Aysgarth Falls
A stunning series of three waterfalls along the River Ure in the Yorkshire Dales, offering accessible walks and beautiful scenery.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Roaring waterfalls!
Aysgarth Falls
Best Time
Roaring waterfalls!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning series of three waterfalls along the River Ure in the Yorkshire Dales, offering accessible walks and beautiful scenery.
"A lovely place for picnics and walks, everyone enjoyed the day."
🚗 Parking Perks
Main car park at the bottom is cheaper for longer stays than the cafe car park. :parking:
👟 Family-Friendly Trails
Well-maintained, accessible paths make it great for families and dog walkers. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Upper Falls
Northern end of the falls
Witness the powerful cascade over a wide, stepped rock formation. A truly impressive sight, especially after rain.
Middle Falls
Central section
A more gentle series of cascades, offering a different perspective. Often viewed from a dedicated platform.
Lower Falls
Southern end of the falls
The most dramatic section, where the river plunges over a series of ledges. Accessible for close-up views.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for the Best Views
Parking and Access Tips
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Perks
Main car park at the bottom is cheaper for longer stays than the cafe car park. :parking:
👟 Family-Friendly Trails
Well-maintained, accessible paths make it great for families and dog walkers. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Water Levels
Visit after rain for dramatic falls, but dry spells allow crossing via stepping stones. :droplet:
🧺 Picnic Paradise
Plenty of picnic benches available, bring your own food and drinks. :sandwich:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Perks
Main car park at the bottom is cheaper for longer stays than the cafe car park. :parking:
👟 Family-Friendly Trails
Well-maintained, accessible paths make it great for families and dog walkers. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Water Levels
Visit after rain for dramatic falls, but dry spells allow crossing via stepping stones. :droplet:
🧺 Picnic Paradise
Plenty of picnic benches available, bring your own food and drinks. :sandwich:
📸 Drone Photography
Early mornings offer fewer crowds and dramatic shots, but watch battery levels! :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Aysgarth Falls for its picturesque beauty and accessible walking trails, making it a delightful spot for families and nature lovers. While the falls are stunning, especially after rain, some find the surrounding woodland less inspiring during drier periods. Parking costs and cafe prices are noted as potential drawbacks for some.
"Amazing little haven, Yorkshire really is a beautiful county. It has 3 falls, top middle bottom. The middle falls is basically just a viewing platform, but the top and bottom can be accessed for close up and engaging views. Lovely place. Worth a visit. Parking is cheaper at the main car park. The cafe before the hill down to the falls is more expensive. Paid £7 for 4 hrs. N ya can get same for up to full day in main car park at bottom between the falls."
GEEK UNIQUE
"Had a lovely day out with family. Beautiful spot for picnic and nice walks. Everyone enjoyed the day. Falls are picturesque and scenic. We went there after a long period of dry spell so not much water .. still it looked stunning. Less water has its own advantages as we were able to cross the river using stepping stones. I don’t think it would be possible if the river is full. Ample parking. Take your own food and water. I will definitely recommend this place for picnics and walks."
Ashfaque Saleem
"Amazing views. Falls Hotel is a great place to stay and eat.
Wallace n Gromett lovers, defo go to Wensleydale Creamery, the visitor centre is Amazing too. The cheese is mmmmm-a-lisious.
Not that far away, the picturesque scenery will blow you away."
Insomniac Cryptonomics
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Aysgarth Falls is located in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. It's accessible by car, with several parking options available. The nearest train stations are in Garsdale or Hawes, but public transport directly to the falls can be limited, so driving is often recommended.
While possible, it requires careful planning. Bus services may run to nearby villages, but walking from the bus stop to the falls can add significant time to your journey.
From the A1(M), take the exit for the A684 towards Leyburn and then follow signs for Aysgarth. From the M6, take the A684 towards Bedale. Satnav users should use the postcode DL8 4A.
Yes, there are multiple parking areas. The National Park Visitor Centre has parking, and there's also parking available near the Middle and Lower Falls. Prices can vary, with the main car park at the bottom often being more economical for longer stays.
Cycling routes are available in the Yorkshire Dales, and you can cycle to Aysgarth Falls. Secure your bike appropriately at the designated areas.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to Aysgarth Falls itself is free. However, parking charges apply at the designated car parks.
Aysgarth Falls is a natural attraction and is open year-round, 24 hours a day. The visitor centre and cafe have specific opening times.
Parking fees vary. The National Park Visitor Centre car park charges around £3.80 for up to 2 hours, while the main car park at the bottom can be around £6 for over two hours, offering better value for a full day.
While specific discounts aren't widely advertised, choosing the main car park at the bottom of the falls for a longer duration is generally more cost-effective than shorter stays at other locations.
Aysgarth Falls is part of the Yorkshire Dales National Park and is not managed by the National Trust or English Heritage, so these passes do not apply for entry or parking.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Enjoy walks along the River Ure to see the Upper, Middle, and Lower Falls. It's a great spot for picnics, photography, and simply enjoying the natural beauty of the Yorkshire Dales.
The main loop walk to see all three falls typically takes about 1-2 hours, depending on your pace and how long you stop to admire the views.
The paths are generally well-maintained and relatively flat, making them accessible for families with pushchairs and those with mobility issues. Some sections might be gravel or uneven.
Absolutely! The cascading waterfalls, especially after rain, offer stunning photographic opportunities. Early mornings can provide beautiful light and fewer crowds. 
Swimming is generally not recommended due to strong currents and slippery rocks. It's best to admire the falls from the designated paths and viewing areas.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe located at the National Park Visitor Centre, offering refreshments and snacks. Some reviews mention it can be pricier than bringing your own.
Definitely! There are numerous picnic benches available, making it an ideal spot for a picnic lunch. Bringing your own food and drinks is recommended.
The cafe typically offers light meals, sandwiches, cakes, and ice cream. Some visitors have praised the flapjacks and ice cream.
Yes, the nearby village of Askrigg has several pubs and restaurants. The Falls Hotel is also mentioned as a great place to stay and eat.
Many visitors recommend bringing your own food and drinks to save money, as cafe prices can be higher. However, the cafe offers convenience and local treats.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings or late afternoons often provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows. Visiting after rainfall can create dramatic, powerful shots of the falls.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the falls. A tripod can be useful for longer exposures to smooth out the water. Don't forget a polarizing filter to manage reflections.
Each of the three falls offers unique viewpoints. The paths provide access to various angles, allowing you to capture the cascades from different perspectives.
Drone usage is permitted in many areas, but always check local regulations and be mindful of other visitors. Early mornings are ideal for drone photography to avoid crowds.
The most dramatic photos are usually taken after periods of heavy rain when the water flow is at its peak. However, even in drier periods, the falls offer scenic beauty.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1Key recommendations: Pack plenty of snacks and drinks, as cafe prices can add up. Consider the main car park at the bottom for better value if you plan to spend a good few hours. The natural beauty and the sound of the water are often a big hit with children, making it a memorable family outing.
🚶♀️ Walkers and Hikers
Beyond the immediate falls area, the Yorkshire Dales offers numerous other walking opportunities. Aysgarth Falls can serve as a starting point or a stop on a longer route. Remember to wear comfortable walking shoes, check the weather, and be prepared for potentially muddy conditions after rain.
📸 Photographers
+1Tips for photographers: Visit during the 'golden hours' (early morning or late afternoon) for the best light. A tripod is highly recommended for capturing smooth water effects. Consider a drone for unique aerial perspectives, but always be mindful of regulations and other visitors.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Three Tiers of Aysgarth Falls
The Upper Falls are characterized by a wide, stepped rock formation over which the river tumbles. This is often the most visually striking section, especially when the water flow is high. The Middle Falls are more of a series of gentle cascades and rapids, often viewed from a platform, offering a different, more serene perspective. Finally, the Lower Falls present a more concentrated drop, where the river carves its way through a series of ledges, creating a powerful and engaging spectacle.
Many visitors enjoy walking between all three falls, which can be done within a couple of hours. The trails are often described as easy and picturesque, with opportunities for picnics and enjoying the surrounding woodland. The accessibility of these paths is a significant draw, ensuring that the beauty of Aysgarth Falls can be appreciated by a wide range of visitors.
Best Times to Visit for Optimal Experience
+1If you prefer a more tranquil experience with fewer crowds, weekdays are generally a better choice than weekends or public holidays. Many visitors note that the falls can get quite busy, especially during peak tourist seasons. Visiting during the early morning can also offer a more peaceful atmosphere and better light for photography.
Autumn brings its own charm to Aysgarth Falls, with the surrounding woodlands displaying beautiful fall colors, adding another layer of scenic beauty to the already stunning landscape. While the water flow might not be as intense as after heavy rain, the combination of autumnal foliage and the falls creates a magical setting.
Practicalities: Parking, Food, and Amenities
For those planning a visit, bringing your own food and drinks is a frequently given tip. While a cafe is available at the visitor centre offering refreshments, sandwiches, and cakes, some visitors find it to be on the pricier side. There are ample picnic benches scattered around, making it an ideal spot for a leisurely picnic lunch amidst the natural beauty.
Amenities like toilets are available at the visitor centre. The paths are generally well-maintained and accessible, suitable for families with pushchairs and those with mobility considerations. The visitor centre also provides information about the local area and the history of the falls.
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