Skip to content

back to Lydford Gorge

Family-friendly things to do at Lydford Gorge

A view of Whitelady Waterfall from the suspension bridge, surrounded by trees at Lydford Gorge — Whitelady Waterfall at Lydford Gorge | © National Trust Images/Dianne Giles

A walk at Lydford Gorge takes you into a temperate rainforest, past cascading waterfalls and fascinating rock formations. Perfect for a nature-filled family adventure.

Planning your family visit

All facilities, including the toilets, are closed for winter
Bird hide open and birds fed twice weekly
Nature activities on chalkboards around walking trail
Unsuitable for buggies or pushchairs due to uneven terrain, narrow paths and steep slopes
The trail has steep slopes, slippery surfaces, and un-barriered drops next to the river

Winter walking trails

1.75 mile / 2.8 km

Good for a range of ages

This circular trail takes you down into the gorge to see the 30-meter high Whitelady Waterfall. It takes around 1 hour, over pretty good paths with some slippery bare rock, and mud in places. You could also take a break half-way around to stop by the bird hide and see what's visiting the feeding station.

The white cascade of Whitelady Waterfall flows down the rock with trees around turning autumn colours of orange, gold and brown. — Whitelady Waterfall flows into an autumnal woodland. | © National Trust/Mel Peters

Winter opening

From Monday 3 November 2025 only the trails to Whitelady Waterfall and the bird hide are open. The Devil's Cauldron trail and seasonal trails are shut every winter 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 from Saturday 14 March 2026.

Join in with '50 things to do before you're 11¾’

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

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.

Two visitors walking their dogs on leads along a path through the autumnal woodland at Wallington

Eating and shopping at Lydford Gorge

Both the Devil’s Cauldron and waterfall tea-rooms are now closed for winter. We look forward to welcoming you back in spring 2026.

A stylised photograph looking down on table with a cream tea for two, with scones and jam and mugs of tea.

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.

The all-terrain mobility Tramper in front of Whitelady Waterfall at Lydford Gorge, Devon

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.

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.

Devil's Cauldron Trail

The Devil’s Cauldron trail is closed for safety and essential maintenance work over winter. We look forward to welcoming you back from Saturday 14 March 2026.

View of the River Lyd flowing through a narrow slit in the rock walls of Lydford Gorge and foaming white in the Devil's Cauldron

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.

A family watching the birds from the bird hide at Lydford Gorge, Devon

Family-friendly places around Devon and Exmoor

From rock pooling on beautiful beaches to exploring historic houses, there are plenty of places to enjoy a great family day out. .

A family exploring the gardens at castle drogo, The two little boys are running ahead of their sister and mother

‘50 things to do before you're 11¾’

Plan fresh-air activities, discover facts about nature and wildlife or learn a new skill with our suggestions for ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’.

A boy playing in a tree at Nunnington Hall, North Yorkshire

Sign up to hear more from the National Trust

By sharing your email address you’re agreeing to receive marketing emails from the National Trust and confirm you’re 18 years old or over. Please see our for more information on how we look after your personal data.