The deepest river gorge in the South West, with 30m high waterfall
Here you'll find everything you need to know about what's open and what to expect from your visit.
The gorge is a great place for an adventure at any time of year. The wildlife, river, plants and trees enchant the senses each and every day.
Open (unless high winds forecast) - The waterfall trail is a moderate circular walk of about an hour on a mostly one-way route; to help limit the spread of coronavirus. The path takes you on a sloping route down to the 28.2m high cascade of Whitelady Waterfall. Then brings you back up through the woods to the railway path, where you follow the old route of the Great Western Railway back to the start. There are some steep sections and uneven surfaces, sturdy footwear with good grip is recommended.
Dippers and wagtails can be seen flying low over the river, and if you're very lucky you might catch a glimpse of turquoise as a kingfisher darts away. Woodland birds can be spotted darting about in the trees and in summer look out for the rare pied flycatcher on a visit from South Africa to breed in the gorge.
The flora in the gorge changes with the seasons. Wildflowers such as wild garlic and bluebells abound in spring, filling the gorge with colour and scent. Summer is dominated by the green leaves of the oak woodland which encloses the gorge making it feel magical. In autumn the oak leaves turn to golden brown before falling and colourful fungi can pop up in unexpected places. In winter look out for views that are hidden in summer by the leaves, and on a frosty morning mists can veil the waterfall.
The gorge is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) for its geology, flora and fauna. Please respect the habitats in the gorge by taking only photographs and leaving only footprints.
Currently still closed due to coronavirus - The full Lydford Gorge trail takes around 2.5 hours to complete and is a challenging circular walk with narrow slippery paths and steep drops. This trail operates on a one-way system due to the nature of the paths. On this route you can see the 30m Whitelady Waterfall and go into the Devil’s Cauldron pothole on a platform suspended over the water. Allow extra time to stop and refuel at one of our tea-rooms.
Currently still closed due to coronavirus - The Devil’s Cauldron trail is one of two shorter circular walks allowing you to experience the exciting features of the gorge. The Devil’s Cauldron trail is a moderate 45 minute walk which is also part of the one-way system as the paths are narrow and slippery in places, especially after heavy rain when the Devil’s Cauldron is at its most spectacular.
| Gift Aid | Standard | |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | N/A | £5.00 |
| Child | N/A | £2.50 |
| Family | N/A | £12.50 |
| Family, one adult | N/A | £7.50 |
Most of our places run the Gift Aid on Entry scheme at their admission points.
Under this scheme, if you're not a member you have the choice of two entry tickets:
If the place runs Gift Aid on Entry, we'll offer you a clear choice between the Gift Aid Admission prices and the Standard Admission prices at the admission point. It's entirely up to you which ticket you choose.
Gift Aid Admission includes a 10 per cent or more voluntary donation. Gift Aid Admissions let us reclaim tax on the whole amount paid - an extra 25 per cent - potentially a very significant boost to our places' funds.
An extra £1 paid under the scheme can be worth over £3 to the National Trust as shown below:
| Gift Aid | Standard | |
|---|---|---|
| Amount paid by visitor | £11.00 | £10.00 |
| Tax refund from Government* | £2.75 | £0.00 |
| Total received by the National Trust | £13.75 | £10.00 |
*Gift Aid Admissions let us reclaim tax on the whole amount paid - an extra 25 per cent - potentially a very significant boost to our places' funds.
Free entry for National Trust members.
To avoid disappointment please book in advance, especially at busier times such as weekends and bank holidays. However, where space is available on weekdays, pre-booking isn’t always necessary. If you do not book we cannot guarantee admission.
The circular walking trail to Whitelady Waterfall, waterfall car park (EX20 4BL), tea-room and toilets are open. (Rest of gorge closed.) To avoid disappointment please book your visit in advance, especially at busier times such as weekends & bank holidays. If you do not book we cannot guarantee admission. Go to 'what's on' for more information.
