Join
Enjoy access to more than 500 places with National Trust membership. Join today and help protect nature, beauty and history – for everyone, for ever.
Lydford Gorge
The deepest river gorge in the South West, with 30m high waterfall
Lydford, near Tavistock, Devon, EX20 4BH
Important notice
Very limited opening over winter. During periods of high wind and rainfall trees may drop branches or fall over making it hazardous to walk in the gorge. Please check the weather before you travel.
Opening times for 3 December 2023
Asset Opening time Waterfall car park 11:00 - Dusk Waterfall trail 11:00 - 15:00 Waterfall tea-room Closed Devil's Cauldron car park Closed Devil’s Cauldron trail Closed Devil's Cauldron tea-room Closed Second-hand bookshop Closed Toilets Closed We may occasionally need to close Lydford Gorge for safety, due to forecast high winds or flooding, please check the website before travelling.
MTWTFSS2728293012345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031OpenPartially openClosedRecommended donation - winter entry
Ticket type Gift aid Standard Adult £5.00 Child £2.50 Family £12.50 Family, one adult £7.50 Lydford Gorge trails - from Saturday 16 March 2024
Ticket type Gift aid Standard Adult £12.10 £11.00 Child £6.10 £5.50 Family £30.30 £27.50 Family, one adult £18.20 £16.50 Become a member and discover more than 500 places
Book shop
Second-hand bookshop at Devil's Cauldron entrance
Tea room
Devil's Cauldron tea-room serving hot and cold drinks, light bites, hot lunches, bakes, and cream teas. Waterfall tea-room, limited opening and takeaway offer
Car park
Limited spaces for long vehicles and not suitable for caravans. Free parking, no overnight parking allowed
Toilet
In the courtyard behind visitor welcome at the Devil's Cauldron entrance, and on the back of the visitor welcome building at the Waterfall entrance
Dogs
Dogs welcome - please keep them on a short lead at all times and out of the river
Steep routes and rugged steps. Narrow paths with uneven surfaces by deep fast-flowing water. Poor phone signal. Blue Badge parking. Accessible toilets. Induction loop. Bookable Tramper. Please get in touch to discuss access arrangements - email lydfordgorge@nationaltrust.org.uk or call 01822 820320.
Accessible toilet
Partly accessible toilet in the courtyard behind visitor welcome at the Devil's Cauldron entrance, and on the back of the visitor welcome building at the Waterfall entrance
Level access to shop
Second-hand bookshop is 15 meters from accessible parking spaces in the Devil's Cauldron car park
Designated parking
Two accessible parking spaces at each entrance
Powered mobility vehicle available
Tramper available to hire March to October, please book in advance, lydfordgorge@nationaltrust.org.uk or call 01822 820320 and leave a message
Induction loop
Fixed induction loops at all till points
Seating available
Seating available at visitor welcome and in the bookshop. Indoor and outdoor seating at both tea-rooms. Benches, well spaced, at points around the gorge walking trails
Large print (guide or menu)
Large print menu for Devil's Cauldron tea-room
Steps/uneven terrain
Step-free route to bird hide and Whitelady Waterfall - rough ground and steep slopes in places. Please get in touch to discuss visiting with your own mobility aid or any other access arrangements
Level access to food outlet
Devil's Cauldron tea-room is through visitor welcome, across a section of rough stone paving then 15 meters down a sloped gravel path. Waterfall tea-room is 10 meters from the Waterfall entrance car park along a gently sloping paved path
By road
Follow the brown signs from the A30 or A386. Lydford Gorge is situated half way between Okehampton and Tavistock. The Devil's Cauldron entrance is just west of Lydford village the Waterfall entrance is 1 mile further on.
Parking: Free. Designated accessible parking available. No overnight parking allowed.
Sat Nav: EX20 4BH for the Devil's Cauldron entrance. EX20 4BL for the Waterfall entrance. (Please be aware that some mobile devices do not take you to Lydford Gorge when selected, please use the post code.)
On foot
Via Blackdown Moor from Mary Tavy or as road directions.
By train
Okehampton, 10 miles
By bus
Services between Okehampton (including train station) and Tavistock stop at both entrances to Lydford Gorge.
Dartline Coaches 118. Visit www.travelinesw.com for times. Alight at Lydford Gorge main entrance for Devil's Cauldron entrance. Alight at Lydford Gorge lower entrance for Waterfall entrance.
By bicycle
National Cycle Network Route 27
There is parking available at both entrances, suitable for most bike locks.
Larger vehicles
We have limited spaces for long vehicles and we're unable to welcome caravans.
Due to narrow access, the Highways Agency recommends the maximum coach size is 43 seats, 10.5m x 2.4m. There is a 17-ton weight restriction on the old railway bridge near the Waterfall entrance (SX502831).
Planning your visit
Winter opening
During winter most of the gorge trails are closed for safety and essential maintenance work. This can include tree work, path work and rock face inspections, so please do not pass any locked gates. We plan to reopen the gorge from Saturday 16 March, although the river path will remain closed while we work to repair a section of path damaged by a landslide.
PDF
Article
Bringing your dog to Lydford Gorge
Lydford Gorge is a one pawprint rated place. Discover how to have a dog-friendly visit, including where to walk, what to be aware of and what facilities are available for your four-legged friend.
Article
The Tramper at Lydford Gorge
A Tramper can be hired to access Whitelady Waterfall and the bird hide in the gorge, thanks to Countryside Mobility South West. Available again from spring 2024.
Article
Follow the Countryside Code
Help to look after National Trust places by observing a few simple guidelines during your visit and following the Countryside Code.
Highlights
Gorge
The deepest river gorge in the South West with walking trails through temperate rainforest and ancient woodland. Section closed for safety and maintenance over winter.
Whitelady Waterfall
A 30-metre-high cascade that flows down the cliff face into the River Lyd.
Devil's Cauldron
The viewing platform for the Devil’s Cauldron is now closed for winter. We look forward to welcoming you back in spring.
Bird hide
A small hide looking out over the woodland with a feeding station attracting a range of birds.
Orchard meadow
The meadow is now closed for winter. We look forward to welcoming you back in spring.
Eating
Devil's Cauldron tea-room and waterfall tea-room are both now closed for winter. We look forward to welcoming you back in spring.
Second-hand bookshop
The bookshop is now closed for winter. To arrange a donation please get in touch.
Things to see and do
Article
Things to see and do at Lydford Gorge
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.
Article
Family-friendly things to do at Lydford Gorge
At Lydford Gorge the best winter adventure is to see Whitelady Waterfall. After heavy rain it’ll be at its roaring best. Get wellies on to splash your way around some fun ’50 things’ activities.
Top trails
Trail
Lydford Gorge Waterfall trail
This rugged circular walk descends into steep-sided Lydford Gorge, to the foot of the 30-metre high Whitelady Waterfall, before returning through oak woods abundant with wildlife.
Trail
Lydford Gorge Railway Path
Take an easy stroll along the line of the old Great Western Railway, passing through deep cuttings that have now returned to nature.
Winter opening
During winter most of the gorge trails are closed for safety and essential maintenance work. This can include tree work, path work and rock face inspections, so please do not pass any locked gates. We plan to reopen the gorge from Saturday 16 March, although the river path will remain closed while we work to repair a section of path damaged by a landslide.
Eating and shopping
Donating second-hand books
We'd love your unwanted books, puzzles and card games. If you'd like to make a donation please email lydfordgorge@nationaltrust.org.uk or call 01822 820320 and leave a message so that we can organise a suitable time. Every penny we make in the bookshop is spent looking after Lydford Gorge, so thank you for helping.
About Lydford Gorge
This steep-sided river gorge, carved into the western edge of Dartmoor, has been drawing visitors in search of the picturesque waterfall since Victorian times. Around every corner the River Lyd plunges, tumbles, swirls and gently meanders as it travels though ancient oak woodland, abundant with wildlife.
Hiking through the gorge is a challenging and rewarding adventure, be prepared for strenuous climbs and rugged ground - sturdy footwear with good grip is recommended. There are a range of walking trails to choose from. Take in the 30m-high Whitelady Waterfall or descend into the Devil’s Cauldron pothole on a platform over the river.
The gorge is filled with temperate rainforest, which is now a globally rare habitat. It’s 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.
History
Article
A history of Lydford Gorge
Discover the history of Lydford Gorge from its earliest fossil formations and importance to the Anglo Saxons and Vikings, to how it influenced the Picturesque and inspired artists.
Our work
Article
Our work at Lydford Gorge
Lydford Gorge is the deepest river gorge in the South West and the habitats it contains are almost as diverse as the skills needed to look after it.
Support us
Volunteer with us
Search for live volunteering opportunities, or register your interest with Lydford Gorge.