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Hardraw Force

Hardraw, United Kingdom•4.5(1.6k)•Heritage Site, Nature Reserve

Explore England's highest single drop waterfall set within fifteen acres of restored woodland pathways and a heritage centre featuring contemporary art.

Hardraw Force is home to England's highest single drop waterfall, nestled within fifteen acres of scenic woodland. The site features beautifully restored pathways and bridges originally constructed in the late 1800s by Lord Wharncliffe, connecting the waterfall, Shaw Gill Falls, and historic locations throughout the estate. These pathways offer visitors an opportunity to experience both natural beauty and heritage spanning centuries. The Heritage Centre, completed in 2010 and award-winning in design, houses an exhibition gallery featuring black and white photography, contemporary art, paintings, sculpture, and ceramics. The centre also includes a tea room serving hot and cold drinks, cakes, ice cream, and sandwiches, making it an ideal stop for families exploring the area. The venue is particularly suitable for families and visitors of all ages seeking outdoor activities combined with cultural experiences. The woodland walks and waterfall provide excellent opportunities for photography and nature appreciation, while the Heritage Centre and gallery offer indoor attractions. With amenities including a tea room, dog-friendly policies, and pushchair-friendly facilities, Hardraw Force welcomes families looking to combine natural scenery with heritage exploration.
OFFICIAL WEBSITE

Opening Hours

Monday: 10:00 – 16:30
Tuesday: 10:00 – 16:30
Wednesday: 10:00 – 16:30
Thursday: 10:00 – 16:30
Friday: 10:00 – 16:30
Saturday: 10:00 – 16:30
Sunday: 10:00 – 16:30

Venue Details

Venue Type

Indoor & Outdoor

Typical visit duration

1-3 hours

Booking

Walk-in

What this place offers

ToiletsToilets
Public transportPublic transport nearby
Accessible toilets
Free WiFi
Baby changingBaby changing facilities
Food available
On-site parking
🐕Dog-friendly
Parking nearby
Pushchair friendlyPushchair friendly

☕ Food & Drink

Tea Room

On-site tea room serving hot and cold beverages, cakes, ice cream, and sandwiches

Hours: 10am until 6pm daily (summer months only)

Visit website

Google Reviews

4.5(1.6k reviews)
A
AL

AL

a month ago

A breathtaking hidden gem! Stepping through the historic Green Dragon Inn to reach England's highest single-drop unbroken waterfall feels like entering a secret fairytale realm. The walk through the wooded gorge builds the anticipation perfectly, and the moment the magnificent Hardraw Force comes into view is nothing short of awe-inspiring. Cascading gracefully into the dramatic amphitheater of limestone cliffs, the sheer power and serene beauty of the falls are mesmerizing. An absolute must-visit for any nature lover looking to experience the raw, majestic magic!

J
Josh

Josh

2 months ago

Stunning waterfall. Is abit of shame it was £4 per person (make sure it’s cash, otherwise you’ll be snarled) to go see. Understand it needs to be maintained but a lot of the path was broken and rough anyway.. lady at the front was abit rude aswell, not very welcoming at all. Shame because the waterfall and site is pretty lovely itself, with lots of nature. Edit: as they have decided to reply to me I shall elaborate. When I came, multiple paths were closed and shut off to us with plastic fences. Alot of the paths had piles of soil on them and we saw multiple broken fences. So unsure if your groundman was on vacation. (No I am not referencing the flagstones that had been stolen) I understand work evolves, I clearly had gone on a poor day but i feel if you’re going to charge me to see something in nature I should have a more than decent experience. I’ve been on rough and broken paths to see other waterfalls in my life, however wasn’t charged to see them so I accept that more. Also clearly not bothered about the rudeness of their staff, just want people to know they look after these paths I guess..

E
Ellie B.

Ellie B.

2 months ago

A lovely waterfall set at the end of a short walk alongside a river. There is also a walk which goes around the back of the falls up some very steep, stone steps, but it's worth it to see the river falling o er the edge of the rocks. £4 per person, fair enough as there is a place to have a picnic there, plus toilets and a shop. There's is limited parking behind the pub, but we parked further down the road over the bridge.

J
J.Gilman

J.Gilman

2 months ago

This was great. I'm not really a waterfall guy, but my date wanted to see this. I have to admit, I was impressed. I really appreciated the beautifully hand-painted signs near the entrance. The entire experience is everything you think of when you picture an idyllic walk through the woods to a private waterfall hidden deep in the English countryside. The whole path and area are very well maintained. Even the moss growing on the stone walls looks happy. Someone cares about this place very much, and I thank them for that.

G
G&L

G&L

3 months ago

This is a lovely spot to visit providing the weather is good. Parking is available in the National Trust car park and reasonably priced. It is a bit of a walk to the cove, but with only a slight gradient and wonderful scenery, it's worth doing. There are steps leading up to the top of the cove should you wish to take advantage of the view, or alternatively, stay at the bottom and rest.

Reviews last updated: 29 September 2026

Events at Hardraw Force

No upcoming events scheduled

Check back soon for new events at this venue.

This venue was last updated on 29 September 2026

Frequently asked questions about Hardraw Force

Is Hardraw Force free to visit?

Hardraw Force is a paid attraction — see the official website for current ticket prices.

Is Hardraw Force dog-friendly?

Yes, dogs are welcome at Hardraw Force.

Is there parking at Hardraw Force?

Yes — Hardraw Force has on-site parking, plus additional parking nearby.

Is there food at Hardraw Force?

Yes — Tea Room is on site at Hardraw Force. On-site tea room serving hot and cold beverages, cakes, ice cream, and sandwiches

Is Hardraw Force pushchair-friendly?

Yes, Hardraw Force is pushchair, pram and buggy friendly — most areas are step-free so you can navigate easily with little ones in tow.

How long should we plan to spend at Hardraw Force?

Plan 1–3 hours for a visit to Hardraw Force.

How do I get to Hardraw Force by public transport?

Hardraw Force isn't on a major public transport route — driving is recommended.
Kiddy Compass