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This UK waterfalls guide is ideal for anyone who enjoys getting out into nature and exploring the UK’s most stunning sights. If this sounds like you, keep reading!
Our guide features 14 stunning waterfalls in the UK, including information on where to find them and valuable tips to enhance your experience. From majestic northern falls to cascades hidden in national parks, there’s a waterfall for everyone.
Continue reading and be wowed by these beautiful UK waterfalls …
UK Waterfalls FAQs
14 Best Waterfalls in the UK
Waterfalls UK Map
Where to Stay near UK Waterfalls
Eas a ‘Chual Aluinn – find out even more about this UK waterfall in this blog.
You can walk behind the flower of water along the Four Falls Trail, a breath-taking Brecon Beacons waterfall walk.
There are around 125 waterfalls in the UK (according to europeanwaterfalls.com)
You’ll likely get very warm when hiking to and exploring UK waterfalls, we recommend wearing light clothing, such as a light t-shirt, long shorts or waterproof trousers, shoes with a good grip, insect repellent and a towel.
Kicking off our guide to UK waterfalls is Eas a’ Chual Aluinn. The highest cascade in both the UK and Scotland at 638 feet, it’s a breath-taking sight.
This Scottish waterfall offers two major access routes, including via a boat tour. There are many tours to choose from; however, we recommend travelling with Kylesku Boat Tours. Some of the sights to take in during the trip include the sea loch of Glencoul and a range of Scottish wildlife, such as golden eagles.
If you’re an adept hiker you can venture to Eas a’ Chual Aluinn on foot. The best route is the Loch na Gainmhich and as a’ Chual Aluinn Waterfall trail; it takes just under two hours to complete.
Waterfall admission charges: Free
GPS Coordinates: 58.2045957, -4.9306596
Parking: Free parking at the A894 bend between Kylesku and Lochinver, by Loch na Gainmhich’s northern end
Second on our guide to UK waterfalls is Ingleton Falls. This series of waterfalls is nestled near the idyllic village of Ingleton and offers a scenic hike through moorland, woodland and mystic glens. The hike is the Ingleton Waterfalls Trail, which spans 4.2 miles and is ideal for birdwatching enthusiasts, families and trail runners.
Beauty isn’t the only thing that makes Ingleton Falls stand out; it is also characterised by its unique geology. The area around the falls consists of many limestone quarries and lime kilns, giving it a rugged look.
When exploring this array of UK waterfalls, keep an eye out for the colourful birds in the area. The rough-legged buzzard, common crane, and great grey shrike are a few rarities that can be spotted throughout the falls.
Our Ingleton Travel Guide features even more to uncover nearby, from the Ribblehead Viaduct to Ingleborough.
Waterfall admission charges: Adults – £10; Children (under 16 years) – £5
GPS Coordinates: 54.1558164, -2.4708631
Parking: Ingleton Car Park, Carnforth
Parking charge: £3.90 for all-day parking
One of England’s waterfalls, resting on the River Tees, High Force was bound to make our guide! It’s an awe-inspiring sight in the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and a UNESCO Global Geopark.
The water flowing through High Force in County Durham faces a terrifying drop of 70 feet before reaching the plunge pool at the bottom. This makes it the highest uninterrupted drop of water in England!
This UK waterfall captures your attention with its beauty and power, making it impossible not to add it to our UK waterfalls guide. The waterfall trail is open between 10am-4pm daily, with a kiosk serving refreshments, alongside a gift shop, picnic area and parking.
With its proximity to the Pennine Way, the UK’s first National Trail, High Force can be added to your next UK waterfalls walk, with several other fascinating falls to encounter in either direction along the river.
Waterfall admission charges: Adults (16 years and over), £2.50; children (5 – 15 years), £1, under 5 years, free
GPS Coordinates: 54.6503223, -2.1896915
Parking: Public Car Park (Hotel), DL12 0XH
Parking charge: 3 hours, £3; 6 hours, £6
Surrounded by history, Aber Falls is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Wales.
This UK waterfall sits within the foothills of Carneddau, a range of mountains in Wales, and plunges a staggering 121 feet, which can be heard from far and wide as the water crashes to the ground.
The Aber Valley is a National Trust reserve and an important historic area, with several small Bronze Age settlements lining the path up to the falls. Because of this, you will often find small groups of schoolchildren investigating the area. It makes for a wonderful waterfall walk in North Wales.
With a plethora of outdoor activities in North Wales, you will find even more ways to enjoy the area’s wild spaces.
Waterfall admission charges: £5 (cash)
GPS Coordinates: 53.2108055, -3.9961067
Parking: Aber Falls Car Park, LL33 0LP
Parking charge: £3 for all-day parking
The Vale of Neath is a prime location for those seeking waterfalls in the UK. Known by its nickname, ‘Waterfall Country’, this collection of waterfalls rests within the wooded valleys of the southern fringes of Brecon Beacons National Park.
A popular area with hikers, several hiking trails can be accessed up through the valleys from the village of Pontneddfechan, on the edge of the national park, spanning nine miles through the countryside between woodland gorges.
Once you reach the village of Ystradfellte, you can join the Four Waterfalls Walk, one of the many Brecon Beacon walks, towards the waterfalls of Sgwd Clun-Gwyn, Sgwd Isaf Clun-Gwyn, Sgwd y Pannwr and Sgwd-yr-Eir.
You can even walk behind some of the Brecon Beacons waterfalls, offering a unique experience to watch the water plummet before you. A South Wales waterfall that’s not to be missed!
Waterfall admission charges: Free
GPS Coordinates: 51.7569575, -3.5942161
Parking: Free parking at the parking lot on 11 High St, SA11 5NP
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This unusual waterfall in the UK can be found deep underground, within the showcaves of Dan-yr-Ogof, a 17km-long cave system found in the Brecon Beacons National Park.
Explore the network of passageways that run through the three caves: Dan yr Ogof, Bone Cave, and Cathedral Cave, the latter of which boasts waterfalls running into underground lakes and impressive stalactite formations.
For the full showcaves experience, visit their collection of over 200 life-size model dinosaurs, the dinosaur-themed museum, the Iron Age farm and the Shire Horse Centre. The latter has two play areas, beautiful shire horses and a host of farmyard animals. This is one of the best waterfalls in the UK for family outings.
Waterfall admission charges: Adults, £18.95; children (3 years – 16 years), £15.50; children aged under 2 years, free
GPS Coordinates: 51.8312356, -3.6891695
Parking: Craig-y-nos Country Park, SA9 1GL
Parking charge: 2 hours, £2; 3 hours, £3
Another waterfall in Scotland, the Falls of Bruar comprises a series of waterfalls on the Bruar Water, tucked just inside the Cairngorms National Park.
First made famous by the Robert Burns poem titled ‘The Humble Petition of Bruar Water’, this inspiring collection of waterfalls has been a key tourist attraction in Scotland since the 18th century and shows no sign of losing its popularity any time soon.
Standing at an impressive 60m, this series of waterfalls in the UK can be reached via a challenging woodland walk with a few steep climbing sections that takes you to a viewing area, which is also a great spot for a picnic. The route is dog-friendly too, so the whole family can enjoy this waterfall walk!
Looking for more ways to explore the Falls of Bruar? We recommend trying out gorge walking and canyoneering here with the help of Vertical Descents.
Waterfall admission charges: Free
GPS Coordinates: 56.773964, -3.9364532
Parking: House of Bruar Car Park, PH18 5TW
Parking charge: Please check upon arrival
This unique waterfall in the UK is particularly striking as it plunges over Kilt Rock’s cliff edge into the Sound of Raasay.
It is easily accessible by car; you can drive along the A855 and look for signs for Mealt Falls. From here, it’s a short walk to the observation deck, Kilt Rock & Mealt Falls Viewpoint, where you can witness panoramic views of the waterfall cascading into the sea.
If you’re interested in an Isle of Skye walking holiday, then this impressive UK waterfall needs to be added to your itinerary! The major hike here, the Kilt Rock and Mealt Waterfall Circular is worth trying and ideal for all ages.
Use our Isle of Skye Travel Guide for more day out inspiration.
Waterfall admission charges: Free
GPS Coordinates: 57.6094735, -6.1825992
Parking: Free parking at Kilt Rock & Mealt Falls Viewpoint, IV51 9JE
The Falls of Glomach is one of the largest waterfalls in the UK – in fact, it’s the third highest, standing at a breath-taking 113 meters. It’s tucked away in a remote corner of Ross-shire in the Scottish Highlands.
As one of the most isolated waterfalls in the UK, bordering the mountain range of Kintail, the Falls of Glomach is the perfect day out for adventurers wanting to see the dramatic and beautiful Highland landscape.
It’s a rather challenging 12-mile hike to get to the remote waterfall, but you will be more than rewarded for your efforts!
This waterfall in the UK rests by the Kintail & Morvich Estate, known as one of the most stunning areas of the Highlands. After exploring the cascade, spend some time seeking out the wildlife here, including red deer, or visit the burial ground of Cill Fhearchair.
Waterfall admission charges: Free
GPS Coordinates: 57.278361, -5.291004
Parking: Free parking at the Falls of Glomach New Car Park, Morvich, IV40
Enjoying a scenic position amidst the Berwyn Mountains of Wales, Pistyll Rhaeadr is a must-visit waterfall in the UK! As the tallest cascade in Wales, Pistyll Rhaeadr boasts a height of 240 feet.
The waterfall rests moments away from the car park and offers several walks to embark on. If you’re travelling with little ones, we recommend taking the short walk to the top of the waterfall. Alternatively, you can try one of the longer walks here, such as the Old Lead and Silver Mines trail.
After taking in this glorious waterfall, head to the on-site restaurant and tea room. The rustic eatery is open daily and serves up snacks, breakfast, and lunch.
If you’re getting married and want to have the ceremony somewhere extra special, you’ll be delighted to know that wedding ceremonies can be held at the base of the waterfall. Imagine tying the knot with a gorgeous waterfall as a backdrop!
Waterfall admission charges: Free
GPS Coordinates: 52.8552183, -3.380942
Parking: Car park by Unnamed Road, SY10 0BZ
Parking charge: Weekdays, £5; weekends, £10
A must-see Lake District waterfall, Aira Force is undoubtedly one of the best waterfalls in the UK. Sitting by Ullswater Lake, the cascade towers at a height of 65 feet.
A beautiful sight, this waterfall even inspired William Wordsworth’s poetry! He wrote a lyric for Aira Force in 1836. Its beauty continues to inspire others, attracting over 250,000 visitors per year.
The waterfall features a circular walk that stretches 1.3 miles, making for a short, family-friendly hike. The highlight of the walk is the viewing platform, which offers views over the surrounding estate and the flowing water.
A tea room is located nearby, serving snacks, ice cream, and hot beverages, making it the perfect post-walk treat.
Waterfall admission charges: Free
GPS Coordinates: 54.5763531, -2.9331022
Parking: Aira Force Car Park, CA11 0JS
Parking charge: 2 hours, £5; 4 hours, £7; all day, £8.50
Resting within one of the most iconic caves in the Yorkshire Dales is the Gaping Gill cascade. Another unusual waterfall in the UK, it is surrounded by the largest cave chamber in Britain, which can fit an entire cathedral inside!
The waterfall is usually only reached by expert cave explorers. However, the cave opens up to the public for one week twice per year; meaning you can get the chance to see this mystic sight up close.
The trail to this UK waterfall weaves from the National Park Centre, through the Ingleborough Estate and along the moors to Gaping Gill’s opening. Once you’ve made it to the entrance, you’ll need to pay a fee, put on a hard hat and be lowered into the cave.
The descent can be a spooky experience for some, but the views at the base are worth it!
Waterfall admission charges: £15
GPS Coordinates: 54.1494973, -2.3848088
Parking: Yorkshire Dales National Car Park – Clapham, LA2 8EQ
Parking charge: 2 hours, £3; all day, £5
We’re concluding our guide to waterfalls in the UK with England’s biggest single-drop cascade. The Yorkshire waterfall, Hardraw Force flows behind The Green Dragon Inn near Hawes.
A historic gem in the area, Hardraw Force is over 340 million years old, dating back to the Middle Carboniferous era. Because of its age, like Ingleton Falls, this UK waterfall also enjoys limestone features which give it its unique, curved shape.
You can reach Hardraw Force via the circular walk from Hawes. It’s a 6.2-mile walk, taking under three hours to complete. It’s a dog-friendly trail, however it’s rich with wildlife, so please keep pooches on leads.
Waterfall admission charges: Adults, £4; children (5 – 6 years), £2; children under 5 years, free; family ticket, £10; concessions, £3
GPS Coordinates: 54.3164482, -2.2070784
Parking: Hawes National Park Centre, DL8 3NT
Parking charge: 2 hours, £3. Please check upon arrival for more prices.
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Waterfall Swallet is a Peak District hidden gem and the second-highest waterfall in the Peak District, standing at an impressive 49 feet.
Found off the beaten track in the heart of the national park’s Hope Valley region, close to the small village of Foolow, Waterfall Swallet is one you should be adding to your Peak District waterfalls list.
For the most spectacular scenery, this hidden waterfall is best visited after rain or while it’s raining! Take the easy and pleasant four-mile Eyam waterfall walk, following footpaths towards Eyam Edge, and make your way back towards Eyam along the banks of Hollow Brook, via the intriguing Mompesson’s Well.
There’s a historic pub right in the centre of Eyam, for refreshments and a bite to eat afterwards, if the mood strikes.
We have picked a handful of cottages where you can enjoy a staycation to remember. Look forward to cascade views and riverside walks from these properties.
Want to experience one of these UK waterfalls up close? Book a stay at a waterside cottage. Get even more out of your waterside break by creating a holiday itinerary with our Activity Holiday Guide.
Image Credits: colin price – CC BY-SA 2.0; Jeff Hitchcock – CC BY 2.0; John Allan – CC BY-SA 2.0; Wojcieh Rozanski – CC BY-SA 2.0
Hi, I'm Lola and I joined Sykes in 2021. My favourite holiday destination in the UK has to be Suffolk, I have so many happy memori...
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