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.
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.
Lydford Gorge is a temperate rainforest, a habitat that is globally rare. Nearly every surface is covered with plants, moss, lichen, and liverworts. As the River Lyd and Whitelady Waterfall crash through the gorge they release moisture into the air and help to keep the gorge lush all year.
Forget pumpkins and plastic fangs - this Halloween adventure crackles with old magic. British folklore sneaks into the real world, set against the backdrop of Lydford Gorge.
Download the Stranger Folk app to start your folklore magic adventure. Your guide, the Crone will direct you to where the stranger folk are slipping through the cracks to stir up trouble. Gather your team, harness the elements and seal the rift between the spirit and human worlds.
Running daily, between 10am and 4pm, from Thursday 1 October to Sunday 1 November.
Come along to help us press the apples from the orchard, and taste the tart juice. Plus, have a go on the apple themed games, create a creature from apples and warm up with some hot apple juice from the fire (weather permitting).
Saturday 26 September, drop in between 11am and 2pm. Free event, no booking needed.
Every winter we close for safety and essential maintenance work. From Monday 2 November 2026, only the waterfall trail and railway path will be open for walks, all other facilities - including the toilets - will be closed until we reopen in spring 2027.
Find out when Lydford Gorge is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.
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.
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.
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’.
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection spread to humans by infected ticks – find out how we manage the risks at our places and find helpful links to the NHS here.
