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Top waterfalls to visit

Tall white waterfall dropping almost vertically through the middle of green trees, feeding into a calm, reflective pool
Whitelady Waterfall in summer, Lydford Gorge, Devon | © National Trust Images/Paul Stapleton

Many of our places in England, Northern Ireland and Wales have waterfalls. Each cascade is unique: some unravel in many streams down rock faces, while others hurtle ferociously through narrow valleys. Venture out to see some of the best waterfalls and witness the invigorating power of nature.

Aira Force, Cumbria
Experience the power of the waterfall at Aira Force, created by rainwater running down from the fells. You'll be able to hear the roar of the water as it thunders 20 metres down a steep and craggy rock face. Dippers like to nest behind the waterfall; if you’re lucky, you might see these tiny white-breasted birds flitting in and out from behind the torrent of water.Visit Aira Force
Carding Mill Valley, Shropshire
Wander along the heather-clad slopes of Shropshire’s Carding Mill Valley to find the Lightspout waterfall. You’ll hear it before you see it – the sound of tumbling water fills the valley. Follow the stream until you reach the 4 metre cascade of water forcing its way through a narrow cleft in the rocks. Watch out for stonechats, buzzards and red kites.Visit Carding Mill Valley
Glenoe, Northern Ireland
The Glenoe Waterfall, in the wooded glens of Antrim, is one of the area’s lesser-known natural treasures. This hidden gem has benefited from a £75,000 conservation project to secure the rock face, replace the bridge and upgrade the access path.Visit Glenoe
Hayburn Wyke, Yorkshire
The waterfall at Hayburn Wyke on the Yorkshire Coast crashes through the boulders of rock and onto the beach below. After heavy rain, you might be able to see the double waterfall.Visit the Yorkshire Coast
A long-exposure photograph of a cascading waterfall backed by lush green trees at Aberdulais Tin Works and Waterfall, Wales.
The falls at Aberdulais Tin Works and Waterfall, Neath Port Talbot, Wales | © National Trust Images/Chris Lacey
Janet's Foss, Yorkshire Dales
Found in the leafy woodland of the Yorkshire Dales is a waterfall with a mythical connection. Legend has it that the fairy queen Janet (or Jennet) lives in the cave behind the waterfall, or foss. Explore the area for yourself when you venture out on a walk in this peaceful setting.Visit Janet's Foss
Lydford Gorge, Devon
Take a refreshing walk along steep, winding paths to find the Whitelady Waterfall, which falls down the face of Lydford Gorge in Devon. Step into the fine mist created by this narrow 30 metre fall and see how the moisture-infused environment creates a rich, green scene of mosses and ferns.Visit Lydford Gorge
Rhaeadr Ddu, Eryri (Snowdonia)
Take a walk in South Eryri (Snowdonia) to the Rhaeadr Ddu (Black Falls) waterfalls. The two waterfalls cascade over 18 metres and look different every time you visit, depending on rainfall, weather and light. Take extra care on the rocks by the falls as they can be slippery.Visit the Rhaeadr Ddu falls
Stowe, Buckinghamshire
Among the highlights that Stowe has to offer is a cascade of water that passes under three historic arches before plunging into the glittering Octagon Lake. The cascade’s arches were built around 1728. A decade later, they were decorated with artificial ruins thought to have been designed by renowned English architect William Kent.Visit Stowe
Man holding a child up in the air as they both smile, in the grounds at Powis Castle, Powys

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