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 is essential.
Open (unless high winds forecast) - The River trail takes around 2 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 Tunnel Falls. Allow extra time to stop and refuel at one of our tea-rooms. There are very steep sections and uneven surfaces - sturdy footwear is essential.
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.
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.
Currently still closed for repair - 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.
There is parking available at both entrances for a limited number of bikes, suitable for most bike locks.
| Gift Aid | Standard | |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | £9.40 | £8.50 |
| Child | £4.70 | £4.25 |
| Family | £23.40 | £21.25 |
| Family, one adult | £14.10 | £12.75 |
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.
You no longer need to book in advance to visit Lydford Gorge.
The Devil's Cauldron trail and viewing platform are currently closed for repair.
Last entry is half an hour before closing time. You can exit the gorge after closing time.
