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Eating and shopping at Lydford Gorge

Visitor carrying a tray of coffee and cake in the cafe at Llanerchaeron, Wales
You'll find a wide range of drinks and snacks | © National Trust Images/Arnhel de Serra

The waterfall tea-room will be open Friday to Sunday, 11am-2.30pm, until Sunday 13 December. Find something that'll hit the spot, whether it’s a cuppa, pasty or cream tea. Once you’ve refuelled, browse the pre-loved books in the second-hand bookshop.

Eating at Lydford Gorge

The tea-room serves a small selection of lunchtime favourites including pasties and sausage rolls, as well as sweet treats such as cakes, bakes and cream teas. If you’re after a special treat you could try a speciality hot chocolate or coffee. Seating is available indoors and out.

Your four-legged friends are welcome everywhere at Lydford Gorge, but please keep them on a short lead at all times.

Opening days can change if severe weather is forecast, so please check the opening times on the website before visiting.

Pick up a takeaway cuppa to visit Whitelady Waterfall or the bird hide. As there are no bins in the gorge, please help us keep it beautiful and take all litter home.

 

Allergen information

Most of the food and drink served is prepared on site in our kitchen, using a wide range of ingredients. As a result, we can’t guarantee that any of our food and drink products are completely allergen free. 

If you have an allergy or intolerance and would like ingredient information about the food and drink served, please ask the staff, who will be happy to help.

Always check when you visit

Visited before? We sometimes change our recipes to improve quality and flavour, including the ingredients. When you visit, please speak to one of our team to check the current allergen information for your favourite dish.

 

Thank you

Every cuppa or tasty treat you buy helps us to continue looking after places for everyone to enjoy.

Paperbacks on a shelf in the second-hand bookshop at Shugborough Estate, Staffordshire
Browse the range of second-hand books | © National Trust Images/David Goacher

Second-hand books at Lydford Gorge

There's a selection of quality pre-loved books for sale, plus, extra indoor seating, in the building at the far end of the car park. You're welcome to use this space to picnic or eat your tea-room treats while you browse the shelves.

We're always happy to receive donations of books. These can be dropped off at the waterfall tea-room when it's open. Or email us at lydfordgorge@nationaltrust.org.uk to arrange a delivery outside opening hours. All funds raised in the second-hand bookshop go towards supporting our projects at Lydford Gorge.

Thank you

Through your purchases and support so far this year we have raised over £19,000 in our bookshops to spend on conservation at Lydford Gorge.

Reduced opening in winter

The waterfall trail and railway path are open for walks, the waterfall tea-room is open Friday to Sunday, 10am-2.30pm, until Sunday 13 December. Toilets are open when the tea-room is open. The Devil’s Cauldron trail, Lyd Link and seasonal 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.

Visitors standing on the new railway inspired bridge at Pixie Glen bridge in Lydford Gorge, Devon

Discover more at Lydford Gorge

Find out when Lydford Gorge is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.

Plan your visit

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Treat yourself 

Looking for the perfect gift or perhaps you're in need of some retail therapy? You can browse our full range via our online shop.

Summer shop display at Baddesley Clinton, Warwickshire

Second-hand bookshops 

Pick up a book from a second-hand bookshop to keep or share. Every purchase will raise funds for conservation projects at the places in our care.

A view into the second-hand bookshop at Lydford Gorge with tables and shelves loaded with a wide range of books

Bringing your dog to Lydford Gorge 

Discover how to have a dog-friendly visit to Lydford Gorge, including where to walk, what to be aware of and what facilities are available for your four-legged friend

Close-up view of a brown and white dog, held on a lead, with fallen leaves on the ground, at Clent Hills, Worcestershire

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

The lower section of Whitelady Waterfall can be seen falling in a white cascade down into a rock strewn river with autumn leaves all around.

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.

Lydford Gorge in autumn with suspension bridge over the river, Devon

Accessibility at Lydford Gorge 

Discover the history of Lydford Gorge from its earliest fossil formations and its importance to the Anglo Saxons and Vikings, to how it influenced the Picturesque and inspired artists.

Visitor on all-terrain mobility Tramper viewing Whitelady Waterfall in the background, Lydford Gorge, Devon

Places to eat in Devon 

There’s plenty of places to eat and refuel while you’re out and about exploring Devon. Discover great choices from pub lunches to the ultimate cream tea and there's lots of space for picnics too.

Three types of cake on display in the Stables Cafe at Knightshayes, Devon

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