High Force Waterfall
Experience the raw power of one of England's most impressive waterfalls, plunging 69 feet into a dramatic gorge amidst ancient woodlands.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more serene
High Force Waterfall
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more serene
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience the raw power of one of England's most impressive waterfalls, plunging 69 feet into a dramatic gorge amidst ancient woodlands.
"Wow!! Please just visit and enjoy this wonderful place! It literally enabled my partner and I to just breathe."
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Secure your entry and avoid queues by booking tickets in advance, especially during busy periods.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The walk involves well-maintained paths and steep steps to reach the waterfall base.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Majestic High Force Waterfall
Base of the waterfall
Witness the sheer power of the River Tees as it plunges 69 feet into a dramatic gorge. Feel the spray and hear the roar of this natural wonder.
Scenic River Tees Walk
Path along the River Tees
Enjoy a pleasant walk alongside the River Tees, with opportunities to dip your toes in or rest on benches. The path offers lovely views of the water and surrounding fields.
Woodland Trails and Sculptures
Wooded areas near the waterfall
Explore charming wooded areas with carved sculptures and bird feeding stations. A circular walk offers varied scenery and a chance to see roaming cattle.
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Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Experience
Navigating the Trails and Access
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Secure your entry and avoid queues by booking tickets in advance, especially during busy periods.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The walk involves well-maintained paths and steep steps to reach the waterfall base.
📸 Perfect Photo Spots
The base of the waterfall offers incredible photo opportunities. Consider the opposite side of the river for a free view.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Areas
Dogs are welcome, with areas to stretch their legs, but keep them on a lead in certain sections.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Secure your entry and avoid queues by booking tickets in advance, especially during busy periods.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The walk involves well-maintained paths and steep steps to reach the waterfall base.
📸 Perfect Photo Spots
The base of the waterfall offers incredible photo opportunities. Consider the opposite side of the river for a free view.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Areas
Dogs are welcome, with areas to stretch their legs, but keep them on a lead in certain sections.
☕ Cafe & Facilities
A cafe, toilets, and picnic benches are available at the High Force Hotel for refreshments.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise High Force Waterfall for its stunning beauty and the immersive experience of feeling its power up close. The well-maintained paths and the option for a circular walk are appreciated, though some note the steepness of the steps. While the paid access offers the best views, a free alternative is available.
"The waterfall at High Force is a phenomenal sight to see, especially after heavy rainfall. We visited just after the tail end of Storm Claudia had drenched the north east area & saw it raging, quite a sight. The staff members in the pub where you buy your tickets could employ better manners when dealing with customers as we were made to feel like we were just in the way a little & in honesty I'm not sure why we paid as there were no rangers, staff or guides on the path to show tickets to. Parking was reasonably priced BUT please read the small print! There's a lot."
Christian
"Amazing Waterfall. Would highly recommend seeing if you are in the area. The trail is very well maintained and easy to hike. The bottom of the trail at the base of the waterfall pool is a perfect picture spot. However, if you would like to avoid paying and forgo one of the better picture spots, you can still see the waterfall from a little higher up on the public footpath on the opposite side of the river. All you have to do to reach is is walk down to the bridge a little farther down the river, cross the river, then hike the 20 minutes to the waterfall. The paid hike is a much easier hike than the unpaid one, however, the paid hike also does not take you to the top of the falls."
Mike Bu
"We parked at Bowlees Visitor Centre and followed the path along the river past Low Force and the old swing bridge, then continued up to High Force. It’s about four miles there and back and such a lovely walk with great views all the way.
The path can be uneven in places so it’s not really one for pushchairs, but it’s very dog friendly and has lots of spots to stop and enjoy the scenery. High Force is a beautiful sight, especially after heavy rain when the water really thunders down.
If you prefer a shorter walk, you can park at High Force Hotel, but there’s an entry fee from that side. The Bowlees route is free, and if you carry on a little further upstream you’ll come across Bleabeck Force too, which is another great waterfall to see."
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Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
High Force Waterfall is located in County Durham, in the North Pennines. You can drive to the High Force Hotel car park (postcode DL12 0XH) where tickets can be purchased. Public transport options are limited, so driving is generally recommended.
Yes, there is car parking available at the High Force Hotel. Parking fees may apply, and it's advisable to check current rates.
You can see the waterfall from a public footpath on the opposite side of the river for free. This involves walking down to a bridge, crossing the river, and a 20-minute hike.
From the High Force Hotel car park, you'll descend through woods via steep steps to reach the base of the waterfall. The walk is approximately 20 minutes.
Yes, you can walk from Low Force along the River Tees edge, which offers scenic views and opportunities to paddle.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices typically include parking and access to the waterfall path. As of recent information, adult tickets were around £3.95 and child tickets around £2.00, with under 4s free. It's best to check the official website for current pricing.
Booking tickets online in advance is recommended, especially during peak seasons, to guarantee entry and potentially save time.
High Force Waterfall is generally open daily from 10 am. It's advisable to confirm the exact opening hours before your visit, as they can vary seasonally.
The ticket typically grants access to the well-maintained path leading to the base of the waterfall and the surrounding woodland trails.
Yes, you can purchase tickets from the kiosk in the car park at the High Force Hotel, but booking online is recommended to avoid disappointment.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The walk to High Force is generally described as easy and well-maintained, with steep steps leading down to the waterfall's base. It takes about 20 minutes. +1
Yes, the path leads you right to the base of the waterfall, allowing you to experience its power and sound up close.
Absolutely! The base of the waterfall is a prime spot for photos. You can also find lovely viewpoints along the river path and from the opposite side of the river.
Yes, High Force is suitable for children, but they should be supervised, especially on the steep steps and near the water. The walk is generally manageable for most families.
Nearby attractions include Low Force, Ashgill Force, and Summerhill Force, offering a chance to explore more of the North Pennines' stunning waterfalls.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe at the High Force Hotel offering food, ice cream, and hot drinks. Picnic benches are also available.
Picnic benches are available at the High Force Hotel, making it a great spot to enjoy a packed lunch.
The High Force Hotel itself offers dining options. For a wider selection, you might need to travel to nearby towns like Middleton-in-Teesdale.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings or late afternoons can offer softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the waterfall's grandeur. Golden hour can be particularly magical.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the waterfall. A polarizing filter can help manage reflections on the water and enhance colors.
The base of the waterfall provides an immersive perspective. For a different angle, consider the public footpath on the opposite side of the river.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's essential to check local bylaws and obtain any necessary permissions before flying a drone in the area.
Experiment with shutter speeds to achieve different water effects. A slower shutter speed creates a silky, blurred water effect, while a faster one freezes the motion.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack snacks and drinks, as the cafe can get busy. The woodland trails with sculptures and bird feeders offer extra engagement for younger visitors. Consider visiting during weekdays to avoid the busiest times. The option to see the falls for free from the public footpath can be a good alternative if you're looking for a shorter or less structured visit.
🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Enthusiasts
Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the diverse flora and fauna, the ancient geology, and the chance to spot local wildlife. The area is known for its natural beauty and offers a peaceful escape into the countryside.
+1📸 Photographers
Consider visiting during the golden hours of sunrise or sunset for the most dramatic lighting. A polarizing filter can be useful for managing reflections and enhancing the colors of the water and surrounding greenery.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Geology of High Force
The surrounding landscape of the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is shaped by glacial activity and erosion, adding to the dramatic scenery. Understanding the geology adds another layer of appreciation for the raw power and enduring beauty of High Force.
Visitors can learn more about the local geology and the history of the area through information boards often found at visitor centers or along the walking trails.
Experiencing High Force in Different Seasons
Autumn is a particularly magical time, with the leaves turning vibrant shades of gold, red, and orange, creating a breathtaking contrast with the cascading water. The sound of the waterfall is amplified by the crisp air, making it a truly immersive experience.
Even in winter, High Force retains its charm. While the surrounding foliage may be sparse, the sheer volume of water can be impressive, and on very cold days, you might even witness ice formations around the gorge, adding a unique, frozen beauty to the scene.
Beyond High Force: Exploring Nearby Waterfalls
Further afield, Ashgill Force and Summerhill Force provide additional opportunities to witness the power of water in this stunning region. These less-visited spots can offer a more tranquil experience, allowing you to escape the crowds and enjoy the natural beauty at your own pace.
Many visitors combine a trip to High Force with visits to these other falls, creating a comprehensive waterfall-hopping adventure. The walking trails in the area often connect these natural wonders, making it easy to explore multiple sites in a single day.
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