
As the countryside transforms from green to gold, there has never been a better time to get outside and explore with your family. Holidays in autumn provide the perfect opportunity to don your wellies and waterproofs and feel the full force of nature at one of our Great British waterfalls.
At this time of the year, the weather can often be a little wetter. But the best thing about waterfalls is that they’re actually more impressive after a bout of rain. So, if you’re looking for the best places to visit in autumn or ideas for things to do with the kids during the October half term, then why not discover some of the best easy access waterfalls in the UK with our guide?
From the tallest cascades to some of the most enchanting, these easy waterfall walks in the UK are sure to suit you and your little explorers. If you’d like to make autumn wonderful this year and you’ve always wondered ‘what accessible waterfalls are near me’, then read on. Each route is available to follow for free in the OS Maps app. You can download it free here.
UK holidays
Skip to:
- St. Nectan’s Glen, Cornwall
- Becky Falls, Devon
- Henrhyd Falls, South Wales
- Pistyll Rhaeadr, North Wales
- Padley Gorge, Peak District
- Aira Force, Lake District
- Janet’s Foss, North Yorkshire
- High Force, County Durham
- Hareshaw Linn, Northumberland
- The Falls of Clyde, Scotland

St. Nectan’s Glen, Cornwall
St Nectan’s Glen is an ancient woodland in Trethevy and is a holy site that has connections to Celtic Christianity, King Arthur, faeries, piskies, nymphs and spirits. The babbling River Trevillet meanders through the ivy-clad trees, creating a series of crashing waterfalls as it flows over the rocks, culminating in a breathtaking 18-metre drop at St Nectan’s Kieve.
The picture-postcard trail to the cascade is one of our favourite easy access waterfall walks in Cornwall for families and is one of the best days out with kids in the UK. Little faces are sure to be amazed when they catch sight of St Nectan’s Kieve; over time, the powerful water has punched a hole through the rocks and now tumbles through into a shallow pool below, creating the most captivating sight.
A fun activity for the kids while they walk:
During this magical Cornish waterfall walk, you’ll notice lots of colourful ribbons tied to trees – these are called wish ribbons. Make sure to purchase one in the gift shop before you head down to the falls – legend has it that if you tie your ribbon to a tree and make a wish, the faeries, nature spirits or deities will grant it! The same goes for faerie stacks: piles of stacked stones that people leave in the stream by the waterfall.
- Distance: 2 miles
- Terrain: As this is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), the pathways are left very natural, with uneven surfaces, muddy terrain, jagged rocks and tree roots. The walk through the woodland is relatively flat with bridges and boardwalks. However, to reach the waterfall, you will need to navigate some steep steps which aren’t accessible by pushchairs.
- Facilities: At the entrance to St Nectan’s Glen (1 mile from the car park), there is a gift shop, a cafe, an ice cream parlour, a meditation room and WCs. The car park has no facilities, so the nearest WCs would be in either Tintagel or Boscastle.
- Parking: Pay and display car park 1 mile from the waterfall. Postcode: PL34 0BG.
- Useful info: It is free to explore the woodland, however, you have to pay to see the St Nectan’s Glen waterfall itself.
- Stay at: Cardew (3.5 miles from the waterfall) | Sleeps 6 + 2 dogs
- OS Maps route: Click here to follow the route for free on OS Maps
Family-friendly cottages in Cornwall

Becky Falls, Devon
If you’re looking for easy waterfall walks in Devon, then Becky Falls is a great choice. These falls in Dartmoor National Park cascade through a gully full of boulders and ancient moss-covered trees, within an SSSI. They are part of a private estate, so there is an admission to see them, but the entrance fee also gives families access to a variety of other activities and attractions, including a zoo.
There are three different colour-coded walking trails within the 50-acre park to follow, but the Red Trail is the best one to see the falls. The full circuit takes around an hour to complete; you’ll venture past the 20-metre dazzling drop of the waterfall and over some ginormous boulders – ideal for climbing!
A fun activity for the kids during the walk to the waterfall:
Children can take part in a letterboxing challenge, they can borrow an explorer backpack and have a go at the nature challenge competition, or they can head to the zoo and petting areas to enjoy animal encounters and meet-the-keeper sessions.
- Distance: The Red Trail is just under 1 mile
- Terrain: The root-riddled and boulder-strewn footpaths and wooden bridges of the Red Trail are ideal for young explorers but will be trickier for toddlers, and it’s not suitable for pushchairs. You may get wet and there is a tough clamber up and over some boulders. However, if little legs get tired midway through, there are some cut-throughs.
- Facilities: Cafe, shop, picnic area, zoo, family activities, WCs. Child carriers are available on loan free of charge (a returnable deposit is required).
- Parking: Free on-site parking. Postcode: TQ13 9UG.
- Useful info: There is an entrance fee, but once you’re in the park, you can make a full day of it and enjoy all the extra family activities.
- Stay at: Haytor Vale Lodge (3 miles from the waterfall) | Sleeps 4 + 2 dogs
- OS Maps route: Click here to follow the route for free on OS Maps
Family-friendly cottages in Devon

Henrhyd Falls, South Wales
The tallest waterfall in South Wales, Henrhyd Falls, is also one of the most famous, having had a starring role in a Hollywood blockbuster! In the Batman film, ‘The Dark Knight Rises’, the waterfall concealed the entrance to Batman’s lair. We’re told that the Batcave isn’t actually behind the waterfall (but that’s what Batman would probably want us to think).
On this easy waterfall walk in the Brecon Beacons, you and your family can see for yourselves as it’s possible to walk right behind the curtain of water – it can get a bit slippery after heavy rainfall. Many people also visit this 27-metre-high cascade to wild swim in the icy pool below.
A fun activity for the kids:
There are only a few waterfalls in the UK that you can actually walk behind, so take a moment to sit behind the water and watch it fall – the kids are sure to be mesmerised.
- Distance: Just under 1 mile
- Terrain: Although it’s a short walk, it is rather steep and there are a lot of wooden steps, walkways, and rugged terrain to traverse so it would not be suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs.
- Facilities: There are no facilities provided in the Henrhyd Falls car park, so please come prepared.
- Parking: Free car park (donations are kindly welcomed). Postcode: SA10 9PG.
- Useful info: For a longer hike, you could try the 5-mile Nant Llech Walk. The beginning of the trail is identical, but once you’ve visited the falls, you retrace your steps to just after the footbridge and take the trail to the left instead of the trail to the right, which leads back to the car park. It features several more beautiful cascades.
- Stay at: Penrock (1.5 miles from the waterfall) | Sleeps 4 + 2 dogs
- OS Maps route: Click here to follow the route for free on OS Maps
Family-friendly cottages in South Wales

Pistyll Rhaeadr, North Wales
Known as one of the ‘Seven Wonders of Wales’, Pistyll Rhaeadr resides in a lush valley in the Berwyn Mountains, North Wales. At 73 metres high, it is the tallest waterfall in Wales and the largest single-drop waterfall in Britain. This enormous cascade funnels through a natural arch in the middle, making it look like something out of a fantasy movie. In fact, there are plenty of legends about giants and dragons found here, even tales of King Arthur.
One of the best things about this picture-postcard rural spot is that it can reached via a short, 250-metre stroll from the pay and display car park. The ground is uneven and there are a few steps so it’s not suitable for pushchairs, but it is easy for little legs. From the viewing platform at the base of the falls, you can then choose to walk to the top of the waterfall via a well-trodden footpath if you so wish. While this uphill trek only takes around 20-30 minutes to reach the top, it should be noted that it is very steep.
A fun activity for the kids on the walk:
Legend has it that a fairy queen named Blodeuwedd, who was created by flowers, lives behind the waterfall. Why not spend some time fairy-spotting or making fairy crowns out of leaves, flowers and twigs?
- Distance: 500 metres (base of the waterfall), or 1 mile (top of the waterfall)
- Terrain: The path to the base of the waterfall is uneven but it’s short and wide (not suitable for pushchairs). The path to the top of the waterfall is well-signposted on a well-trodden footpath but it is very steep.
- Facilities: WCs (there is a small charge – cash only), Tan-y-Pistyll Tearoom at the base of the falls (cash only).
- Parking: Pay and display car park. Postcode: SY10 0BZ.
- Useful info: You will need cash when visiting Pistyll Rhaeadr waterfall, whether you need to pay for the car park, the WCs or the cafe.
- Stay at: Glaniwrch Bungalow (6 miles from the waterfall) | Sleeps 6
- OS Maps route: Click here to follow the route for free on OS Maps
Family-friendly cottages in North Wales

Padley Gorge, Peak District
The journey through Padley Gorge is simply spellbinding. With gently flowing streams and some of the best easy-access waterfalls in the Peak District, this ancient forested valley is photogenic and full of character. In autumn, the sunlight dances in and out of the russet canopy and you’ll be surrounded by gnarled oak and birch trees as far as the eyes can see.
The Burbage Brook meanders through the dense woodland, creating sublime waterfalls, cascades and rock pools as it tumbles over the bouldered ground. There’s water to splash in, trees to climb, and even a rope swing to enjoy along the walk, so children can scurry around to their heart’s content. And there is normally an ice cream van waiting at the end of the walk too!
A fun activity for the kids on the way to the waterfalls:
This otherworldly setting in the Peak District is perfect for letting little ones entertain themselves with stories of fairies, trolls and other fantastical creatures who may be hiding among the trees and under the bridges.
- Distance: 2.7 miles
- Terrain: The walk alongside Burbage Brook and the little waterfalls of Padley Gorge is rocky and often over uneven terrain so it's not suitable for pushchairs.
- Facilities: Public WCs can be found at Longshaw Estate. There is also often an ice cream van at the roadside parking area (cash only).
- Parking: If you arrive early enough, there is free roadside parking or you can park in the Longshaw Estate Car Park (pay and display, free for National Trust members). Postcode: S11 7TY.
- Useful info: The route can easily be extended to see some other awesome sights in the area – Surprise View and the Longshaw Estate.
- Stay at: Eden Tree Cottage (9.5 miles from the waterfall) | Sleeps 2 + 2 dogs
- OS Maps route: Click here to follow the route for free on OS Maps
Family-friendly cottages in the Peak District

Aira Force, Lake District
Experience the power of one of the most famous waterfalls in the Lake District National Park on this relatively easy ramble to Aira Force. While the falls are not accessible by pushchairs due to the number of steps, this trail in the Lake District is regarded by many as one of the top short waterfall walks in the UK for families.
A footpath from the car park winds through beautiful woodland with lush green ferns and evergreen specimen conifers, continuing through the Victorian arboretum and finishing at the viewing platform at the base of Aira Force. You will hear the thunderous roar of the waterfall as you approach it, and then you will see its impressive 20-metre drop.
A fun activity for the kids:
You can purchase a £1 red squirrel trail from the National Trust shop by the car park and follow signs to spot as many squirrels as you can on your exciting journey to the falls.
- Distance: 1 mile
- Terrain: Mixture of stepped and level pathways, unsuitable for pushchairs. There are steep drops to one side of the path in places.
- Facilities: Tearoom, shop, small play area and WCs.
- Parking: Aira Force Car Park (pay and display, National Trust members free). Postcode: CA11 0JS.
- Useful info: This is an excellent Lake District walk for combining with a boat trip on Ullswater, as steamers stop at the Aira Force pier.
- Stay at: Red Squirrel Den (2.5 miles from the waterfall) | Sleeps 2 + 2 dogs
- OS Maps route: Click here to follow the route for free on OS Maps
Family-friendly cottages in the Lake District

Janet’s Foss, North Yorkshire
For little ones with big imaginations, the linear walking trail to Janet’s Foss is sure to be an absolute delight. One of the most enchanting waterfalls in Yorkshire, this beauty spot can be found in a secluded woodland dell that glows in the autumn sunlight.
A popular place for wild swimming, a deep turquoise plunge pool sits beneath the foamy white drop of the waterfall. According to local legend, Janet the Queen of the Fairies, resides behind the waterfall in a cave and the woodland is home to all manner of fairies, elves, pixies, and sprites that live in the trees and dance under the moonlight.
A fun activity for the kids during the walk:
Many people believe that Janet can grant wishes. Why not have a go and whisper a wish while you’re trying to find her cave?
- Distance: 3 miles
- Terrain: The start of the gravel path is buggy friendly but once you enter the woodland, tree roots and rocks could make for a slightly bumpy buggy ride. The paths are easily identifiable with little ascent, so it's more than doable for little legs.
- Facilities: WCs and baby-changing facilities in the car park, and a selection of cafes and pubs in the village.
- Parking: Malham National Park Visitor Centre Car Park (pay and display). Postcode: BD23 4DA.
- Useful info: You can extend this easy waterfall walk in the Yorkshire Dales National Park to include the imposing Gordale Scar and Malham Cove.
- Stay at: Turret Cottage (2.5 miles from the waterfall) | Sleeps 5 + 2 dogs
- OS Maps route: Click here to follow the route for free on OS Maps
Family-friendly cottages in Yorkshire

High Force, County Durham
Beginning as a trickle high on the heather-covered fells at the top of the North Pennines, the River Tees steadily grows and gathers pace, before reaching Forest-in-Teesdale and spectacularly crashing over a 21-metre cliff into a plunge pool below. High Force is one of the most awe-inspiring waterfalls in County Durham and the tallest and most powerful waterfall in England.
A gentle walk will lead you and your family to this iconic beauty spot, which enjoys a rich colour palette of warm hues in the autumn – it’s no wonder the artist J.M.W. Turner was so inspired by the scene and featured the falls in one of his famous paintings.
A fun activity for the kids during the walk to the waterfall:
Take a sketch pad and some colouring pencils and let your budding little artists get creative Turner-style. Their artwork will make a precious memento of your walk.
- Distance: 1 mile
- Terrain: The path to the falls is relatively flat and wide. Apart from the base-level viewing area, the route is also suitable for pushchairs.
- Facilities: WCs, baby-changing facilities, food and drink kiosk and picnic benches by the car park. The hotel also serves food 7 days a week. There are no facilities at the waterfall itself.
- Parking: High Force Hotel Car Park (pay and display). Postcode: DL12 0XH.
- Useful info: You will need to buy tickets from the High Force Hotel to visit the waterfall – this can be done in advance on their website to save you from having to queue on the day.
- Stay at: Bonny Cottage (5 miles from the waterfall) | Sleeps 7 + 3 dogs
- OS Maps route: Click here to follow the route for free on OS Maps
Family-friendly cottages in County Durham

Hareshaw Linn, Northumberland
For little explorers and nature lovers, this easy-access waterfall walk to Hareshaw Linn is sure to be an amazing adventure. Boasting one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Northumberland, this pretty wooded valley is even more alluring in autumn as the leaves turn crimson, gold and bronze.
As you crunch through the fallen leaves, keep your eyes peeled for great spotted woodpeckers, red squirrels and dippers. Soon you will hear the roar of the falls and be rewarded with the vision of the 9-metre-high cascade. Here, over 300 species of lichens, moss and liverworts thrive, resulting in these Northumberland falls being designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
A fun activity for the kids while they walk:
There are six bridges to cross along the route, so plenty of opportunities for games of Poohsticks, before you reach the gushing falls.
- Distance: 3 miles
- Terrain: The woodland terrain here is fairly rocky and features several small climbs and descents, many utilising steps. As the ground is quite uneven, it’s not suitable for pushchairs.
- Facilities: Shops, cafes and WCs in Bellingham village.
- Parking: Hareshaw Linn National Park Car Park. Postcode: NE48 2DA.
- Useful info: After your walk, you can warm up with a frothy mug of hot chocolate in the village – there are several snug cafes and cosy pubs with crackling fires to choose from.
- Stay at: Hareshaw Cottage (1 mile from the waterfall) | Sleeps 2 + 2 dogs
- OS Maps route: Click here to follow the route for free on OS Maps
Family-friendly cottages in Northumberland

The Falls of Clyde, Scotland
The Falls of Clyde is the collective term for four spectacular waterfalls along the River Clyde in New Lanark. If you’re looking for easy waterfall walks in Scotland, then this trail through the Scottish Wildlife Trust’s Falls of Clyde Wildlife Reserve is a wonderful choice for families with children.
The falls comprise Bonnington Linn, Corra Linn, Dundaff Linn, and the lower falls of Stonebyres Linn. Corra Linn is the highest, with a glittering fall of 26 metres. As well as being famous for its waterfalls, the achingly beautiful reserve in Scotland is also a haven for wildlife, including peregrine falcons, badgers, bats, roe deer, otters, kingfishers and over 100 species of birds.
A fun activity for the kids:
There's an excellent Visitor Centre which is open daily, with lots of information on the falls and the animals that dwell there. You can watch live footage of nesting peregrines in the Peregrine Experience, plus there are interactive games and toys, including wildlife crafts.
- Distance: 3.7 miles
- Terrain: A clear path with many steps and lots of short up and down sections (not pushchair friendly). Care should be taken with children on the boardwalk section next to the river or above the cliffs.
- Facilities: Within New Lanark, there is a cafe, a shop, WCs, and children’s play areas.
- Parking: Free on-site parking. Postcode: ML11 9DB.
- Useful info: The wildlife reserve sits within New Lanark, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After your walk, you can explore this historic village, now a visitor attraction. Kids will love the play areas, as well as the interactive Annie McLeod Experience and Robert Owen's School for Children.
- Stay at: The Pig Sty - Clyde Valley (11 miles from the waterfalls) | Sleeps 4 + 4 dogs
- OS Maps route: Click here to follow the route for free on OS Maps
Family-friendly cottages in Scotland
Map of family-friendly waterfalls to visit in the UK
Find all of the easily accessible waterfalls we’ve mentioned in our blog on this handy map.
Family-friendly holidays in the UK
Which one of these easy-access waterfalls in the UK takes your fancy? If you’d like to make a proper day out of it, why not combine one of these accessible waterfall walks with a stay in one of our family-friendly cottages?
We’ve got a great selection of self-catering accommodation across the country that will provide the perfect setting for relaxation after a day of adventure. Click the button below to browse our full collection, or discover some more of our favourite October half-term holiday destinations.
Family-friendly holidays