If you’re looking for the most beautiful waterfalls in England, you’ll find them here. The Lake District is a waterfall lover’s dream. From fairytale falls that shoot through narrow canyons, to those with turquoise pools that wouldn’t look out of place in Bali. Prefer an infinity pool perched on top of a huge cliffside waterfall? We have you covered.
Although we’re sharing a few of the Lake’s most famous falls, this list is biased towards our passion when it comes to waterfalls, and that’s those you can swim under. There’s nothing like staring up at a waterfall from inside the crystal clear water, and if that’s your thing too, then you’ll find the best swimming spots in England in this post. From those which are easy strolls, to a few that are slightly harder to reach.
You can consider this article a work in progress as we have plenty more waterfall adventures planned!
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These are the 16 best waterfalls in the Lake District:
1: Scale Force
2: Whorneyside Force
3: Rydal Grot
4: Taylor Gill Force
5: Sour Milk Ghyll
6: Stock Ghyll Force
7: Spout Force
8: Chockstone Falls
9: Fisher Gill Falls
10: Aira Force
11: Ritsons Force
12: Stanley Ghyll Waterfall
13: Coniston Secret Waterfall
14: Skelwith Force
15: Eskdale Waterfalls
16: Warnscale Beck Falls
16 Amazing Waterfalls in the Lake District
1. Scale Force
Walk length: 4.2 miles (6.8km) return
Difficulty: Moderate
If I was randomly dropped at Scale Force and asked where I thought I was, I’d say New Zealand (or maybe Iceland). If you told me I was in the Lake District, I’d be gobsmacked.
In terms of majesty it has to be one of the most incredible waterfalls in England. The water cascades into a narrow mossy chasm and the walls are so high that no light can penetrate. The atmosphere is other worldly.
However, reaching the most spectacular part of the falls, the upper falls, does require a scramble - which is probably why even in the busy summer holidays we got the entire thing to ourselves.
If you only want to see the lower falls (not the best view) then the walk doesn’t involve any scrambling. Although the track is generally in good condition, small parts of it can be boggy year round.
All the details on the walk and what it’s like to swim there are in this guide.
2. Whorneyside Force
Walk length: 3.7 miles (6km) return
Difficulty: Moderate
Sitting under the shadow of Crinkle Crags, in one of the Lake District’s most spectacular valleys, you’ll find a secluded waterfall.
The setting is dramatic and the crystal clear swimming hole at the base is easily one of my favourite places to take a dip in the Lakes.
However, you don’t have to be a fan of wild swimming to enjoy a visit. It’s a beautiful place simply to sit and relax by the water.
You can reach Whorneyside Force via a strenuous circuit hike taking in the fabulous Crinkle Crags, or using a direct route, which is a pretty easy walk. There is no scrambling required to reach the falls and for the most part the trail is in very good condition. There are some uphill sections, but also plenty of flat track.
You can read more in our Whorneyside Force guide.
3. Rydal Grot
Walk length: Five minutes each way
Difficulty: Easy
Rydal Grot is a magical little spot and one of the easiest to get to on this list. The pretty waterfall cascades into an emerald pool and it’s hard to believe such a lovely spot is both free to visit, and a mere five minute easy stroll.
What makes it unique is the little stone hut that sits in front of the falls. You can sit in the window seat, which feels like you’ve stepped into the pages of a children’s storybook.
You can’t swim in the pool, but it’s more than enough to simply sit and take in the idyllic scene. As the grot becomes more well known it will be harder to get it to yourself, so you might want to visit early or late if you’re travelling in peak season or at the weekend.
The closest parking is all paid parking, try and snag a spot beside the church which is cheaper than at Rydal Mount (but is right beside the entry gates).
4. Taylor Gill Force
Walk length: 2 mile (3.2km) return
Difficulty: Moderate
Taylor Gill Force is one of the tallest and most impressive waterfalls in the Lake District. It tumbles down the cliffside, surrounded by beautiful larch trees and backed by the rugged Seathwaite Fell.
There are a couple of ways to reach the falls and we chose the quickest route, which takes you through some spectacular scenery.
The path is almost entirely flat, but can be quite rocky and boggy in parts, especially after heavy rainfall. There's a very short, easy scramble to reach the viewpoint, which is a lovely, secluded spot to take in the falls.
All the details on the route we took to Taylor Gill Force are in this guide.
5. Sour Milk Ghyll
Walk length: 2 miles (3.2km) return
Difficulty: Moderate
Sour Milk Ghyll might be small, but it’s perfectly formed, and the setting is simply stunning. The waterfall cascades over the cliff side with gorgeous views out to the surrounding fells.
The pool has a beautiful peridot colour water, which was very striking in the late afternoon sunshine. It’s also the warmest swimming spot I’ve been to in the Lakes so far!
The walk to get there is on a well formed track, although it’s cobbled in parts in typical Lake District fashion. There is a steepish climb to get there, but it doesn’t last too long and it’s more than worth it.
You can read more, including details on a second swimming spot, in this guide.
6. Stock Ghyll Force
Walk length: 0.75 miles (1.2km) circuit - plus 750m each way if walking from the village
Difficulty: Easy
Given that it’s located in Ambleside, Stock Ghyll Force is one of the better known waterfalls in the Lake District. The picturesque double drop waterfall is set in pretty woodland, and flows through a striking ravine.
It’s gorgeous at any time of year, but if you’re visiting in autumn, you’ll be treated to some wonderful fall colours.
The waterfall can be accessed via an easy walking trail, or you can make a circuit, which has a small amount of climbing and some muddy patches.
The only disappointment is that unlike on our previous visit, you can no longer access the base of the falls, and therefore there is no swimming to be had! All the details are in our Stock Ghyll Force guide.
7. Spout Force
Walk length: 1 mile (1.6km) return
Difficulty: Easy - moderate
Spout Force is an atmospheric gorge waterfall with a tiny plunge pool at the base. The gorge walls are covered in moss and bracken and their height gives the waterfall a secluded hidden away feel.
The official lookout offers a poor view as it’s heavily obscured by foliage, the way to really experience Spout Force is from the unofficial path leading to the base of the falls.
This involves a short section of rock hopping and around a minute or so in the river (depending on water levels) if you want to get to the pool itself. It's not difficult, but can be a touch slippery and care is required along the last 100m.
You can read all the details in our Spout Force guide.
8. Chockstone Falls
Walk length: 1.4 miles (2.4km) return
Difficulty: Easy to the top of the falls, moderate to the bottom
FYI, the name of this waterfall is not Chockstone Falls, but we weren’t able to find out the real name, so christened it after the chockstone that it flows under!
It’s a fabulous canyonesque waterfall that I never see anyone talk about which is pretty mind boggling.
There’s a little rock wedged between the cliffs at the top of the falls, which gives it a dramatic and wild feel. The waterfall flows into a crystal clear pool and swimming here feels very special.
Although reaching the top of the falls is easy and on a well maintained track, getting to the base does involve a short scramble. There are plenty of hand and footholds to get down the steep dirt track, as well as tree roots for stability. It takes just a few minutes, but would be slippery after rain, so it does require care.
You can read more about the falls, as well as several other stunning waterfalls along the same track (which we haven’t listed in this article) here.
9. Fisher Gill Falls
Walk length: 2.1 miles (3.5km) return
Difficulty: Moderate
This is not the only infinity pool in the Lake District, but it is one of the most beautiful. It’s perched on top of a waterfall high on the hillside, with epic fell views, and has the perfect little swimming hole part way up.
It really is a magical spot.
However, the pool is small and best enjoyed with as few people as possible - which can be a challenge to achieve as it’s not a very long or difficult walk (although you do have a bit of a climb on a narrow track).
For this reason, we’d recommend coming early or late. We opted for sunset, which was a captivating time to be up there.
Given this is a pool on top of a huge waterfall, you need to be very careful about when you visit, please read all the details, including the safety warning in this guide.
10. Aira Force
Walk length: 1 mile (1.6km) return
Difficulty: Easy
Aira Force is probably the best known waterfall in the Lakes and it is incredibly picturesque. It sits underneath an old stone bridge and flows into a fern covered rocky chasm.
The whole effect is very charming.
Another reason for its popularity is that it can be reached via an easy well maintained trail. If you don’t want to walk up the steps to the top of the waterfall, it’s predominantly flat and any inclines are very gradual.
If you’re keen to explore further, there are several secret swimming spots in the High Cascades above the main falls. Here’s how to find them.
Although you can reach the falls via longer tracks, the quickest route is definitely one of the best easy walks in the Lake District.
11. Ritsons Force
Walk length: 0.7 miles (1.2km) return
Difficulty: Easy
Ritson's Force is one of those magical places that makes you instantly grateful to be alive! The turquoise water is crystal clear and flows into a series of picture perfect swimming holes, it’s the stuff dreams are made of.
Unbelievably, despite it being located in Wasdale Head (the start of the trail to Scafell Pike and one of the busiest places in the Lake District) it hides in plain sight and remains something of an unknown.
The waterfall has a series of drops, each with its own unique beauty. Our favourite spot was the cave falls, but to be honest every cascade was breathtaking. This is one waterfall where ideally you don’t want to visit after too much rain though, as the spectacular electric blue water becomes a lot darker.
In terms of the walk, it’s very easy and barely has any uphill whatsoever. You can find out more details in our Ritsons Force guide.
12. Stanley Ghyll Waterfall
Walk length: 1.7 mile (2.7km) loop
Difficulty: Easy
Stanley Ghyll Waterfall is one of the most atmospheric in the Lake District. It plunges into a sheer ravine and the force of the water and dramatic scenery make for a mesmerising scene.
The walk to get there is also gorgeous, taking you alongside multiple cascades and through fabulous mossy woodland.
It’s relatively flat until near the end when there is a short but steep climb to the viewpoint. The stone steps are uneven, but they only last for 250m.
Unfortunately due to ongoing rockfall risk, the bottom of the falls is closed and therefore you can no longer swim here. It’s unclear whether it will reopen, but even if it doesn’t, a trip to the upper falls is still very much worthwhile.
You can find out more details on the track in Stanley Ghyll Waterfall guide.
13. Coniston Secret Waterfall
Walk length: 2.2 miles (3.5km) return
Difficulty: Moderate
If you think you need to fly to a far off tropical destination to get your turquoise water fix, think again. You can actually find it right here in the Lake District!
We couldn’t believe it either, and yet even when we visited and the waterfall was in shadow, the water was still undeniably turquoise and absolutely exquisite.
In the sunshine, it would rival the prettiest turquoise water we’ve seen anywhere in the world.
The only downside to this spectacular spot is that it’s not the easiest to reach. The walk itself is pretty straightforward, but accessing the pool requires a scramble. If you’re used to off track hiking and happy to scramble, read this guide for directions.
14. Skelwith Force
Walk length: 100m each way (via the quickest route)
Difficulty: Easy
Skelwith Force might not be the biggest waterfall in the Lake District, but it’s both beautiful and powerful. The water flows through a narrow mossy chasm which creates a bubbling mass of white water, it’s mesmerising to watch.
You can reach the falls via several different tracks, most of which are very quick and easy. That makes it an ideal spot to head to if you’re in the Lakes on a wet day, but still want to get outside. The more it’s rained, the more impressive the waterfall will be.
The walk is almost entirely flat and the only bit you need to watch out for is the very last few metres, which are rocky and can be slippery.
All the details on the walk, as well as another waterfall nearby (not on this list) are in this guide.
15. Eskdale Waterfalls
Walk length: Up to 4.3 miles (6.9km) return, but can be shorter if you visit less falls
Difficulty: Easy
Normally we would pick out just one waterfall from the track, but honestly that’s a very tough job when you see the sensational spots on offer here. Although no one waterfall is huge, each is utterly spectacular.
Along the same river (and walking track) you’ll find crystal clear swimming holes ranging from turquoise to emerald green. It must be one of the best wild swimming walks in the world.
Added to that, the walk itself is very pretty, with some great fell views. It’s an easy track that is flat for the majority of the way.
The only thing to watch out for is a little bit of boggy terrain, not to reach every pool, but to reach a couple of goodies. You can see which are effected, as well as all other details in this guide.
16. Warnscale Beck Falls
Walk length: 2.6 miles (4.3km) return
Difficulty: Easy
This is another waterfall which has created a series of smaller cascades and a range of different swimming holes. One of which is yet another dramatic Lake District infinity pool. It’s undeniably glorious and the view is one to remember.
However, the infinity pool is the lowest pool, if you venture a little higher up the cliff side then you’ll find a series of other swimming holes.
We love the small canyon falls which only has a tiny plunge pool, but is incredibly atmospheric.
Reaching the bottom of the falls is easy, and the walk is mainly flat and along a good path - almost to the pool itself. Climbing higher will see you traversing rougher terrain, but you don’t need to go much higher to find the other pools and cascades. It does get a little boggy the higher you climb though, even in summer.
You can find out more about how to reach the higher pools here.
Keep them wild
Please remember to take all rubbish with you and keep these places wild and pristine - as with anywhere in the outdoors. It’s important to leave them exactly as you found them so they will remain beautiful for generations to come.
Litter tends to breed litter, so if you do spot any and are able to pick it up and dispose of it outside the park, it will go a long way to keeping the area clean.
Wild swimming safety
All the spots on this list are wild and have no safety measures in place. Know your own limits. There are shallow spots on this list suitable for anyone, but others are very deep. Expect the water to be cold and go in bit by bit if you’re not used to cold water swimming.
Don’t swim if water has become discoloured, as this can indicate flooding and can present dangerous currents.
Some of the spots on our list are not signposted, so carry directions with you and check our individual guides for details on track conditions
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