’s bat.
📍 Northumberland, Bellingham, NE46 1BS
⌛ Hareshaw Linn is approximately a 6 hour drive from London.
12. St Nectan’s Glen, Cornwall
Next up we have the magical St Nectan’s Glen. Here there are a number of wonderful waterfalls culminating in a 60ft drop at St Nectan’s Kieve. What makes this spot so special is that this waterfall splashes through a hole in the rocks, creating the most beautifully dramatic image. Definitely one to be added to the list.
📍 Trethevy, Tintage, Cornwall, PL34 0BE
⌛ St Nectan’s Glen is approximately a 5 hour drive from London.
13. Fairy Pools, Isle of Skye
Okay okay, so this one is pretty darn far from London but it’s just too magical not to include. Up in the Isle of Skye you’ll find Fairy Pools, a waterfall and crystal clear pools that certainly live up to their enchanting name. This spectacular spot entices visitors from all over the world, and it’s certainly not difficult to see why.
📍 Isle of Skye, IV47 8TA
⌛ Fairy Pools are approximately a 12 hour drive from London. Take snacks.
14. Waterfall Country, Brecon Beacons
Last but by no means least we have a spot that quite simply does what it says on the tin. Waterfall Country is a series of over a dozen dramatic waterfalls. The most popular of the waterfalls is Henrhyd Waterfall which stands at 90 feet tall and was the filming location of the final scene of Batman: The Dark Knight Rises. Pretty impressive, hey?
📍 Pontneddfechan, Glynneath, Neath SA11 5NP
⌛ Waterfall Country is approximately a 4 hour drive from London.
So there you have it – a roundup of the best waterfalls dotted about the UK. So if you’re itching to escape the Big Smoke for a bit of fresh air, then why not head to one of these natural wonders?!