
Discover more at Lydford Gorge
Find out when Lydford Gorge is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.
We love dogs at Lydford Gorge, and you’re welcome to bring them with you as you explore its dramatic landscape. We do ask for dogs to be kept on a short lead for their own safety, the safety of other visitors, and to protect the delicate wildlife and habitats of the gorge.
We’ve been working on making it easier for you to find out how dog-friendly your visit will be before you and your four-legged-friend arrive. To help with this, we've created a new pawprint rating system and given all the places in our care a rating. You can find this information in the National Trust members’ handbook.
Lydford Gorge is a three pawprint rated place.
Three pawprints shows the very best places you can visit for a day with your dog. You’ll be able to take your dog to most areas, including indoors for a cup of tea and a treat. There’ll be clearly signed dog zones and dog-friendly experiences. Read on to discover exactly where you can take your dog.
Dogs are very welcome at Lydford Gorge. However, if they do not enjoy being on the lead then this may not be the best place for a walk. The friendly welcome team can offer advice on local places to visit if your dog needs more freedom.
Please keep dogs on a short lead at all times and out of the river.
The seven narrow unguarded steps leading to the metal grill of the Devil’s Cauldron viewing platform mean that we recommend you don’t take your dog down here, but this small section can be easily avoided.
Dogs are welcome in all our indoor spaces, so can join you for a treat in the tea-room or while you browse the bookshop.
The trails in the gorge can have steps, narrow paths, steep slopes and uneven surfaces. The river is very fast-flowing in places and there are some sections of path that have no barrier.
Wandering off the path can cause loose rocks to fall, also there are old mine workings and delicate wildlife habitats.
Lydford Gorge is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), with some rare moss and lichen species that grow on rock faces and the banks of the river. By keeping your dog out of the river you can help protect these delicate rare plants; and also prevent the pesticides used in flea treatments getting into the water and affecting the wildlife that live there.
As the weather warms you and your dog may be exposed to ticks in the gorge. Keeping to clearly defined paths with your dog on a short lead will reduce the likelihood of a tick bite.
A new enclosed area for off-lead play with your dog can be found in the orchard at the Devil's Cauldron entrance. This is a shared space so please help everyone to enjoy it and be considerate of others.
Water bowls can be found outside visitor welcome and the tea-rooms.
There are tether points for dogs outside the toilets and on the picnic tables.
Dog waste bins are located at both ends of the gorge, and if you need a poo bag please ask the friendly welcome team.
There are dog blankets available in the Devil's Cauldron tea-room for dogs to lay on. The floor is slate flagstones which can get cold.
We’ve worked with our partner Forthglade to come up with this Canine Code, which helps to make sure everyone can enjoy their day:
Find out when Lydford Gorge is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.
We've partnered with natural pet food maker Forthglade so that you and your dog can get even more out of the special places we care for.
Discover the best places for you and your dog to explore, from coastal adventures and dramatic mountains to more leisurely walks and gardens to visit nearby. Plus, find information on dog-friendly cafés and read our Canine Code.
If you’re bringing your dog(s) to the places we care for, you'll find information on our Canine Code and pawprint rating system, created in partnership with Forthglade, to help plan your visit.
Rest and refuel after getting out in nature with your dog. Here's a selection of the best walks with dog-friendly cafés at places we look after.
We've partnered with natural pet food maker Forthglade to create the Dogs Welcome project, helping you and your dog(s) get the most out of the places in our care.
Immerse yourself in the wonders of nature and escape the hustle and bustle by enjoying a winter woodland walk to see the towering Whitelady Waterfall at Lydford Gorge
Discover where to eat when visiting Lydford Gorge, how to find the tea-room, what’s on the menu and what treats you’ll find in the second-hand bookshop.
Discover the history of Lydford Gorge from its earliest fossil formations and its importance to the Anglo Saxons and Vikings, to how it influenced the Picturesque and inspired artists.
There are plenty of dog-friendly spots to keep tails wagging in Devon. Your dog can enjoy splashing with all four paws in the sea or sniffing out treasure on a woodland walk.