I am not sure what makes them so magical, but waterfalls are just a draw for everyone young and old. Whether you want just the perfect Instagram photo or fancy a swim we have found 6 of the best in the UK.
Please read our water safety guide before you enter the water.
Not all waterfalls in the UK are safe to swim in, these 6 are.
1. Double falls, Cumbria
We had to start in the Lake District, it’s full of some wonderful waterfalls, but we think this one just tops the list.
Location: Rydal Bower, Ambleside
Head down the lane past Rydal Mount (William Wordsworth former home and a route he often walked) until you reach Coffin Road. Follow the trail to Rydal Falls (it’s a signposted route), once you arrived you have two falls and pools for you to dip into. We have a favourite, but let us know in the comments below which one you prefer.
2. Galleny Force, Cumbria
Where: Galleny Force, Stonethwaite, Borrowdale, Lake District
This is a great place to spend the weekend, there is a campsite located around 20 minutes walk away and at the end of the walk there are two cascades to splash around in.
Surrounded by ancient rowan trees and ferns this is a great spot for plunging and paddling. Don’t forget to take your picnic as there is some lovely spots nearby.
We had to start in the Lake District, it’s full of some wonderful waterfalls, but we think this one just tops the list.
Location: Rydal Bower, Ambleside
Head down the lane past Rydal Mount (William Wordsworth former home and a route he often walked) until you reach Coffin Road. Follow the trail to Rydal Falls (it’s a signposted route), once you arrived you have two falls and pools for you to dip into. We have a favourite, but let us know in the comments below which one you prefer.
3. Llanberis falls, Snowdonia
Where: Watkin Path Waterfall, Snowdonia, N.Wales
This is a great treat after climbing Wales highest Peak. Once you have summited Snowdon, make your way back down the Watkin Path and comes across these falls.
These can get quite popular on sunny days after hikers take a dip to cool down after a long day walking.
Don’t worry if you come across them and they are quite busy, head a few hundred metres upriver and there are a few more.
4. Witch's Cauldron, Highlands
Where: Witch’s Cauldron, Nr Clunes forest, Scotland
I had to include at least one from the Highlands, actually the difficult part was narrowing it down to just one, there was so many great choices. But I went with the Witch’s Cauldron for the fact I love how you can get to it from the car. Its so close you can see it from the road, so its ideal if you like visiting waterfalls, but don’t like walking.
Just off the B8005 road, this waterfall is known locally as Eas Chia-aig, with the first pool by the bridge is the deepest and largest. This 7.5m fall was used in the film adaptation of Rob Roy in 1995.
The 7.5m fall was used as a setting in the film adaptation of Rob Roy (1995). The first pool by the bridge is the deepest and largest.
5. Falling Foss, Yorkshire
Where: Falling Foss, Ruswarp, North Yorkshire Moors
This 10m fall is located in magical woodland in the heart of North Yorkshire. There is a nearby car-park if you’re adventurous and take a stroll to the fall before entering the water and feeling the spray hit you.
If Its a Yorkshire Waterfall you are after, but this one isn’t for you, why not check out our guide to the best waterfalls in Yorkshire, I am certain you will find one that is suitable for you in here.
6. Plodda Falls, Highlands
Where: Plodda Falls, Glen Affric, Scotland
Ok, I broke my own rules, but it was a real struggle to narrow it down to just 1 waterfall in the Highlands and this one I also had to include.
This is Scotland’s second highest waterfall but what makes this special is the plunge pool is deep enough to go diving in. The fall itself is 46 metres tall so not one for beginners to explore.
To get to the fall, start off in Glen Affric reserve, follow the forest path past Douglas Firs. Now you are at the summit and 46 metres up, enjoy the view. Now you have got to scramble and slip your way down into the pool.
This was a popular spot during the Victorian times and you can see the ruins of an old Victorian viewing platform.
Some Item's you might need
As with any activity around water, this is always a risk, if you feel uncomfortable at any point, don’t risk it. Check out our guide to water safety which is a very useful resource if you are planning on visiting any waterfall.
If you’re heading to Yorkshire, check out the best waterfalls to visit in Yorkshire.
Where is your favourite waterfall, tell us in the comments below?
