Nestled on the edge of Dartmoor, you’ll find the mesmerising Whitelady waterfall at Lydford Gorge. A rare temperate rainforest that offers unforgettable walking trails through ancient woodland, fascinating rock formations and an immersive moss covered cauldron. Lydford Gorge is full of legend and mystery from the vikings that once lived here, to the ghost that haunts the spectacular 30 meter high waterfall.

Where is Lydford Gorge?

The mythical Lydford Gorge is located on the northern edge of the beautiful Dartmoor National Park in Devon, UK.

It’s roughly halfway between Tavistock and Oakhampton, and 45 minutes from either Exeter or Plymouth.

What is Lydford Gorge?

Lydford Gorge may not claim first place as the largest gorge in the UK – Cheddar gorge won that gold medal. However, Lydford Gorge is the deepest river gorge in the south-west, full of dark rock, ancient oak trees and it has a beautiful 30 meter tall cascading waterfall.

It’s also a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) because of its unique flora and fauna. Not only that, but its a temperate rainforest too, a landscape that is incredibly rare here in the UK. Thankfully the National Trust are doing a grand job at protecting it, and it’s important that you do the same, and respect the area when you visit.

Lydford Gorge is full of myths and legends, like the infamous ghost that haunts the waterfall. This place feels like a prehistoric rainforest and is such an unusual landscape.

Why is it called Whitelady Waterfall?

Passed down through ancient stories, it’s believed this waterfall got it’s name from a ghost that haunts Lydford Gorge. Apparently her spirit is seen wearing a long white dress that resembles the falling white water of the Whitelady waterfall.

Legend has it, that anyone who sees her spirit while drowning in the river Lyd will be saved…

If you don’t appreciate that theory. Another option, is the name came from the waterfall resembling a bride in her white wedding dress.

Best time to visit

Waterfalls are always at their most spectacular after a dose of heavy rainfall. Autumn through to spring is your best chance of seeing a powerful waterfall. Rather than the dryer summer months which can cause some waterfalls to transform into an underwhelming trickle.

Ideally, if possible, you want to time your visit after its rained so you can feel its full power and hear the falling water roar. This is especially true for curtain waterfalls that you can walk behind like Sgwd yr Eira in Wales.

Cost to visit the White Lady waterfall

Lydford Gorge is owned by The National Trust. If you’re already a paying member, then your entry to the White Lady waterfall will be free.

For non National Trust members, standard tickets will set you back £10 per adult and £5 per child. There is also a family ticket option (2 adults, 2 children) which costs £25.

Non members also have the choice between purchasing a standard ticket, or a gift aid ticket. Choosing the latter, means you’ll pay a 10% voluntary donation to the Gift Aid scheme. This allows Lydford Gorge to reclaim an extra 25% back on the tax, which can help boost their funds by a significant amount. For example, the extra £1 you’ll pay, the National Trust will be able to claim back almost £3 through this scheme.

Lydford Gorge Parking

There are two free carparks at Lydford Gorge, one is named ‘Waterfall Car Park’ and the other ‘Devils cauldron Car Park’. They are at opposite ends of the gorge, so you’ll want to pick the one that best suits the length of walk that you plan to do, along with the time of year you’re visiting.

Waterfall Car Park is open all year, and is the one you should opt for if you only want to see the White Lady Waterfall, or if you’re visiting during the winter. It’s a quick 20 minute walk to reach the waterfall from here, which is ideal if you’re short on time.

Parking at the Devils cauldron car park is only available between March – October, as the paths get closed off during winter for safety. This carpark is the best choice if you want to do the full 3 mile circuit and see the impressive Devils Cauldron.

Facilities

Toilets – You’ll find public toilets at both entrances to Lydford Gorge. They are in the courtyard at the Devils Cauldron entrance, and behind the visitor welcome building at the Waterfall car park. There are no toilets along the walking route, so be sure to go before you start!

Book shop – If you’re entering via the Devils Cauldron, you’ll discover a charming pre-loved bookshop full of novels and classic children’s books. Why not kindly donate an unwanted book when you visit?

Refreshments – There are two tea rooms at Lydford Gorge, one located inside the Devils Cauldron entrance and the other at the Waterfall entrance.

The Devil’s Cauldron tearoom – This one is open between 10:30am-4:30pm and serves hot and cold drinks, tasty cakes and classic cream teas. They also do a selection of toasted sandwiches, sausage rolls, jacket potatoes and other savoury favourites. Sadly, it had just closed when we finished our loop so we didn’t get to test it out!

The Waterfall tearoom – This tearoom has a limited takeaway menu along with reduced opening hours in 2023. If you plan to stop at the Waterfall tearoom, you may want to give them a call and check if they will be serving.

Are dogs allowed at Lydford Gorge?

Dog’s are welcome at Lydford Gorge, but you must keep your four-legged friends on a short lead at all times. Be aware that some sections of this walk can get very slippery and narrow.

What footwear do I need?

To explore Lydford Gorge safely, I recommend wearing some sturdy footwear. Grippy walking boots are ideal as the paths are often steep, uneven and slippery! Even on a dry day the route can still be precarious underfoot, you might want to leave the flip-flops at home for this one.

White Lady Waterfall Walk

The full, scenic 3 mile Lydford Gorge loop (starting at the Devil’s Cauldron entrance) will take you roughly 2.5-3 hours. Maybe a little longer if you take a delicious pitstop for tea and cake!

It’s a moderate walk, with a few gnarly (but fun) sections along the way. In places you’ll have narrow paths with rapid water rushing along beside you. There are some sheer drops when you’re higher up in the gorge too. Be extra careful if you bring young children along for a fun weekend adventure.

Also it’s worth noting that due to all the narrow footpaths, this walk is one way only. You can’t turn around and come back if you change your mind. Once you’ve started, you’re committed to finish it!

We visited Lydford Gorge during mid October, on a perfectly mild day. Bright, fiery leaves were falling everywhere, and rays of sunshine snook through the moss covered trees. It felt very magical and was a beautiful time of year to visit.

Get mesmerised by the Devil’s Cauldron

To reach the impressive Devil’s Cauldron, you’ll need to take a small detour from the main footpath. First, you’ll need to brave the narrow stone steps down to a suspended platform that stands over the rushing river below.

Carefully enter the dark, moss covered tavern where you’ll be able to watch the powerful water swirl and bubble away inside the pot hole ‘cauldron’. Its incredibly loud and dramatic in here!

Top tip: Be prepared to get a little wet from the spray!

Where to stay

We visited Lydford Gorge when we were staying at the fabulously renovated Barn in Cotleigh which is an hour away.

For closer options you could base yourself in Oakhampton, Tavistock or somewhere in the Dartmoor area.

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