Lydford Gorge

Lydford, Okehampton EX20 4BH, UK
1-99 Years
Paid

Description

Lydford Gorge this steep-sided river gorge, carved into the western edge of Dartmoor, has been drawing visitors in search of the picturesque waterfall since Victorian times. Around every corner the River Lyd plunges, tumbles, swirls and gently meanders as it travels though ancient oak woodland, abundant with wildlife.

Hiking down into the gorge is a challenging and rewarding adventure, be prepared for strenuous climbs and rugged ground - sturdy footwear with good grip is recommended. There are two main walking trails. Explore the ancient woodland and railway to take in the 30m-high Whitelady Waterfall. Or descend into the deepest part of the gorge and brave the Devil’s Cauldron pothole on a platform over the river.

Price starts from £6.00 for Adults(18 years and over), £3.00 for Children(5-17 & under 5s free) and £9.00 for Family(1 Adult and up to 3 children). If you are looking for Best place for day out with kids and families then this is the perfect destination offering fun, adventure, and unforgettable memories for everyone.

Features

  • Paid
  • Host birthday parties: No

Features

  • Gorge: Section closed for safety and maintenance over winter.
  • Whitelady Waterfall: A 30-metre-high cascade that flows down the cliff face into the River Lyd.
  • Devil's Cauldron: The viewing platform for the Devil’s Cauldron is now closed for winter. We look forward to welcoming you back in spring.
  • Bird hide: A small hide looking out over the woodland with a feeding station attracting a range of birds.
  • Orchard: The orchard meadow is now closed for winter. We look forward to welcoming you back in spring.
  • Second-hand bookshop: The bookshop is now closed for winter. To arrange a donation please get in touch.
  • Things to see and do at Lydford Gorge: Nestled on the edge of Dartmoor, the impressive landscape of Lydford Gorge offers an opportunity to immerse yourself in the wonders of nature. Winding walking trails take you through temperate rainforest with cascading waterfalls and fascinating rock formations carved out by the River Lyd.
  • Family-friendly things to do at Lydford Gorge: 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.

Facilities

  • Parking: Free. Designated accessible parking available. No overnight parking allowed.
  • Food & Drinks: Devil's Cauldron tea-room serving hot and cold drinks, light bites, hot lunches, bakes, and cream teas. Waterfall tea-room, a takeaway offer including hot and cold drinks, snacks, and bakes.
  • Toilet: In the courtyard behind visitor welcome at the Devil's Cauldron entrance, and on the rear of the building in the Waterfall car park.
  • Dogs allowed: Dogs welcome - please keep them on a short lead at all times and out of the river.

What to see

A history of Lydford Gorge: The dramatic natural landscape at Lydford Gorge has long influenced human activity and inspired many a tale of myth and legend. This steep-sided river gorge played a key role throughout the Anglo Saxon, Viking and Norman periods. Over time, the area played host to a mint and a castle, and its rugged beauty attracted the most esteemed of 18th-century artists.

For more information please visit: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/devon/lydford-gorge/a-history-of-lydford-gorge

Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

Winter Entry:

  • Adult (18+): £6.00 without Gift Aid.
  • Child (5–17) under 5s free: £3.00 without Gift Aid.
  • Family (2 adults and up to 3 children): £15.00 without Gift Aid.
  • Family (1 adult and up to 3 children): £9.00 without Gift Aid.

Lydford Gorge - from 14 March 2026:

  • Adult (18+): £14.30 with Gift Aid & £13.00 without Gift Aid.
  • Child (5–17) under 5s free: £7.20 with Gift Aid & £6.50 without Gift Aid.
  • Family (2 adults and up to 3 children): £35.80 with Gift Aid & £32.50 without Gift Aid.
  • Family (1 adult and up to 3 children): £21.50 with Gift Aid & £19.50 without Gift Aid.
  • Group (Adult 18+): £12.35 without Gift Aid.
  • Group (Child 5–17): £6.18 without Gift Aid.

Pricing URL: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/devon/lydford-gorge#place-prices

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: No

  • Waterfall car park: 11:00 - Dusk
  • Waterfall trail: 11:00 - 15:00

Address: Lydford, Okehampton EX20 4BH, UK

Post Code: EX20 4BH

Council: West Devon

County: Devon

  • By road: From Exeter and Okehampton. Follow brown signs to exit the A30 at Sourton Down and take A386 towards Tavistock, turn off onto unnamed road for Lydford village. The Devil's Cauldron entrance is on your right just after leaving the village, the Waterfall entrance is one mile further on. From Tavistock. Either take the A386 and follow brown signs to turn off onto unnamed road for Lydford village and reach the Devil's Cauldron entrance first. Or head out of Tavistock on Drake Road past Brentor and and reach the Waterfall entrance first.
  • On foot: Via Blackdown Moor from Mary Tavy or as road directions.
  • By train: Nearest train station is Okehampton, 10 miles from Lydford Gorge. Plan your train journey with the Dartmoor Line. Onward travel is possible by bus, the Stagecoach 118 bus picks up from the train station every two hours, or by bicycle on National Cycle Network 27. There is no taxi rank at Okehampton station.
  • By bus: Services between Okehampton (including train station) and Tavistock stop at both entrances to Lydford Gorge.
  • Parking: Free. Designated accessible parking available. No overnight parking allowed.

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