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Lydford Gorge
The deepest river gorge in the South West, with 30m high waterfall
Lydford, near Tavistock, Devon, EX20 4BH
Opening times for 21 May 2025
Asset Opening time Waterfall car park 10:00 - Dusk Waterfall trail 10:00 - 16:30 Waterfall tea-room 10:00 - 16:00 Waterfall pop-up bookshop 10:00 - 16:30 Devil's Cauldron car park 10:00 - Dusk Devil’s Cauldron trail 10:00 - 16:30 Devil's Cauldron tea-room 10:30 - 16:30 Second-hand bookshop 10:00 - 16:30 Toilets 10:00 - 17:00 There are long-term path changes, please see the 'Our work' article for more information.
We may occasionally need to close Lydford Gorge for safety, due to forecast high winds or flooding, please check the website before travelling.
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Ticket type With Gift Aid Without Gift Aid Adult (18+) £13.20 £12.00 Child (5-17) under 5s free £6.60 £6.00 Family (2 Adults and up to 3 children) £33.00 £30.00 Family (1 Adult and up to 3 children) £19.80 £18.00 Group (Adult 18+) £11.40 Group (Child 5-17) £5.70 Become a member and discover more than 500 places
- Bookshop
Second-hand bookshop at Devil's Cauldron entrance. Pop-up bookshop at Waterfall entrance
- Car park
Limited spaces for long vehicles and not suitable for caravans. Free parking, no overnight parking allowed
- Cycle parking
Available at both entrances, outside and to the right of visitor welcome
- Dogs allowed
Dogs welcome - please keep them on a short lead at all times and out of the river
Dogs allowed - more information- Picnic area
At Devil's Cauldron entrance in the orchard, 3 picnic tables and space for blankets. At Waterfall entrance, 5 picnic tables on a grass bank next to the car park, plus 3 tables undercover in pop-up bookshop
- Tea-room
Devil's Cauldron tea-room serving hot and cold drinks, light bites, hot lunches, bakes, and cream teas. Waterfall tea-room, a takeaway offer including hot and cold drinks, snacks, and bakes
- Toilet
In the courtyard behind visitor welcome at the Devil's Cauldron entrance, and on the rear of the building in the Waterfall car park
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 rear of the building in the Waterfall car park
- Designated parking
Two accessible parking spaces at each entrance
- Induction loop
Fixed induction loops at all till points
- Large print (guide or menu)
Large print menu for Devil's Cauldron tea-room
- 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
- Level access to shop
Second-hand bookshop is 15 meters from accessible parking spaces in the Devil's Cauldron car park
- Powered mobility vehicle available
Tramper available to hire March to October, please book in advance
Powered mobility vehicle available - more information- Seating available
Seating available at visitor welcome, inside and outside both tea-rooms and in the bookshop. Benches, well spaced, at points around the Devil's Cauldron and Waterfall walking trails
- 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
- Wheelchairs available
Available from Devil's Cauldron and Waterfall visitor welcome for transfer to tea-rooms and toilets, not suitable to take into the gorge
- By road
From Exeter and Okehampton. Follow brown signs to exit the A30 at Sourton Down and take A386 towards Tavistock, turn off onto unnamed road for Lydford village. The Devil's Cauldron entrance is on your right just after leaving the village, the Waterfall entrance is one mile further on.
From Tavistock. Either take the A386 and follow brown signs to turn off onto unnamed road for Lydford village and reach the Devil's Cauldron entrance first. Or head out of Tavistock on Drake Road past Brentor and and reach the Waterfall entrance first.
The two entrances to Lydford Gorge are just over one mile apart.
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.
What3words.
To find the entrance of the Devil's Cauldron car park - what3words: ///port.turns.irrigated
To find the entrance of the Waterfall car park - what3words: ///summit.armrest.cubs
- On foot
Via Blackdown Moor from Mary Tavy or as road directions.
Please note the road from the Devil's Cauldron entrance to the Waterfall entrance is narrow with no footpath, so please avoid walking this if you can.
- By train
Nearest train station is Okehampton, 10 miles from Lydford Gorge. Plan your train journey with the Dartmoor Line
Onward travel is possible by bus, the Stagecoach 118 bus picks up from the train station every two hours, or by bicycle on National Cycle Network 27. There is no taxi rank at Okehampton station.
- By bus
Services between Okehampton (including train station) and Tavistock stop at both entrances to Lydford Gorge.
Stagecoach 118. Alight at Lydford Gorge main entrance for Devil's Cauldron entrance. Alight at Lydford Gorge lower entrance for Waterfall entrance. Plan your bus journey with traveline south west
- Cycling
Cycle parking available at both entrances, outside and to the right of visitor welcome.
Both entrances to Lydford Gorge are on Route 27 of the National Cycle Network (NCN27). Approximately 10 miles from Okehampton and 7 miles from Tavistock. This route has some traffic-free sections and some road sections. Find out more about NCN27
Plan your route to Lydford Gorge using the CycleStreets journey planner. (This journey planner uses OpenStreetMap data which is generally excellent but accuracy cannot be guaranteed. If you come to a footpath or other cycle-prohibited track, please don’t ride on it).
Plan your CycleStreets journey to the Devil's Cauldron entrance
Plan your CycleStreets journey to the Waterfall entrance
Cycle hire is available from Devon Cycle Hire at Sourton Down and Granite Way Cycles in Okehampton by the train station.
- 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
PDF
Article
Bringing your dog to Lydford Gorge
Lydford Gorge is a three 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
Accessibility at Lydford Gorge
Find out about accessibility at Lydford Gorge and how to make the most of your visit to this deep river gorge filled with rare temperate rainforest habitat.
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.
Article
Group and school visits
If you're looking to organise a group or educational visit please get in touch in advance by emailing lydfordgorge@nationaltrust.org.uk or calling 01822 820320.
Article
Our work at Lydford Gorge
At Lydford Gorge in Devon we've closed a section of the gorge walking trail, which has become unsafe, while we assess the effects of a changing climate on the rare temperate rainforest it contains.
No swimming at Lydford Gorge
We ask visitors not to swim, however tempting, as it's not safe. If something were to go wrong the area is very inaccessible. Please avoid disturbing the wildlife and special habitats of the gorge and don't go in.
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 filled with temperate rainforest. There are long-term path changes, please see the 'Our work' article for more information.
Whitelady Waterfall
A 30-metre-high cascade that flows down the cliff face into the River Lyd.
Devil's Cauldron
A large pothole in the deepest part of the gorge with a viewing platform suspended over the river.
Bird hide
A small hide looking out over the woodland with a feeding station attracting a range of birds.
Orchard
A large meadow area with apple trees, mown paths, space for picnics and ’50 things’ activities.
Eating
Devil's Cauldron tea-room and waterfall tea-room.
Second-hand bookshop
Bookshop stocked full of pre-loved books, puzzles and more.
Things to see and do
Article
Things to see and do at Lydford Gorge
Immerse yourself in the wonders of nature with a hike in a prehistoric world where the River Lyd crashes, tumbles and trickles around every corner and delights the senses.
Article
Family-friendly things to do at Lydford Gorge
This spring find a prehistoric world full of crashing water and new growth with plenty of outdoor fun and adventure for all the family at Lydford Gorge.
Top trails
Trail
Devil's Cauldron Trail
Immerse yourself in the deepest part of the gorge where the River Lyd crashes through a rocky landscape, and brave the Devil's Cauldron pothole on a platform over the water.
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 temperate rainforest abundant with life.
Trail
Lydford Gorge Railway Path
Take a stroll along the line of the old Great Western Railway, passing through deep cuttings that have now returned to nature.
The Lyd Link path
Take this optional two-way route through the woodland at Lydford Gorge to link together the Devil's Cauldron trail and Waterfall trail. Perfect if you're visiting by bus or bike, or want a longer walk. It's 1 1/4 miles and takes around 45 minutes one way with several long flights of steps and some narrow paths.
Article
Our work at Lydford Gorge
At Lydford Gorge in Devon we've closed a section of the gorge walking trail, which has become unsafe, while we assess the effects of a changing climate on the rare temperate rainforest it contains.
Eating and shopping
Article
Eating and shopping at Lydford Gorge
Discover where to eat and drink when visiting Lydford Gorge, what’s on the menu and the literary gems you’ll find in the second-hand bookshop.
Upcoming events
Event
Lydford Gorge A to Z Challenge
Can you spot something that begins with every letter of the alphabet on your visit to Lydford Gorge?
Event
Connection Café at Lydford Gorge
Drop by the Connection Café to chat to the lovely volunteer or others that are attending, a great way to connect with people and make new friends.
Event
Choose your own adventure trail
Follow the trail around the orchard, answering questions and playing games, to follow your own path on this temperate rainforest adventure.
Event
Heritage open days at Lydford Gorge
Come for a walk at the gorge for free once more as part of the Heritage Open Days.
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 down into 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 two main walking trails. Explore the ancient woodland and railway to take in the 30m-high Whitelady Waterfall. Or descend into the deepest part of the gorge and brave 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
At Lydford Gorge in Devon we've closed a section of the gorge walking trail, which has become unsafe, while we assess the effects of a changing climate on the rare temperate rainforest it contains.
Support us
Volunteer with us
Search for live volunteering opportunities, or register your interest with Lydford Gorge.