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.
The Waterfall trail and facilities are now open. The Lyd link path and facilities at the Devil’s Cauldron entrance will reopen with the Easter trail from Thursday 26 March. A routine rock face survey identified movement in a large section of rock above the Devil’s Cauldron trail, so this will remain closed while we make the area safe. We hope to reopen this walk by May.
1 mile / 1.6 km
The railway path is a mainly flat route that follows the line of the old Great Western railway to the bird hide and takes around 15 minutes. From here it can be made into a short circular walk with some narrower paths and steeper slopes through the woodland or just return the way you came to keep it simple.
On the Devil's Cauldron trail there are seven narrow steps, with a handrail but no barrier, that take you into the pothole on a platform over the water. There is an overhang above the steps so we don't recommend taking backpack child carriers down. This short section can be avoided, or the party can take it in turns to go down.
The wild flowers really put on a show, pick up a free spotter sheet from Visitor Welcome and see how many different ones you can find. Count how many different colours you see around the gorge; make sure to breathe in all the different scents too. The wild garlic can be pretty strong, you may even smell it before you see it.
The orchard meadow at the Devil’s Cauldron entrance has space to explore and plenty of room for picnics.
Stop by the second-hand bookshop and leave us a thought or a drawing on our Comment Tree.
Running daily Thursday 26 March to Sunday 19 April 2026, from 10am to 4.30pm, with last entry at 3.30pm.
Are you team Viking or team Anglo Saxon? Follow the trail around the orchard and have a go at the ten family-friendly activities to see who comes out on top. Prices are £3.50 per trail which includes an Easter trail sheet, bunny ears and dairy or vegan and Free From* chocolate egg.
*Suitable for people with milk, egg, gluten, peanut and tree nut allergies.
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.
Find out when Lydford Gorge is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.
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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.
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.
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.
A recent routine rock face survey identified movement in a large section of rock above the Devil’s Cauldron trail, so this trail will remain closed while we make the area safe. We hope to reopen this walk by May.
Take a stroll along the line of the old Great Western Railway, passing through deep cuttings that have now returned to nature.
From rock pooling on beautiful beaches to exploring historic houses, there are plenty of places to enjoy a great family day out. .
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’.
