April 6, 2026
Fancy a day of discovering enchanting falls, secluded spots and hidden plunge pools filled with crystal clear waters? A day out in the UK can include all of the above you only need to know where to look. The UK is home to some majestic waterfalls in the most perfect landscapes. Most can be found on lesser travelled paths and are real hidden gems unspoilt by the masses. They’re perfect spots if you’re trying to avoid the crowds.
Whatever the weather, a visit to a waterfall has an air of magic. Taking into the British weather, the rain only makes cascading waters more impressive and invigorating. To help with planning a trip, I’ve added nearby places to stay if you decide to make it more than a day trip. Here is my hand-picked selection of UK waterfalls you must visit, starting from North to South:
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Staycations near the Best UK waterfalls
Eas a’ chual aluinn – Assynt, ScotlanD
We may as well start with the highest waterfall in the UK. Eas a’ Chual Aluinn plunges 200 metres from a high plateau overlooking Loch Glencoul. The name is an English adaption of the original Gaelic which translates as ‘waterfall of the beautiful tresses‘. Incredible to think, when in full flow it’s three times higher than Niagara Falls!
How to see Eas a’ Chual Aluinn:
WALK: The 3-mile walk from a car park has a challenging footpath through boggy and rocky terrain. Care should be taken if you plan to walk. Walk past Loch na Gainmhich and a series of smaller lochs before you reach the spectacular waterfall.
BOAT: In good weather, Kylesku Hotel offers boat trips to the falls.
WHere to stay near Eas a’ chual aluinn
Hotel
Kylesku Hotel – Set in the true Scottish Highland wilderness, the boutique hotel has a beautiful coastal location on Loch Glendhu. There are 11 quirky rooms to choose from and an awarding winning restaurant on site.
Check reviews and book Kylesku Hotel
Self-Catering
Studio Hoose – A loch-side cabin in the highlands, nestled on a hillside croft in the hamlet of Letters. With two bedrooms it sleeps four and has spectacular views across Loch Broom and Beinn Dearg mountain. Located an hour’s drive from the waterfall.
CHECK OUT THE LOCATIONS HERE
Black Linn Falls – Dunkeld, Scotland
The breathtaking Black Linn Falls on the River Braan is part of a beautiful woodland called The Hermitage in Dunkeld, Perthshire. Maintained by the National Trust for Scotland, giant Douglas firs tower over the path to the thunderous falls. On the walk discover picturesque 18th-century follies like Ossian’s Cave and Ossian’s Hall which stands above Black Linn Falls. Wander in the footsteps of past notable visitors including Wordsworth, Queen Victoria, Mendelssohn and Turner who loved this magnificent landscape.
How to see Black Linn Falls:
The Hermitage is well-signposted from the A9 at Dunkeld. There is a large car park from where you can start various trails. One of the best times of year to visit is autumn as the colours are spectacular.
Where to stay near Black linn falls
Hotel
Dunkeld House Hotel – A mile from The Hermitage and set in its own secluded 280-acre woodland estate, on the banks of the River Tay. Originally built as the country retreat for the 7th Duke of Atholl, today guests can enjoy the decadence and period features of a country house hotel with modern-day amenities and luxuries.
Check reviews and book Dunkeld House Hotel
Gleneagles Hotel – One of Scotland’s most iconic country hotels and sporting estates is set beneath the beautiful Ochil Hills. The luxury 5-star resort is home to three championship golf courses and the three Michelin-star Andrew Fairlie restaurant. A stay here is a treat like no other.
Check reviews and book The Gleneagles Hotel
Read Next: Gleneagles – Luxury Family Break in Scotland
CHECK OUT THE LOCATIONS HERE
Aira Force – Lake District
If you’re in the Lake District don’t miss the most famous waterfall. Aira Force falls 70 feet from below a stone footbridge and is part of a circular National Trust walk. Located in a landscaped Victorian park with an arboretum created by the Howard family of Greystoke Castle who owned an old hunting lodge near Ullswater. The best views over the of falls are from the arched bridge.
How to see Aira Force:
Located in Ullswater valley there are four pay and display car parks you can use: Aira Force, Park Brow, High Cascades and Glencoyne Bay. There are several waterfall trails, ranging from varying lengths of 0.5 – 4 miles. Follow directed routes and way markers on a one-way system in place around the walks.
where to stay near aira force
Hotel
Another Place – A relaxed and stylish hotel on the shores of Ullswater is family-friendly and. Almost all the 40 rooms have lake views. You’ll find running trails, horse-riding, cycling, kayaking and even wild swimming for the adventurous. Relax in the spa and enjoy regional produce at the Rampsbeck restaurant.
Check reviews, availability and book Another Place
Self-catering
The Boathouse at Knotts End – On a tranquil waterside location this lake district bolthole is full of romantic charm and idyllic views. Perfect for two, the bijou interiors combines luxury with cosy rural comforts. Guests have access to a row to enjoy the lakeside retreat.
Book The Boathouse at Knotts End
CHECK OUT THE LOCATIONS HERE
Aysgarth Falls – Yorkshire Dales
The triple flight of waterfalls named individually as Upper, Middle and Lower Falls has been a tourist attraction for over 200 years. Carved out by the River Ure on its descent through Wensleydale, the tranquil spot is surrounded by woodlands and farmland. If you think you recognise the cascade of water. you probably do. The Aysgarth Falls in the Yorkshire Dales National Park was featured in the Kevin Costner film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves.
How to see Aysgarth Falls:
Next to the stunning Aysgarth Falls is a National Park Centre with a car park and the starting point for a number of beautiful walks. There is also a regular bus service between Leyburn and Hawes which provides access to the village of Aysgarth. The National Park Centre and Falls are a 10-minute walk away.
Where to stay near Aysgarth Falls
Hotel
Stow House – On the edge of Aysgarth village is a cool, artsy converted B&B. With views over Wensleydale and Bishopdale and over two acres of private grounds, it’s a stunning location. Expect to see large bedrooms, strip wood floors, open beams and painted claw foot baths all mixed in with modern art.
Check reviews, availability and book Stow House
Self-catering
The Carriage House – An idyllic escape in the Georgian town of Middleham, is a luxurious retreat. The turreted cottage comes with two fabulously designed ensuite bedrooms and a beautiful walled garden with an English secret garden vibe.
CHECK THE LOCATIONS HERE
Thornton Force – Yorkshire Dales
The Ingleton Waterfalls Trail is a route in the Yorkshire Dales which takes in a series of beautiful waterfalls including Pecca Falls and the most famous Thornton Force. Located in an open-air rocky amphitheatre the photogenic, tropical-looking waterfall drops 46ft over a limestone cliff. It’s partly formed from layers of rocks over 300 million years old and is an impressive sight.
How to get to Thornton Force:
The walk starts from the car park outside the Tourist Information Office and Ingleton Library. The four-mile walk is easy to follow and takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes.
Where to stay near thornton force
Hotel
Absoluxe Suites – Stay in luxury-themed suites in Kirkby Lonsdale. Each of the suites has an individual aesthetic, inspired by Africa, the Far East, Europe and the New World.
Check reviews, availability and book Absoluxe Suites
Self-catering
Peaks and Pods – Luxury pods with their own hot tubs are available on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales. The cedar-clad camping pods are cosy all year round with full insulation, heating, double-glazed windows and free kiln-dried logs for the outdoor firepits.
CHECK OUT THE LOCATIONS HERE
Pistyll Rhaeadr – Powys, Wales
Often referred to as one of the seven wonders of Wales, Pistyll Rhaeadr is located just inside Wales in the Berwyn Mountains, near Oswestry and Shrewsbury. It falls in three stages over a 240-foot cliff face into the Afon Rhaeadr below. The wooded gorge full of moss and fern can often look like a scene from a Tyrolean landscape.
How to get to Pistyll Rhaeadr: It’s a short walk from a car park near the foot of the falls. It’s a great starting point to explore the Berwyn Mountains. The top of the falls is reached by a public footpath which takes around 20 minutes.
Where to stay near pistyll rhaeadr
hotel
Palé Hall Hotel – On the edge of Snowdonia National Park is a Relais Chateâux property set in a Victorian manor house hotel with 18 elegant rooms in the main building and four garden suites. A 40-minute drive from the waterfall this stay will transport you to a bygone era
Read reviews and book Palé Hall Hotel
Self-catering
Heartwood Treehouse – A romantic treehouse for two with amazing views over the green Mid-Wales countryside. The handcrafted treehouse comes with a wood-fired hot tub which is perfect for stargazing.
Check availability and book Heartwood Treehouse
CHECK OUT THE LOCATIONS HERE
St. Nectan’s Kieve – Cornwall
St. Nectan’s Glen is a picturesque wooded valley in Trethevy near Tintagel, north Cornwall. It stretches for around one mile along both banks of the Trevillet River and is home to three waterfalls. The most famous is St. Nectan’s Kieve, a mystical spot fringed by climbing ivy and shrubs and a 60-foot waterfall and tumbling through a natural arch in the rocks into a slate plunge pool.
Considered to be a sacred site by many, visitors from far and wide come to hang ribbons on the branches of trees around the waterfall which is believed to have healing powers. Regardless of whether you believe in St Nectan’s Glen powers, it is a beautiful, tranquil place with a very magical feel.
How to get to St Nectan’s Kieve:
The waterfalls can only be reached on foot after a mile-long walk beside the River Trevillet. From Trethevy car park take the signed trail which will take 20 – 30 minutes.
Where to stay near St. Nectan’s Kieve
The Scarlet Hotel – An adults-only luxurious Cornish hotel with magnificent coastal views. Enjoy the wonderful hotel restaurant, an indoor heated swimming pool and a fantastic spa offering a sauna, steam room and luxury treatments.
Read reviews for The Scarlet Hotel
Bedruthan Steps Hotel and Spa – A stone’s throw from The Scarlet Hotel is their family-friendly sister hotel Bedruthan Steps Hotel and Spa. With spectacular views across the Atlantic, the hotel offers a luxury spa, an award-winning restaurant, a gym, indoor and outdoor pools, a games room and a resident surf instructor.
Read Next: Bedruthan Hotel and Spa: Family Friendly Luxury in Cornwall
Read reviews and book Bedruthan Hotel and Spa
Self-catering
Bay and Burner – This light and airy home has 3 bedrooms, a patio with a sea view, and a 40-minute drive from St Nectan’s Glen. It’s also close to Padstow and a 10-minute walk to Portcothan Bay’s golden sands. The perfect location.
CHECK OUT THE LOCATIONS HERE
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Bejal Gosai says:
Great post Sima as I never really think about waterfalls in this country. I think I’d like to explore teh ones in Assynt. It’s been to long since I’ve been up there!
Sima Sthanakiya says:
Thanks Bejal. It’s not the first thing people think of when they think of the UK, but so worth looking into to.
Emmalene | A Brummie Home and Abroad says:
The Ingleton Waterfall Trail is definitely going on my UK list! I haven’t really explored the Yorkshire Dales so this sounds like a great place to start. If you love waterfalls I highly recommend the Four Waterfalls trail in the Brecon Beacons (I have a blog post on it somewhere!) – it’s a bit of a slog to and from the car park but totally worth it x
Sima Sthanakiya says:
Ohh thanks for the Breacom Beacons tip Emmalene. I’ll definitely check it out when I’m next exploring the area.
Sophie says:
This is such a good idea for a blog post! Never really thought about waterfalls in the UK before, think I’ve only ever seen one or two so you’ve hunted down some brilliant ones.
Sima Sthanakiya says:
Thanks, Sophie! Hopefully inspired you to visit more now.