Last Updated on December 11, 2025 by Suzy McCullough
North Yorkshire has some beautiful waterfalls, many of which are easy to reach, even with young children. From short woodland walks to gentle trails, these spots offer a chance to enjoy rushing water, explore nature, and spend some time outdoors without the need for a long hike. They’re simple, scenic escapes that the whole family can enjoy.
Most of the waterfalls are over on the western edge of the North Yorkshire Moors National Park. Three of them are over on the east. We shall take a look at the waterfalls in the east first.
Map Marker A – Hayburn Wyke Waterfall
Hayburn Wyke Waterfall, near Scalby, just north of Scarborough, is a small but charming cascade set in peaceful woodland. It’s an easy walk from the nearby car park, which can be found by turning off the Whitby road and following signs for Ravenscar. There is a right-hand turn for Hayburn Wyke off this road. The waterfall tumbles into a shallow pool close to the sea and onto the beach. It is surrounded by greenery, making it a lovely, low‑key spot for a quick break. More info in this post.
Map Marker B – Falling Foss Waterfall
The walk down to Falling Foss Waterfall is anything but easy. You can, however, view it easily from the top, close to the tea room. This is also well worth a visit, as they make the tastiest sandwiches and the most divine scones. The photo below shows the view from the top. A short, well-marked walk from the small car park leads you to the falls, making it perfect for families with children. The water tumbles into a shallow pool surrounded by trees and rocks. More about Falling Foss
Map Marker C – Mallyan Spout
Mallyan Spout, near Goathland in North Yorkshire, is the county’s tallest waterfall and easily accessible via a short walk from the B1410. We parked further down in the village as parking at the pub is not permitted unless you are staying or eating there. The trail is a downhill walk, which isn’t too steep. Once down by the river, you need to turn left. You will need to scramble over rocks to reach the falls. This isn’t easy for smaller kids, so you may want to wait until they are bigger to visit this one. It’s probably the hardest of all the waterfall walks, but only really because of the last few meters. It’s a striking spot to enjoy the scenery and take photos.
And now over to the west
Map Marker A – Janet’s Foss
Janet’s Foss, near Malham, is a picturesque waterfall and small limestone pool tucked into a peaceful woodland setting. It’s an easy walk from the car park, suitable for families and little legs. The waterfall gently tumbles into a shallow, clear pool surrounded by mossy rocks and trees, making it a perfect spot for a quiet stop, photos, or for children to paddle under supervision. The main parking for Janet’s Foss is the Malham car park, officially known as Chapel Gate, with overflow parking often available during busy periods. From the car park, you can reach the waterfall by crossing the footbridge over the river and following the riverside path downstream. There are a few rocks to scramble over near the waterfall.
Map Marker B – Stainforth Force
Stainforth Force, located just outside Settle, is a striking waterfall on the River Ribble that’s simple to reach from a nearby car park. The river tumbles over broad rocks into a shallow pool, framed by trees and open greenery. It’s a great place to pause, listen to the roar of the water, and enjoy a peaceful spot in nature without needing to tackle a long walk. From the National Park car park, follow the Pennine Bridleway signs under the road, through a picnic area, and over the railway. After crossing over the narrow bridge, take the footpath through the fields and you will be treated to one of the National Park’s most popular beauty spots.
Map Marker C – Ingleton Waterfalls Trail
The Ingleton Waterfall Trails, near the village of Ingleton, offer a scenic circular route through woodland and along the River Twiss and River Doe, connecting a series of waterfalls. The trails are well-maintained and suitable for families, with car parks at either end and clearly marked paths. Along the walk, you’ll encounter a variety of falls, from gentle cascades to dramatic drops, all set against lush greenery and rocky gorges, making it a rewarding and picturesque day out in the Yorkshire Dales. More about the trail (there is a charge for this one)
Map Marker D – Cotter Force
Cotter Force can be found near the village of Catterick in North Yorkshire. It is a charming little waterfall set along a short, easy-to-follow trail. The water cascades gently over moss-covered rocks into a small pool, surrounded by trees. It’s a peaceful spot that’s perfect for a brief stop, a few photos, or letting children explore safely close to the water’s edge. There is lay-by parking in a well-defined tarmacked parking area. There is enough room for around 6 cars. Close by, you will find Hardrww Force, listed below.
Map Marker E – Hardraw Force
Hardraw Force is hidden away behind the Green Dragon Inn near Hawes. It is England’s highest single-drop waterfall and it is a spectacular sight. A short, level walk from the nearby car park leads you through a scenic woodland path to the falls. The water plunges dramatically over a rocky cliff. The parking for Hardraw Force is available at the Green Dragon Inn in Hardraw. Free parking is usually offered if you pay the £4 adult admission fee to see the waterfall, though it’s best to confirm with the pub.
Map Marker F – Aysgarth Falls
Aysgarth Falls, close to the village of Aysgarth, is actually a series of three sections of waterfalls along the River Ure. The easiest way to see the falls is from the visitor centre car park, with short, gentle paths leading down to the river. You need to head off in either direction to see different sections of the falls. Both areas are easy to reach and give you a chance to explore the different cascades without needing a long walk. More about Aysgarth Falls. Close by, you will find Cauldron Falls listed below.
Map Marker G – Cauldron Falls
Cauldron Falls, also called West Burton Falls are close to the village of the same name. It is a small but charming waterfall tucked into a quiet corner of the village. It’s easy to reach with a short walk from the nearby car park or even from the village itself. Free street parking is available in the village of West Burton on a street called Front Nook, but be respectful of the local residents. The water tumbles over a series of rocks into a shallow pool, making it a nice, low‑key spot for a quick stop or to let kids dip their toes under supervision.
Map Marker H – Harmby Waterfall
Harmby Waterfall is a hidden gem tucked just behind a row of houses in the village of Harmby, near Masham. A short stroll from the roadside brings you to the waterfall, where water tumbles over a rocky ledge into a shallow pool. It’s a quiet, tucked-away spot that’s perfect for a brief stop. There isn’t a car park, but it is possible to stop nearby. The waterfall is a 5-minute walk from the main road.
