Eating and shopping at Lydford Gorge

A stylised photograph looking down on table with a cream tea for two, with scones and jam and mugs of tea. — A traditional cream tea | © National Trust Images/William Shaw

With two tea-rooms, one at each entrance, there's plenty of choice for refreshments at Lydford Gorge. Find something that'll hit the spot, whether it’s a cream tea or something for lunch. Once you’ve refuelled, browse the pre-loved books and more in the second-hand bookshop.

Winter closures

All facilities, including the tea-rooms and toilets, are now closed for winter. We look forward to welcoming you back in spring 2025. Most of the gorge trails are closed every winter for safety and essential maintenance work. This can include tree work, path work and rock face inspections, so please do not pass any locked gates.

Eating at Lydford Gorge

Devil's Cauldron tea-room

The tea-room at the Devil's Cauldron entrance serves hot and cold drinks, cakes, cream teas, toasties and sandwiches throughout the day, plus a selection of lunchtime favourites including hot meals, jacket potatoes, pasties and sausage rolls. Seating is available indoors and out.

Waterfall tea-room

Located at the Waterfall entrance, this tea-room has a more limited, takeaway offer, including hot and cold drinks, bakes, sandwiches and cream teas. Seating is available indoors and out.

Visitors with dog on lead having refreshments in the Devil's Cauldron tea-room, Lydford Gorge, Devon — Dogs are welcome at Lydford Gorge | © National Trust/Dianne Giles

Dogs are welcome

Dogs are welcome everywhere at Lydford Gorge, but please keep them on a short lead at all times, and out of the river. You'll find water bowls at both tea-rooms, tether points for leads on the picnic tables and outside the toilets.

Help save waste and your pennies

Help us to reduce waste and help yourself to 25p off a hot drink when you bring a reusable cup.

Allergen information

Most of the food and drink served is prepared on site in our kitchen, using a wide range of ingredients. As a result, we can’t guarantee that any of our food and drink products are completely allergen free.

If you have an allergy or intolerance and would like ingredient information about the food and drink served, please ask the staff, who will be happy to help.

Always check when you visit

Visited before? We sometimes change our recipes to improve quality and flavour, including the ingredients. When you visit, please speak to one of our team to check the current allergen information for your favourite dish.

Thank you

Every cuppa or tasty treat you buy helps us to continue looking after places for everyone to enjoy.

Enjoy a picnic

You're welcome to picnic at Lydford Gorge. The orchard, found at the Devil's Cauldron entrance, is great for family picnics, with lots of space to spread blankets and take part in '50 things' activities. On the walking trails, there are some wider sections at Pixie Glen and Whitelady Waterfall.

Top up your picnic hamper with a takeaway treat from the tea-room.

Please help us keep Lydford Gorge beautiful – take all your litter home, and be aware that the use of barbecues is not permitted anywhere, including in the car parks.

The second-hand bookshop

At the Devil's Cauldron entrance, you'll find a large second-hand bookshop. With classic novels, children's books and non-fiction titles galore, there's sure to be something that takes your fancy. If you're unsure what to choose, why not pick up a blind date with a book, they also make lovely gifts.

There's a nature corner for families, where some of the interesting nature finds from the gorge are on display. Plus, there are colouring pencils to leave some feedback or a drawing on our Comment Tree.

There's now some comfy seating in the bookshop, perfect if you want a little break from walking or the Dartmoor weather. Pick up a cuppa from the tea-room to enjoy while you rest, and dogs are welcome to join you on a short lead.

Donating books

Sorting out and have books you no longer need? We'd love to have them.

Please bring your unwanted books with you when you visit and leave them with the welcome team or a bookshop volunteer. If you have more than a few you can get in touch with us via email lydfordgorge@nationaltrust.org.uk or call 01822 820320.