Lydford Gorge
Tavistock, Devon
About Lydford Gorge
Bring your little (and not so little) explorers and adventure through the temperate rainforest at Lydford Gorge. Two trails take you down into the deepest river gorge in the South West. On the Waterfall trail admire the towering Whitelady Waterfall at almost 30 high. It changes with the weather and the seasons from a gentle cascade to a raging flow. Descend into the deepest part of the gorge on the Devil's Cauldron trail. Explore fascinating rock formations carved out by the River Lyd and brave the narrow rock steps to enter the Devil's Cauldron pothole on a platform over the water.
It's also a terrific place for nature spotting. Pick up a free seasonal spotter sheet from Visitor Welcome for some key things to look out for. In spring the gorge is filled with colourful wild flowers, and the scents range from subtle to pungent. You can smell the wild garlic before you spot it! In summer the river comes alive with dragonflies and damselflies flitting in jewel-bright colours across the water. In autumn the trees put on a show turning from deep green to golden browns, reds and oranges.
The Waterfall trail takes around 1 hour, the Devil's Cauldron trail takes around 45 minutes. The orchard, at the Devil's Cauldron entrance, has plenty of space for picnics and space to run and explore, with the Devil's Cauldron tea-room handily close. There’s also a large second-hand bookshop at the Devil's Cauldron entrance. There's another tea-room at the Waterfall entrance. Dogs are welcome everywhere but please keep them on a shot lead at all times.
Whitelady Waterfall
This 30-meter-high waterfall has been drawing visitors in search of natural beauty since Victorian times. Most days the cascade flows gently down the rock face, but after heavy rain it transforms into a torrent.
Devil's Cauldron
Descend into the deepest part of the gorge to find this large pothole where the River Lyd appears to boil as it flows below your feet. Brave the narrow rock steps to get onto the viewing platform suspended over the river.
Temperate rainforest
Lydford Gorge is filled with lush temperate rainforest. This globally rare habitat covers less than 1% of the planet.
Facilities
Toilets
Onsite Parking
Accessible Toilets
Baby Changing
Food Available
Dog Friendly
Card Payments Accepted
Opening Times
- 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
Open Saturday 1 March to Sunday 2 November 2025. 10am-4.30pm (3.30pm October and November)
Limited opening in winter.
Pricing & Tickets
- Child (5-17) : £6.00
- Adult (18+-18+) : £12.00
- Babies and Toddlers (0-4) : Free
Free entry for National Trust members.
Family and group prices available, check the attraction's website for more information.
Book in advance for cheapest tickets
Find other attractions similar to Lydford Gorge by visiting our attraction tickets section.
Plan Your Visit
Typical visit time 2 - 3 hours
Suitable for Kids and Adults too
FAQs
Parking
Toilets
Family Friendly Options
Food & Drink
Accessibility Information
Tickets & Bookings
Private Hire & Birthday Parties
Public Transport
Contact Details
Lydford
Tavistock
Devon
EX20 4BH
England
Devil's Cauldron entrance, EX20 4BH. Waterfall entrance, EX20 4BL.
Tel: 01822820320
Visit WebsiteTransport Information
By train
Okehampton, 10 miles
By bus
Services between Okehampton (including train station) and Tavistock stop at both entrances to Lydford Gorge.
Dartline Coaches 118. Visit www.travelinesw.com for times. Alight at Lydford Gorge main entrance for Devil's Cauldron entrance. Alight at Lydford Gorge lower entrance for Waterfall entrance.
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Lydford Gorge Reviews
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