20 best waterfalls in the UK for a memorable visit

The United Kingdom’s waterfalls range from famous roadside cascades and powerful mountain drops to hidden woodland falls reached by short walks through valleys, gorges and forest. Some are at their most impressive after heavy rain, while others are valued as much for their setting, surrounding walk and atmosphere as for the height of the water itself.

The best waterfall visit is not always the tallest fall. Access, landscape, geology, volume of water and the overall experience all matter. A smaller fall in the right gorge or glen can leave a stronger impression than a larger waterfall seen only from a car park. Conditions can also vary dramatically with recent weather, river levels and path safety.

This guide brings together 20 of the best waterfalls in the UK. It is not a rigid ranking. Instead, it highlights waterfalls that stand out for their scenery, character and visitor experience across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Best waterfalls to visit in Scotland

1. Visit Steall Falls

Website

Visit details:

• The falls are accessible throughout the year
• Access requires a moderate walk through Glen Nevis
• Path conditions vary with weather and river levels

Price: Free

Steall Falls is one of Scotland’s most dramatic waterfalls and one of the highest in Britain.

The fall drops into the upper end of Glen Nevis beneath steep mountain walls, creating a setting that feels wild and unusually grand. The walk through the gorge and across the open glen is a major part of the experience, especially when the surrounding mountains are clear.

Wet rock, streamside ground and changing weather can make the route more serious than a short tourist stop.

Pro tip:

Wear proper footwear and allow time to enjoy the full glen, not just the final viewpoint near the falls.

2. Explore Falls of Bruar

Website

Visit details:

• The falls are accessible throughout the year
• Woodland paths and bridges form several circular routes
• Steep sections can be slippery after rain

Price: Free

The Falls of Bruar combine a beautiful wooded gorge with a series of lively cascades and historic bridges.

The route has been improved and enjoyed for generations, and the combination of water, forest and viewpoints makes it one of Scotland’s most rewarding accessible waterfall walks. It works especially well as a half-day stop within a wider Highland journey.

The falls are strongest after rainfall, though the paths also become more slippery at those times.

Pro tip:

Take one of the longer loop options rather than turning back at the first bridge, as the upper sections are quieter and very attractive.

3. Discover the Falls of Dochart

Website

Visit details:

• The falls can be viewed throughout the year
• Access is immediate from the village centre and bridge
• Water levels change significantly after rain

Price: Free

The Falls of Dochart run directly through the heart of Killin and create one of the most distinctive village waterfall settings in the UK.

Although the falls are not hidden in a remote glen, the combination of stone bridge, rushing water and surrounding mountains gives them real power and charm. They are especially impressive in spate, when the river surges around the islands and rock outcrops.

Their easy access should not lead visitors to underestimate the force of the water.

Pro tip:

View the falls from the bridge and signed public areas only, and avoid climbing onto wet rocks near fast-moving water.

4. Walk to Grey Mare’s Tail

Website

Visit details:

• The reserve is accessible throughout the year
• The lower viewpoint is relatively easy to reach
• Higher paths are steeper and exposed

Price: Free, with possible parking charges

Grey Mare’s Tail is one of southern Scotland’s most celebrated waterfalls.

The fall drops dramatically from Loch Skeen through a steep hanging valley, with a clear vertical sweep that makes it visually striking even from a distance. The lower path offers an excellent view, while higher routes add wider mountain scenery.

Wind and rain can make the upper slopes feel much more serious than the lower approach suggests.

Pro tip:

Use the lower route if you want a shorter visit, but continue higher only with suitable footwear and enough time for the return.

5. Visit the Falls of Clyde

Website

Visit details:

• The reserve is accessible throughout the year
• Woodland routes of different lengths are available
• Some paths can be muddy or uneven

Price: Free

The Falls of Clyde combine a major river gorge with one of Scotland’s most important industrial heritage sites.

Corra Linn is the best-known waterfall here, but the wider reserve includes several falls, deep woodland and strong wildlife interest. The link with New Lanark makes this one of the best places in the UK to combine natural and historic interest in a single visit.

The route is particularly rewarding in autumn colour or after wet weather.

Pro tip:

Combine the waterfall walk with time in New Lanark rather than treating the falls as a stand-alone photo stop.

Best waterfalls to visit in England

6. See Aira Force

Website

Visit details:

• The site is accessible throughout the year
• Well-maintained woodland paths and bridges provide several route options
• Steps and wet surfaces require care

Price: Free, with parking charges

Aira Force is one of England’s best-known waterfalls and remains one of its most attractive.

The fall drops through ancient woodland beside Ullswater, and the surrounding paths make the visit feel like a complete short walk rather than a brief stop at one viewpoint. Its accessibility and strong setting make it especially popular with first-time Lake District visitors.

The paths can become busy during weekends and school holidays.

Pro tip:

Take a circular walk through the woodland and, if time allows, continue to the lakeshore rather than visiting only the main bridge viewpoint.

7. Visit High Force

Website

Visit details:

• The falls are accessible throughout the year
• A managed path leads from the car park to the main viewpoint
• Water volume varies greatly with recent weather

Price: ££

High Force is one of England’s most powerful waterfalls and a major natural landmark in the North Pennines.

The River Tees narrows and plunges over resistant rock into a deep gorge, creating a waterfall whose force is often more memorable than its height. The setting is dramatic in all seasons, particularly after rain.

The main viewpoint is straightforward to reach, but wet weather can make paths slick.

Pro tip:

Visit after a period of rainfall if safe to do so, as the falls are especially impressive when the river is full.

8. Explore Hardraw Force

Website

Visit details:

• The falls are open seasonally with visitor access charges
• A short walk leads from the inn grounds to the waterfall
• Opening hours should be checked in advance

Price: ££

Hardraw Force is often described as England’s highest single-drop waterfall above ground.

The fall lies within a rocky amphitheatre and has a very different character from more open cascades elsewhere in Yorkshire. The enclosed setting amplifies both the visual effect and the sound of the water.

Because access is managed, it feels more structured than many rural waterfall walks.

Pro tip:

Check opening hours before travelling and allow extra time to explore the surrounding village and Wensleydale landscape.

9. Walk to Scale Force

Website

Visit details:

• The route is accessible throughout much of the year
• Access requires a walk from Crummock Water
• The final approach can be rough and slippery

Price: Free

Scale Force is one of the Lake District’s most atmospheric waterfalls.

Hidden in a narrow cleft above Crummock Water, the fall feels more secluded and intimate than headline sites such as Aira Force. The walk itself, with lake and mountain views, is a major part of the experience.

The path near the falls can be wet and awkward underfoot.

Pro tip:

Use sturdy footwear and allow time for the lakeside approach, which is one of the best parts of the outing.

10. See Janet’s Foss

Website

Visit details:

• The falls are accessible throughout the year
• A short walk leads from Malham village
• The path can be muddy and crowded in peak season

Price: Free

Janet’s Foss is smaller than some waterfalls in this guide, but it remains one of the most charming.

Set within woodland near Malham, it creates a lovely contrast with the wider limestone landscape of Malham Cove and Gordale Scar. It works especially well as part of a longer circular walk rather than as a destination on its own.

The pool and rocks become particularly photogenic in gentler light.

Pro tip:

Include Janet’s Foss within the wider Malham circuit so the visit feels like part of a much stronger day out.

Best waterfalls to visit in Wales

11. Visit Sgwd yr Eira

Website

Visit details:

• The falls are accessible throughout the year
• A moderate walk is required
• Paths, steps and river sections can be slippery or muddy

Price: Free, with parking charges

Sgwd yr Eira is one of Wales’s most distinctive waterfalls because the path passes behind the curtain of water when conditions allow.

The surrounding wooded gorge adds atmosphere, and the full experience feels more adventurous than a simple viewpoint stop. It is one of the highlights of Waterfall Country and is often combined with several other falls.

After heavy rain, spray and wet surfaces can make the route more difficult.

Pro tip:

Wear waterproof footwear and expect to slow down on wet rock, especially if walking behind the fall.

12. Explore Pistyll Rhaeadr

Website

Visit details:

• The waterfall is accessible throughout the year
• A short walk leads from the parking area
• The path beyond the lower viewpoint becomes steeper

Price: Free, with parking charges

Pistyll Rhaeadr is one of the UK’s tallest single-drop waterfalls and a major natural landmark in mid Wales.

Falling in multiple stages from the Berwyn Mountains, it is visually impressive from below and gains extra power from the surrounding upland landscape. The setting is open and expansive rather than enclosed in woodland.

The road approach is rural, and facilities are relatively limited.

Pro tip:

Take time to view the falls from several angles and, if conditions suit, continue a little higher for a broader perspective.

13. See Henrhyd Falls

Website

Visit details:

• The site is accessible throughout the year
• A short but steep walk leads to the falls
• The path can be slippery, especially after rain

Price: Free, with parking charges

Henrhyd Falls is the tallest waterfall in south Wales and one of the most dramatic in the region.

The fall drops into a wooded gorge and creates an impressive plume after rain. Like Sgwd yr Eira, it offers a sense of being enclosed by rock, water and forest rather than simply standing at a distant viewpoint.

The descent is straightforward, but the return climb can feel steeper than expected.

Pro tip:

Allow extra time for the climb back to the car park and wear shoes with good grip.

14. Discover Aber Falls

Website

Visit details:

• The falls are accessible throughout the year
• A broad track and path lead from the village
• Weather and river conditions can affect comfort on the route

Price: Free, with parking charges

Aber Falls combines a straightforward approach with one of the strongest waterfall settings in north Wales.

The walk passes through open countryside into a narrowing valley before the waterfall appears beneath the surrounding mountain slopes. This makes it especially suitable for visitors who want a memorable waterfall without a technical hike.

Strong wind can catch the spray near the base of the fall.

Pro tip:

Use the lower route if you want an easier walk and linger at the wider valley viewpoints as well as the waterfall itself.

15. Walk to Swallow Falls

Website

Visit details:

• The falls are accessible throughout the year
• Managed access and entry charges apply
• Viewing steps and paths should be approached carefully in wet weather

Price: ££

Swallow Falls is one of the most famous waterfalls in Wales and a long series of cascades rather than a single drop.

The River Llugwy surges through a wooded gorge, and the sequence of falls makes the site visually rewarding from several viewpoints. It is especially effective after heavy rain.

Its popularity means it can feel busy, but the waterfall itself is impressive enough to justify that reputation.

Pro tip:

Visit earlier or later in the day if possible, especially during summer, when the site is at its busiest.

Best waterfalls to visit in Northern Ireland

16. Visit Glenoe Waterfall

Website

Visit details:

• The waterfall is accessible throughout the year
• A short walk leads from the car park to the falls
• Paths and steps can be slippery

Price: Free

Glenoe Waterfall is one of Northern Ireland’s prettiest and most accessible waterfalls.

Set within a wooded glen near the Antrim coast, it has a graceful, almost theatrical appearance and works especially well as a short stop within a wider coastal itinerary. The enclosed setting gives it a calmer, more intimate character than larger upland falls.

After heavy rain the surrounding path can become muddy.

Pro tip:

Combine the waterfall with a wider drive on the Antrim coast rather than visiting only for a few minutes.

17. Explore Glenariff Forest Park waterfalls

Website

Visit details:

• The forest park is accessible throughout the year
• Waymarked waterfall walks are available
• Woodland paths, steps and bridges require care after rain

Price: Free, with parking charges

Glenariff Forest Park contains a rewarding series of waterfalls rather than a single headline fall.

The waterfall trail descends through a deep wooded glen with bridges, cascades and strong views of the river. It offers one of Northern Ireland’s best complete waterfall walks and is especially attractive in autumn or after wet weather.

The route includes repeated steps and some sustained climbing on the return.

Pro tip:

Take the signed waterfall trail rather than a short forest stroll, as this is the route that reveals the glen at its best.

18. See Ness Country Park waterfall

Website

Visit details:

• The park is accessible throughout the year
• Waymarked woodland routes of different lengths are available
• Some sections can be muddy or uneven

Price: Free

Ness Country Park contains one of Northern Ireland’s most scenic woodland waterfall settings.

The waterfall drops through a mature riverside landscape and is reached by a network of trails that make the wider park worth exploring. It is an especially good option for visitors looking for a quieter walk rather than a famous tourist stop.

The site is most rewarding after rainfall, though the paths can then be wetter underfoot.

Pro tip:

Choose one of the longer loops if time allows, since the surrounding woodland adds a lot to the visit.

19. Discover Pollanass Waterfall

Website

Visit details:

• The waterfall is accessible throughout the year
• Access is via woodland walks from the Florence Court estate
• Ground conditions vary with weather

Price: Free access to the waterfall area, with separate charges for some estate facilities

Pollanass Waterfall is a pleasant forest cascade within the grounds and wider landscape of Florence Court.

The waterfall itself is not the largest in the UK, but it is beautifully set and works especially well as part of a longer walk through the estate’s woodland and mountain backdrop. This makes the overall visit stronger than the waterfall alone might suggest.

The quieter atmosphere is part of its appeal.

Pro tip:

Combine the waterfall with a wider Florence Court walk to make the most of the estate and surrounding scenery.

20. Visit Cranny Falls

Website

Visit details:

• The waterfall is accessible throughout the year
• A short walk leads through woodland to the falls
• Path surfaces may be slippery after rain

Price: Free

Cranny Falls is a short but rewarding woodland waterfall near Carnlough on the Antrim coast.

The setting is compact, attractive and easy to reach, making it a good stop for visitors travelling the coast who want something quieter than the main headline attractions. The surrounding glen gives the waterfall a more enclosed and peaceful atmosphere.

Its modest scale means it works best as part of a wider day rather than a single destination journey.

Pro tip:

Treat Cranny Falls as one stop within a broader Causeway Coast or Glens of Antrim itinerary.

How to plan a waterfall visit in the UK

Waterfalls change dramatically with the weather. A fall that looks gentle after a dry week can become loud and powerful after rain. This often makes for a better spectacle, but it also means paths, rocks, steps and viewing areas can be much more slippery.

Good footwear is one of the most important decisions. Even short waterfall walks often include mud, wet stone, exposed roots or steep sections. Trainers may be enough in dry conditions at some sites, but more supportive shoes are a better choice on longer or rougher routes.

Visitors should never climb barriers, step onto wet rocks near fast-flowing water or try to approach the base of a waterfall beyond marked paths. Riverbanks and pools can be deceptive, especially where spray hides slippery surfaces.

Many of the best waterfalls in the UK form part of a wider walking experience rather than a quick stop. Aira Force works well with Ullswater, Sgwd yr Eira with Waterfall Country, the Falls of Clyde with New Lanark and Glenariff with its forest trails. Planning the surrounding route usually creates a more memorable day than driving between isolated viewpoints.

Timing matters too. Popular sites such as Aira Force, Swallow Falls and the Malham area become much quieter earlier in the morning or later in the day. In peak season, that can make a significant difference to the atmosphere.

No single waterfall is best for everyone. Steall Falls, Pistyll Rhaeadr and High Force are especially strong for scale and drama, Sgwd yr Eira and Henrhyd Falls for immersive gorge settings, and Glenoe or Janet’s Foss for a gentler short visit. The strongest choice depends on how far you want to walk, how much recent rain there has been and whether the priority is spectacle, landscape or a quieter woodland experience.

Related guides

Nature and Outdoors

40 best beaches in the UK for a memorable coastal escape

Discover the best beaches across the United Kingdom, from sweeping surf beaches and sheltered family bays to white-sand island shores, dramatic coves and wild coastal landscapes.

Updated 11 July 2026

Nature and Outdoors

20 best lakes and lochs in the UK for unforgettable scenery

Discover the best lakes and lochs across the United Kingdom, from iconic Highland waters and Lake District classics to Welsh mountain lakes, peaceful reservoirs and dramatic waters in Northern Ireland.

Updated 11 July 2026

Nature and Outdoors

15 best national parks in the UK for unforgettable landscapes

Discover all 15 national parks in the United Kingdom, from the mountains and lakes of Scotland, Wales and northern England to ancient forests, open moorland, wetlands and dramatic protected coastlines.

Updated 11 July 2026

Nature and Outdoors

20 best scenic drives in the UK for unforgettable views

Discover the best scenic drives across the United Kingdom, from mountain passes and coastal roads to lochside routes, moorland roads and some of the most dramatic short drives in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Updated 11 July 2026

Things to Do

25 best whisky distilleries in the UK to visit

Discover 25 of the best whisky distilleries in the UK to visit, from historic Scotch whisky icons and island producers to leading distilleries in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Updated 28 June 2026

Things to Do

20 best food festivals in the UK

Discover 20 of the best food festivals in the UK, from major city showcases and chef demonstrations to regional celebrations of seafood, cider, cheese and local produce.

Updated 23 June 2026