Thomason Foss
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Thomason Foss

4.8
·31 reviews·, United Kingdom

Discover Thomason Foss, a hidden waterfall in the North York Moors, perfect for adventurous walks and invigorating wild swims.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early mornings

Beat the crowds and enjoy solitude

CrowdLow
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Thomason Foss

Thomason Foss

Best Time

Early mornings

Beat the crowds and enjoy solitude

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover Thomason Foss, a hidden waterfall in the North York Moors, perfect for adventurous walks and invigorating wild swims.

4.8
(31 reviews)

"Totally worth it if you can make it, fabulous views and perfect for wild swimming."

Vertical photo
TIP

Wear sturdy shoes! :athletic_shoe:

The path is rocky and steep; proper footwear is essential for a safe and enjoyable walk.

Go early to avoid crowds 🕐

Arrive early to experience the waterfall and swim in peace before it gets busy.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Rating

4.8 · 31 reviews

Type

Natural Feature

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Thomason Foss Waterfall

Thomason Foss Waterfall

Near Beck Hole

A stunning, hidden gem waterfall with a natural plunge pool, perfect for a refreshing wild swim.

Wild Swimming Spot

Wild Swimming Spot

At the base of the waterfall

Brave the cold for an invigorating dip in the clear waters of the plunge pool. An unforgettable experience!

Scenic Woodland Walk

Scenic Woodland Walk

From Goathland or Beck Hole

Trek through beautiful woods, navigating rocky paths and steep inclines to reach the falls.

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Planning Your Visit

Tackle the Terrain

The walk to Thomason Foss is steeper and more challenging than it appears, with rocky paths and inclines. It's not suitable for those with mobility issues or very young children. Consider waterproof footwear and be prepared for a scramble.

Embrace the Dip

Wild swimming is a major draw at Thomason Foss, with many visitors enjoying a refreshing dip in the plunge pool. Be aware that the water can be very cold, especially outside of summer. Check conditions and be prepared for icy temperatures.

Best Times

When
Early mornings
Why
Beat the crowds and enjoy solitude
Crowd
Low
When
Autumn
Why
Magical atmosphere for swimming
Crowd
Medium
When
Summer
Why
Warmest water for swimming
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

This is the @Ryedale Folk Museum - a hidden gem in the North York Moors National Park. Postcode: YO62 6UA Car park: Park at the Crown Inn pub next door, £3 for the day (their machine is cash only!) Price: adults £10.50, kids £9, under 4s free. Tickets allow unlimited entry for one year. Check the Rydedale Folk Museum website for opening times as they change depending on the time of year. Access:...
@yorkshirefi
32.5K likes • 423.8K views

Wear sturdy shoes! :athletic_shoe:

The path is rocky and steep; proper footwear is essential for a safe and enjoyable walk. InstagramReddit

Go early to avoid crowds 🕐

Arrive early to experience the waterfall and swim in peace before it gets busy. Reddit

🌿 Can you believe this mystical gorge lies hidden deep in the English countryside? Here are details ✨First, remember to follow for more UK and Europe hidden gems @travel.havens 📍Luds Church in the Peak District is a moss-covered chasm that feels straight out of a fairytale. It is even more dramatic in the fall. ✨ This place is wrapped in legends and myths — from secret religious gatherings to tale...
@travel.havens
32.5K likes • 587.8K views
Thomason Foss Waterfall near Beck Hole North Yorkshire. About a mile from the village and not the easiest off routes, but if waterfalls are your thing we’d highly recommend. #hikingseniors #hiking #hikingadventures #northyorkshire #lovenorthyorkshire #northyorkmoors #walkingaround #outdoor #greatoutdoors #waterfalls #northyorkmoorsnationalpark #beckhole #wildswimming
thehikingseniors
19 likes • 434 views

Pack for a swim : swimsuit:

The plunge pool is perfect for a wild swim, but be prepared for cold water! Instagram+1

Check the weather ☁️

Paths can be slippery when wet, and icy in colder months. Instagram+1

Thomason Foss Trail Run Stunning Saturday morning trail run taking us up the river to visit two waterfalls and looping back to beck hole. Tough terrain and some boggy boggy bits Finishing with a fresh dip in the Thomason Foss waterfall. Get involved Onto the next one • • • #crew530 #running #fitness #colddip #swim #active #healthy #outdoors #monday #mentalhealth #discipline #freshstart ...
crew5.30
28 likes • 2.1K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Wear sturdy shoes! :athletic_shoe:

The path is rocky and steep; proper footwear is essential for a safe and enjoyable walk. InstagramReddit

Go early to avoid crowds 🕐

Arrive early to experience the waterfall and swim in peace before it gets busy. Reddit

Pack for a swim : swimsuit:

The plunge pool is perfect for a wild swim, but be prepared for cold water! Instagram+1

Check the weather ☁️

Paths can be slippery when wet, and icy in colder months. Instagram+1

Bring a map or GPS :world_map:

The path from Beck Hole isn't always obvious; navigation aids are helpful. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.8
(31 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about Thomason Foss as a beautiful, hidden gem with a stunning waterfall and a fantastic spot for wild swimming. The challenging but rewarding walk through scenic woodlands is a highlight for many, though some caution it's not for the faint-hearted or those with mobility issues. The chance to see a steam train adds to the charm.

"Moderate to difficult walk, alltrails makes it sound easy lol very steep inclines and a scramble in places. However it is totally worth it if you can make it, fabulous views and perfect for wild swimming. We had done a 3 hour hike and swimming at the waterfall was wonderful and welcomed, would recommend going early as on our way back the trail got alot busier so we timed it perfectly and got to swim with no-one else there."

Jenny Temple

"It's a pretty tough walk to the waterfall. We went in November with 3 kids. It's manageable but it's steep in places. Some of the paths are narrow too. Not the biggest waterfall but worth a look. Once you get to it you have to turn back the way you came. The path goes right by the railway track so if you timed it right you might see a train"

William connolly

"Lovely little gem of a waterfall during our 10km hike in Goathland. The path to turn from Beck Hole towards the waterfall wasn't obvious but thanks to Google Maps for showing the path down. Good to take a dip in as well if the water isn't too cold."

Shalini Weerasooriya

What People Like

Beautiful waterfall
Invigorating wild swimming
Scenic woodland walk

What People Dislike

Challenging terrain
Steep and rocky paths
Cold water

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Thomason Foss is accessible via walks from the villages of Goathland or Beck Hole in the North York Moors National Park. The walk from Beck Hole is often considered more direct but can be challenging. InstagramReddit

Parking is available in Goathland or Beck Hole. From Goathland, you can follow trails towards the waterfall. Some visitors park at the Mallyan Spout Hotel and follow a loop hike. Instagram

Yes, the path to Thomason Foss runs very close to the North Yorkshire Moors Railway line. If you time it right, you might see a steam train pass by. Reddit

The walk is described as moderate to difficult, with steep inclines, rocky paths, and scrambles in places. It's not recommended for those with mobility issues or very young children. Reddit+1

While beautiful, the challenging terrain makes it difficult for families with very young children or those with mobility issues. Older children might manage with careful supervision. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Thomason Foss is a natural attraction and does not require tickets for entry. Access is via public footpaths. Instagram

As a natural outdoor location, Thomason Foss is accessible at any time. However, daylight hours are recommended for safety due to the terrain. Instagram

There is no entrance fee for the walk to Thomason Foss itself. Parking fees may apply in the nearby villages. TikTok

Yes, you can visit in winter, but be prepared for icy conditions on the paths and potentially very cold water for swimming. Instagram+1

Dogs are generally welcome on the footpaths in the North York Moors National Park, but always keep them under control and clean up after them. Instagram

🎫 🏊‍♀️ Onsite Experience

Wild swimming is popular, but the water can be very cold and the terrain slippery. Assess conditions carefully, be aware of your limits, and consider going with others. Instagram+1

Many find autumn offers a magical atmosphere for swimming, while summer provides the warmest water. Early mornings offer solitude. Instagram+1

Bring sturdy walking shoes, waterproofs, swimwear, a towel, and potentially a small first-aid kit. A map or GPS is also advisable. InstagramReddit

The walking time varies depending on your starting point and pace, but expect at least 30-60 minutes each way, factoring in the challenging terrain. Reddit

There are no facilities directly at Thomason Foss. Basic amenities like toilets and refreshments can be found in the nearby villages of Goathland and Beck Hole. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the cascading waterfall, the mossy rocks, and the surrounding woodland. Long exposure shots can beautifully capture the water's flow. Instagram

A wide-angle lens is great for the waterfall and landscape. A tripod is useful for long exposures, especially in lower light conditions. Instagram

Early morning or late afternoon light can create dramatic effects. Overcast days can also provide soft, diffused light ideal for waterfall photography. Instagram

Drone usage may be restricted in national parks. Always check local regulations and guidelines before flying a drone. Instagram

Scrambling over rocks near the waterfall can offer unique perspectives. Be cautious and ensure you have stable footing. Instagram

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