16 Incredible Waterfalls in Yorkshire that you must see

While rainy days in the UK aren’t loved by everyone, we can all appreciate the beauty they create! Littered across the landscape of Yorkshire are an abundance of waterfalls to admire, thanks to the continuous flow of rain in the north!

Whether it’s the mighty Scale Haw Force or lesser-known hidden gems, there are so many waterfalls in Yorkshire to visit! Our comprehensive list of Yorkshire waterfalls will take you from the Dales to the North York Moors and even West Yorkshire.

If you’re looking for a rural walk or a scenic picnic spot, these waterfalls in Yorkshire have it all!

Keep reading to discover incredible Yorkshire waterfalls…

---

Jump ahead to:

Yorkshire Dales Waterfalls
North York Moors Waterfalls
West Yorkshire Waterfalls
Yorkshire Waterfalls Map

---

Yorkshire Dales Waterfalls

1. Aysgarth Falls

First on our list of Yorkshire waterfalls is Aysgarth Falls. This is a trio of mysterious cascades situated in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, close to the villages of Carperby and Aysgarth.

You might recognise the falls if you’re a fan of Robin Hood as they appeared in the film Robin Hood – Prince of Thieves, starring as the backdrop for the fight scene between Robin and Little John!

Snap a picture of the stunning steppingstone effect which is created as the River Ure cascades over several sandstone drops. Choose to enjoy a picnic here during the summer months, or venture to the nearby Castle Bolton to enjoy one of the best walks in Yorkshire.

2. Gordale Scar

The impressive limestone ravine of Gordale Scar boasts two waterfalls that dramatically overhang the cliffs and plunge water from a height of 100m into Gordale Beck.

Visit this UK waterfall on your next day out in Yorkshire, with plenty of attractions and walking trails close by to provide you with a full day of activity.

Continuing to impress, Gordale Scare appeared in a scene in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1. It also served as inspiration in the description of Helm’s Deep in J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings trilogy.

You can even visit Malham for the day, a Yorkshire village boasting impressive waterfalls and natural attractions. It also offers access to picturesque walks through the moorland, valleys and rolling hills of the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

3. Hardraw Force

Next on this list of waterfalls in Yorkshire is Hardraw Force in Leyburn. This 100-foot waterfall is a spectacular natural landscape with a heritage centre on site.

The Hardraw Scar Brass Band Festival is held in the natural amphitheatre below the waterfall, which has outstanding acoustics.

Green Dragon Inn owns the grounds and is restoring them to their former splendour. The heritage centre is open in the summer months between 10am – 5pm and until 4pm in the winter. If the centre is unmanned, waterfall access is by a coin-operated turnstile.

4. Cauldron Falls

A popular waterfall among photographers, Cauldron Falls is situated on Walden Beck close to West Burton.

You can reach this shady spot with its small waterfall and the remains of the town mill by walking from West Burton’s lovely village green. The incredible plunge pool was an inspiration for the famous artist, Turner, as he painted during his journeys through the Dales.

If you are feeling up to the challenge, there are footpaths that take you all the way up onto the towering fellside.

5. Aysgill Force

Aysgill Force is a tall waterfall with outstanding scenery at its peak. The solitude and secrecy of this place guarantee you a secluded afternoon beside the water!

The stunning four-mile walk to this waterfall is a fantastic circular walk in Yorkshire as it travels through Gayle Beck.

This path is excellent for people of all ages and fitness levels because it is relatively flat. However, it could be challenging to travel with large dogs as there are stiles to cross.

6. Scale Haw Force

Located between the hamlet of Hole Bottom and the village of Hebden, Scale Haw Force is a delightful Yorkshire waterfall. It takes some work to get there because it is hidden and difficult to uncover, but the benefits are definitely worth it!

Take in the breath-taking scenery of the waterfall and snap a few shots. Alternatively, plunge into the pool below for an exciting UK wild swimming opportunity. This breath-taking attraction is easily one of the most magnificent waterfalls in Yorkshire.

7. Ingleton Waterfalls

This waterfall in North Yorkshire is actually a collection of cascades found in the northern village of Ingleton.

Ingleton Falls is located in the Yorkshire Dales National Park and is a photographer’s paradise. Surrounded by ancient woodland, enchanted forest, and wildlife around the River Twiss, you’re sure to get insta-worthy shots here!

Discover stunning woodland with SSSI status and a nature reserve that the Woodland Trust manages and owns in part. Find out more about the area with our Ingleton Travel Guide.

8. Janet’s Foss

This stunning waterfall and pool amid calm woodlands near the village of Malham are ideal for a stroll and a picnic. It is said that Janet, the queen of the fairies, dwells in a cave to the right of this magical spot!

Keep a look out for tree stumps covered in lucky coins left by passersby on the path leading out of the village. Don’t forget to add your own wishes for Janet and her fairy friends!

9. Cotter Force

Located on the Cotterdale Beck in upper Wensleydale, the Cotter Force waterfall is one of the most well-known waterfalls in Yorkshire. The famed artist J.M.W. Turner drew it in 1816 for his Yorkshire Sketchbook, and a duplicate of the picture is displayed beside the waterfall.

An adaptive trail makes it one of the most accessible Yorkshire waterfalls and is appropriate for wheelchairs and prams, ideal if you’re staying at an accessible cottage nearby. A bench near the falls allows you to relax and take in the beautiful landscape.

10. Stainforth Force

Stainforth Force is a majestic waterfall tucked away in the Yorkshire Dales at the mouth of the River Ribble. The falls are a perfect place to watch salmon leaping up to their spawning grounds during the autumn.

Afterwards, walk one of the surrounding Yorkshire waterfall walks and make it a full-day activity! Those who appreciate stunning cascades should add Stainforth Force to their list of Yorkshire waterfalls.

---

North York Moors Waterfalls

11. Thomason Foss

Looking for a waterfall near Whitby? Located a short car journey away is our next glistening waterfall!

In the middle of the North York Moors National Park is where you’ll find Thomason Foss. This is a picture-perfect waterfall between the settlements of Goathland and Beck Hole.

Eller Beck is a serene valley where you enjoy the waterfall and perhaps some Yorkshire wildlife too. Also, at the very top of the ravine is where you’ll find the North Yorkshire Moors Heritage Railway running close to the north of the waterfall.

12. Mallyan Spout Waterfall

Mallyan Spout is a beautiful waterfall near Goathland, a settlement in the North York Moors. The water cascades down a 70-foot drop on West Beck, which is accessible through a walkway behind the Mallyan Spout Hotel.

This deep canyon is the result of thousands of years of erosion by West Beck’s water. When water runs off the moors and falls over the edge, a large waterfall is formed. After rainfall, the scenery is even more stunning, but make sure to avoid wet rocks for your safety.

13. Falling Foss Waterfall

Located about six miles south of Whitby, Falling Foss is a 30-foot waterfall situated in the lovely Little Beck Wood. Find this secluded hotspot by parking at May Beck and doing a 1.5 circular round walk.

The Falling Foss Tea Garden is a great spot to stop for lunch and take in the view of the waterfall from the top. Take a look through our Whitby Travel Guide for more inspiration on things to do during your getaway.

---

West Yorkshire Waterfalls

14. Folly Dolly

The first waterfall in West Yorkshire is the charming cascade of Folly Dolly.

If you aren’t looking in the right place, it’s easy to overlook the enchanting wonder that is Folly Dolly Falls. Find this veil of water near Meltham and the Meltham Way in West Yorkshire.

Bring your wellies if you want to visit the waterfall and if you’re feeling brave, take a quick dip in the shallow water. Alternatively, step across the rocks to capture some beautiful photographs!

The spot is a beautiful little hidden gem in Yorkshire and is usually pretty quiet so that you can enjoy nature’s beauty in peace.

15. Lumb Hole Falls

As beautiful waterfalls in Yorkshire go, Lumb Hole Falls is one of the best. Amidst the enchanting beauty of this spot near Hebden Bridge are the striking Pennine hills.

There is no better spot to explore nature than here; the vistas are breath-taking, so it’s the perfect place to rest and relax. The falls are best accessed from Hardcastle Crags at the National Trust’s car park.

If you are seeking a waterfall near Leeds, look no further than the incredible Lumb Hole Falls, situated within driving distance of the city centre.

16. Goit Stock

Last on our list of Yorkshire waterfalls is the beautiful Goit Stock waterfall, located in Bronte Country‘s Harden Valley. This stunning spot is accessible by paths and secluded woodland, making it a popular walker’s spot.

The walk begins south of Harden and proceeds east toward Goit Stock Woods. The road up to the waterfall will take you through babbling streams and waterfalls as you follow it towards this magnificent end result.

Our Bronte Country Travel Guide has even more fun things to do in the area.

---

Map of Yorkshire Waterfalls

---

Browse our Yorkshire Travel Guide for additional ideas on what to do in this lovely section of England. Enjoy a stay at one of these Yorkshire Cottages and uncover your own hidden gem to stay in during your trip.