Lydford Gorge
Welcome to Lydford Gorge, one of the most enchanting places in Dartmoor National Park! This magical gorge, reminiscent of scenes from Lord of the Rings, is steeped in fascinating history and folklore that will capture your imagination.
Legend has it that Lydford Gorge has ties to Alfred the Great, Vikings, and even a notorious bandit gang called the Gubbins. It’s also believed to be a realm inhabited by faeries, pixies, and haunted by a mysterious white lady.
As you explore, you’ll be surrounded by landscapes straight out of a storybook, resembling the shire-like beauty of Middle Earth. Be sure to visit the incredible cascades such as the Devil’s Cauldron, Pixie Glen, and White Lady Waterfall, each offering their own mystical charm.
Despite its popularity, Lydford Gorge remains a peaceful retreat throughout the year, providing a wonderful opportunity to connect with nature. Ready to embark on your adventure in Dartmoor National Park? Here’s how you can experience the magic of Lydford Gorge!
What is Lydford Gorge?
Lydford Gorge is super deep, the deepest river gorge in the South West! It’s like stepping into a magical world straight out of a fairy tale, just like in Tolkien’s stories. There are amazing spots to discover inside, like the White Lady Waterfall, Devil’s Cauldron, and Pixie Glen—all reachable on a not-too-hard walking path.
The National Trust takes care of Lydford Gorge to keep it safe and beautiful. Loads of people love visiting because it’s one of the coolest places in Dartmoor National Park!
When it’s hot in summer, it’s the perfect place to cool down and enjoy nature. You’ll see why it’s one of the prettiest walks around here!
Lydford Gorge history
A long, long time ago, around 300 million years ago, Lydford Gorge started to take shape. It’s been around for ages, and it’s seen a lot of changes!
One of the coolest parts of Lydford Gorge is the White Lady waterfall, which began forming about 450,000 years ago. Much later, around 11,500 years ago, melting ice helped to shape it even more.
Lydford Gorge is also full of amazing stories and legends. Way back in time, the Anglo-Saxons probably named this area. They used the Saxon word ‘hlyda,’ which means ‘loud,’ because of the roaring waters.
A famous king named Alfred the Great used Lydford Gorge to protect his land from Viking raiders. The gorge’s natural defenses were perfect for keeping enemies away.
In the year 937 AD, Lydford became very important because it was the place where the royal mint for The Kingdom of Wessex was founded. They made special silver coins called Lydford pennies.
After the Norman Invasion, Lydford Gorge was turned into a fort. You can still see parts of this history, like the prison tower near the ringwork at Lydford Castle.
In the 16th century, Lydford Gorge was a scary place because it was home to a dangerous gang called The Gubbins band. They were like the Robin Hood of Dartmoor, led by Roger Rowle. But instead of helping people, they stole sheep and robbed travelers. People were so scared of them that they stayed away from the gorge until the law chased the gang away.
Today, Lydford Gorge is a peaceful and beautiful place. It’s part of Dartmoor National Park and is taken care of by the National Trust, so everyone can enjoy its beauty and history without any fear.
White Lady Waterfall – Who is the White Lady?
Lydford Gorge is a beautiful place located on the western edge of Dartmoor National Park in Devon, England. If you want to visit, it’s not too far from some other interesting places!
- From the city of Exeter, it takes about 45 minutes to drive to Lydford Gorge.
- If you’re coming from the market town of Okehampton, it’s only a 15-minute drive.
- It’s also just a 15-minute drive from Tavistock town.
Getting to Lydford Gorge is pretty easy. You can take the A30 road, which goes south towards Cornwall, or you can take the A386 road, which will lead you to Plymouth. So, no matter where you’re coming from, there’s a nice, easy road to take you to this amazing spot!
Contact Lydford
Lydford, near Tavistock, Devon, EX20 4BH
How to visit Lydford Gorge in Dartmoor National Park
| How to Visit Lydford Gorge | |
|---|---|
| By Car | 1. Take the A30 road going south. 2. At the A386 junction, head towards Tavistock or Plymouth. 3. Follow the A386 until you see brown tourist signs pointing to Lydford Gorge and the waterfall. |
| By Bus | Take the bus that runs between Okehampton and Tavistock. It stops at both entrances of Lydford Gorge. |
| By Train | The nearest train station is in Okehampton, 10 miles away. From there, you can take a bus to the gorge. |
| By Foot or Bike | Walk along routes from Blackdown Moor or Mary Tavy, or use the National Cycle Network Route 27. |
| Why a Car is Easier | The area is quite remote and there aren’t many transport options. Having a car makes exploring Dartmoor National Park much easier. |
Lydford Gorge parking
At Lydford Gorge, there are two parking spots to make your visit easier, depending on what you want to see:
- Devil’s Cauldron Car Park (March – October): This is the best place to park if you want to hike the entire Lydford Gorge Trail, including visiting the Devil’s Cauldron.
- Waterfall Car Park (open all year): Park here if you just want to see the waterfall. The White Lady Waterfall is just a 20-minute walk from this car park. You can also walk to the Devil’s Cauldron from here, but starting from the larger car park might be easier.
Parking at Lydford Gorge is totally FREE, but you’ll need to pay to access the trails and see the waterfall.
Things to do at Lydford Gorge
When you get to Lydford Gorge in Dartmoor, there are lots of fun things to do!
You can visit a tearoom, go on amazing hikes, see beautiful waterfalls, and even check out a bookshop.
Here are all the magical things you can do at Lydford Gorge!
Lydford Gorge walk
- Waterfall Trail: This is a super easy 20-minute trail starting from the waterfall car park. You can choose a route with steps or without steps (though the non-steps route is still pretty steep). In the summer, you can hire trampers for an easier walk.
- Lydford Gorge Trail: This is the most popular hike and takes you to the Devil’s Cauldron, Pixie Glen, Tunnel Falls, and the White Lady Waterfall. Starting from the Devil’s Cauldron car park, this trail is about two miles long and takes around 2-3 hours. It’s the prettiest walk, and I definitely recommend doing it if you can.
Cross the Lydford Gorge suspension bridge
If you’re exploring the entire Lydford Gorge trail, you’ll find a really cool suspension bridge after Pixie Glen.
This bridge helps you cross the river to reach the White Lady Waterfall.
I have to be honest, the photos I took of the suspension bridge are a bit of a ‘cheat’.
The bridge was open when I visited, but the gate on the other side was locked, so I couldn’t continue the trail. That’s just how it is during winter!
It was still super fun to cross the bridge over the river, even if it didn’t lead anywhere. Plus, it made for an epic photo opportunity!
Explore White Lady Waterfall
The waterfall area is a great place to stop and relax for a while. There’s a clearing around the waterfall where you can take some great pictures.
Be careful—the rocks at the bottom of the waterfall can be very slippery, so watch your step if you want to get close.
In summer, this is the busiest part of the trail. If you want to have it to yourself for a few moments, you’ll need to arrive right at opening time.
Visit the Devil’s Cauldron & Pixie Glen
Ready for an awesome hike? When the summer trails open, you can start your adventure at the Devil’s Cauldron car park. This is where the fun begins!
First up, you’ll cross a cool suspension bridge. It feels a bit wobbly, but don’t worry, it’s super safe! After that, you’ll head to the arched bridge over Pixie Glen. Imagine little pixies living there – how magical!
Next, you’ll get to see the Victorian tunnel falls. These waterfalls are really old and look like something out of a fairy tale. The water rushes down, making a beautiful splash. It’s the perfect spot to take some pictures or just enjoy the view.
Keep going a little further, and you’ll reach the star of the show: the Devil’s Cauldron. The name might sound a bit spooky, but it’s totally awesome. To get there, you’ll go through a narrow opening, which feels like stepping into a secret world. Then, you’ll walk down some steep steps – hold on to the railing! – and cross another bridge. Here, you’ll see a stunning waterfall.
The Devil’s Cauldron got its name because the water falls into a swirling pothole, creating a noisy, bubbling sound. It’s like a natural cauldron bubbling with a magic potion!
So, grab your hiking boots and your sense of adventure, and get ready to explore the Devil’s Cauldron and Pixie Glen. It’s an adventure you won’t forget!
Lydford Gorge facilities
Hey there, adventurers! Before you head out on the awesome walking trails at Lydford Gorge, check out these cool spots:
| Spot | Details |
|---|---|
| Toilets | – Located at Devil’s Cauldron and Waterfall car parks. – Check opening times before you start! – No toilets inside the gorge. |
| Waterfall Tearoom | – Near the entrance to the White Lady Waterfall trail. – Perfect for snacks before your hike. |
| Devil’s Cauldron Tearoom | – Found at the Devil’s Cauldron car park. – Great for treats and drinks before or after exploring. |
| Second-hand Bookshop | – Browse for pre-loved books. – Find a new adventure to read about! |
Before you start your hike, make sure to use the toilets, grab a snack at the tearooms, and maybe even pick up a cool book. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure at Lydford Gorge!
Lydford Gorge opening times
Winter Adventures (October – March)
Lydford Gorge is open all year, but in the winter, there’s conservation work going on, so many trails and facilities are closed. From October to March, only the waterfall car park and the trail to the waterfall are open from 11 am to 3 pm. During this time, the toilets, tearoom, and visitor center are usually closed.
Best Time to Visit (Early March – Late October)
If you want to explore the entire trail and see the Devil’s Cauldron, plan your visit from early March to late October. During this period, everything is open and ready for you to explore!
Summer Fun (10 am – 4:30 pm)
In the summer, Lydford Gorge is at its best! All the trails and facilities are open from 10 am to 4:30 pm. This is the perfect time to enjoy everything Lydford Gorge has to offer.
Choose the best time for your visit and get ready for an amazing adventure at Lydford Gorge!
Lydford Gorge Hotels
| Hotel Name | Location | Room Facilities | Dining Facilities | Outdoor Activities | Other Amenities |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lydford House Hotel | Lydford, Devon | Comfy rooms with bathrooms, TVs, free Wi-Fi | Yummy restaurant with local food, cozy lounge | Pretty gardens to explore, close to walking trails | Free parking, pet-friendly, bike storage |
| The Dartmoor Inn | Lydford, Devon | Cute, decorated rooms with TVs, free Wi-Fi | Popular pub with tasty meals, traditional Devonshire food | Near hiking and biking trails in Dartmoor National Park | Free parking, pet-friendly, nice garden |
| The Castle Inn | Lydford, Devon | Spacious rooms with bathrooms, TVs, free Wi-Fi | Historic pub with yummy British food, local drinks | Big beer garden, great for relaxing after exploring | Free parking, pet-friendly, family-friendly |
| The Fox & Hounds Hotel | Bridestowe, Devon | Stylish rooms with bathrooms, TVs, free Wi-Fi | Restaurant with local food, bar with lots of drinks | Big gardens, close to Dartmoor walking and biking routes | Free parking, pet-friendly, children’s play area |
| Bearslake Inn | Sourton, Devon | Cozy rooms with rustic decor, bathrooms, TVs, free Wi-Fi | Restaurant with local ingredients, traditional pub | Large gardens with lovely views, direct access to trails | Free parking, pet-friendly, bike storage |
Pros and Cons of Visiting Lydford Gorge
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Awesome Scenery | Seasonal Closures |
| You’ll see beautiful waterfalls, lush trees, and cool rock formations. | Some trails and facilities are closed in the winter. |
| Fun Trails | Steep and Slippery Paths |
| Trails for everyone, from easy walks to more adventurous hikes. | Some trails can be steep and slippery, especially when it’s wet. |
| Cool History | Limited Winter Facilities |
| Check out historical spots like the old Victorian tunnel falls. | In winter, amenities like toilets and tearooms might not be open. |
| Wildlife and Nature | Can Get Crowded |
| Perfect for spotting animals and enjoying nature. | It can get really busy during peak visiting times. |
| Tearooms and Bookshop | Parking Fees |
| Enjoy snacks at the tearooms and browse for books in the second-hand shop. | There’s a fee to park in the car parks. |
Conclusion
Visiting Lydford Gorge was an amazing adventure! The beautiful scenery, with all the green trees and cool waterfalls, made every step exciting. The trails were a fun challenge, and there were also quiet spots to relax. The Devil’s Cauldron was super cool with its swirling water showing off nature’s power. We even saw different animals along the way, which made the hike even more interesting.
The Gorge has a lot of history and natural beauty, making it both fun and educational. Whether you love nature or just want a peaceful place to explore, Lydford Gorge has something for everyone. We left with big smiles and lots of great memories. This magical place is a perfect spot for anyone looking for adventure and peace in the great outdoors. If you enjoyed this post and want to read more like it, here are some recommendations:
FAQs
1. When is Lydford Gorge open?
Lydford Gorge is open year-round, but access to trails and facilities varies by season.
2. What are the winter opening times?
From October to March, only the waterfall car park and the trail to the waterfall are open from 11 am to 3 pm.
3. Are any facilities open in winter?
During winter, the toilets, tearoom, and visitor center are typically closed.
4. What are the best months to visit Lydford Gorge?
The best time to visit is from early March to late October when all trails and facilities are open.
5. What are the summer opening times?
In summer, Lydford Gorge is open from 10 am to 4:30 pm.
6. Are there toilets at Lydford Gorge?
Yes, there are toilets at both the Devil’s Cauldron and Waterfall car parks, but they are closed in winter.
7. Can you get food and drinks at Lydford Gorge?
Yes, there are tearooms at both the Devil’s Cauldron and Waterfall car parks, but they are closed in winter.
8. Is there a visitor center at Lydford Gorge?
Yes, there is a visitor center, but it is closed during the winter months.
9. Are dogs allowed at Lydford Gorge?
Yes, dogs are allowed but must be kept on a lead at all times.
10. Is there parking available?
Yes, there are car parks at both the Devil’s Cauldron and the Waterfall entrances.