AD - This is an advert for August 2024. Any edits / shares beyond this date have not been asked or paid for. It's really important you check with the venue direct for the most up-to-date info as this can change (especially opening hours). You can do that here: https://www.raby.co.uk/high-force/waterfall/
This post is based on a visit in August 2024 but does contain a few photos from previous visits too.
High Force Waterfall is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in England. Located at Forest-in-Teesdale in the Durham Dales, it's a stunning part of North East England and certainly worth a visit.
The waterfall falls an impressive 21 metres and the surrounding rocks date back over 300 million years! You can physically see the changes in the rock formation and there are information boards where you can learn more.
On our most recent trip, we visited with our teenage daughter and her boyfriend and they loved it. Previously, we have visited with younger children and we have visited with grandparents too. High Force Waterfall will impress all ages.
After paying for parking and purchasing / collecting tickets & a complimentary trail from the ticket booth in the car park, you'll need to cross a moderately busy road to access the waterfall entrance so do take care with young children / those less mobile.
A member of staff will greet you at the gate, check tickets and provide safety advice / any points of interest.
It's a gentle sloping walk down to the waterfall along a wide, lightly gravelled path. This should be suitable for most all-terrain pushchairs, some wheelchairs and trampers. You can hire trampers for this route via Outdoor Mobility.
There are a couple of benches along the route if seating is required.
Do keep in mind that on the way back, you'll be going up hill. It's not too steep and I feel like I'd be able to push a toddler in a pushchair but may struggle pushing an adult in a wheelchair. Some would be able to manage though.
I think most toddlers will manage the walk, just make sure you are super vigilent and hold onto them when you're near the water at the end of the walk.
The walk down to the waterfall is pretty short and less than a mile there and back. Last time we spent 40 minutes there and if it's your first time, I'd set aside around an hour to enjoy.
You actually hear the waterfall before you see it. It's so powerful! We mentioned if A Quiet Place ever does happen in real life, this will be the place to base yourself.
Below is a nice and safe viewing point for all.
As you reach the waterfall, there are steps down to the rocks below. Wheelchair users / those who don't wish to descend the steps can still see the waterfall from the viewing point without going down onto the rocks.
At the bottom of the steps you can stand on a flat surface and read more about the waterfall as you admire it's beauty and power. It's just incredible.
Lots of people venture further down onto the rocks and find a place to sit and just take it all in for a while. Do take care, especially in wet/frosty weather and DO NOT ENTER THE WATER (or allow your children or dogs to either). The currents are super strong here and not to be dramatic but people have badly injured themselves (and worse) here.
It's really easy to enjoy the waterfall safely. Just don't take unnecessary risks.
Seasonal Waterfall Trails
Regular seasonal trails run across the year at High Force Waterfall and they are usually included with admission. Make sure you pick up a copy and a pencil from the ticket booth in the car park on arrival.
Over Summer 2024, visitors can enjoy a complimentary 'Folk and Fairytales' trail. This trail is available daily over summer and includes a trail sheet and colouring.
Spot the Folk and Fairytales boards as you descend towards the waterfall. Find all of the items on your checklist and unscramble the letters to discover Darcey the Dragon's favourite food.
The trail is fantastic quality and nice for kids (or big kids) to complete. If you enjoy trails like this, make sure you also check out the Alice in Wonderland trail at nearby Plotters' Forest this summer.
Over Summer 2024, visitors can enjoy a complimentary 'Folk and Fairytales' trail. This trail is available daily over summer and includes a trail sheet and colouring.
Spot the Folk and Fairytales boards as you descend towards the waterfall. Find all of the items on your checklist and unscramble the letters to discover Darcey the Dragon's favourite food.
The trail is fantastic quality and nice for kids (or big kids) to complete. If you enjoy trails like this, make sure you also check out the Alice in Wonderland trail at nearby Plotters' Forest this summer.
These trails do change across the year, so make sure you check what's on before visiting or ask at the kiosk on arrival.
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The colouring sheet on reverse is ideal to complete if you book lunch at High Force Hotel afterwards. Just ask on arrival for their colouring pencils / crayons.
The Walk Back
There are two ways you can walk back up to the waterfall entrance. The circular route takes you up some steps and across more rugged and natural woodland landscape. The incline feels a little sharper on this route too and it is not suitable for pushchairs / wheelchairs.
Alternatively (which is the route I prefer), you can just retrace your original steps using the proper path.
Alternatively (which is the route I prefer), you can just retrace your original steps using the proper path.
Just before the exit, you'll spot this fabulous storytelling chair as both of the returning routes merge.
Dining at High Force Hotel
High Force Hotel is located at just across the road from the waterfall entrance and is the perfect place to stop for drinks or a bite to eat.
Food is served daily from 12noon-8pm and I would definitely recommend booking in advance either by calling 01833 622336 or online here: https://www.raby.co.uk/high-force/hotel/eat/
Walk ins can be accommodated if there is space.
They serve lunch and evening meals or a traditional Sunday roast on a Sunday. You can just pop in for coffee and cake. Do keep an eye on their events page for special afternoon tea events too.
To the rear of the hotel you'll find a lovely terrace which is a real sun trap. Ideal for a cold drink in the sunshine.
Food is served daily from 12noon-8pm and I would definitely recommend booking in advance either by calling 01833 622336 or online here: https://www.raby.co.uk/high-force/hotel/eat/
Walk ins can be accommodated if there is space.
They serve lunch and evening meals or a traditional Sunday roast on a Sunday. You can just pop in for coffee and cake. Do keep an eye on their events page for special afternoon tea events too.
To the rear of the hotel you'll find a lovely terrace which is a real sun trap. Ideal for a cold drink in the sunshine.
I can never resist their Sunday Roast and think a waterfall walk followed by a proper Sunday lunch is one of the best ways to spend a Sunday.
Service is relaxed and there's no rush here. I've enjoyed a Sunday Lunch here three times now and it usually takes around 1hour 30minutes for 2 courses and drinks.
The interior is lovely and homely and there are some dedicated dog-friendly areas.
The interior is lovely and homely and there are some dedicated dog-friendly areas.
Menus do change regularly but in August 2024, it was £15.50 - £19.50 for a Sunday Roast. Children aged 12 and under can enjoy a children's portion for £9.50. Roasts are served with fresh seasonal vegetables, roast potatoes, mash, stuffing, yorkshire pudding and rich gravy.
Gluten Free and Vegan options are available.
We weren't provided with a wine list on our last visit but I ordered a glass of Merlot and it was very good. Deliciously smooth and perfect to accompany my roast beef.
A Vegan / Vegetarian Nut Roast is available and Dee really enjoyed this. They bring out a separate jug of veggie gravy too.
The rest of us ordered the roast beef and the portions were so good. Served on our plate were three thick slices of roast beef which instantly melted in the mouth, a fabulous homemade yorkshire pudding, super creamy mash, stuffing and homemade roast potatoes served in a bit of a jus.
Then to share there is a plate of seasonal veg (the cauliflower cheese was so good) and a jug of thick gravy.
Everything was fantastic and cooked really well. No hard or overcooked veggies here. If I had one criticism it would be that on first look, the plate of veggies between 4 adults is on the small side however we did actually have some left over so I can't complain.
Everything was fantastic and cooked really well. No hard or overcooked veggies here. If I had one criticism it would be that on first look, the plate of veggies between 4 adults is on the small side however we did actually have some left over so I can't complain.
If you're a veggie loving family though, I'd ask for extra.
Onto dessserts and most of the table ordered Sticky Toffee Pudding (£8.50) which rounded off our meal nicely. I can never resist and this one was a fantastic portion size too - big enough to split I'd say.
Steve ordered the Bramley Apple and Sultana Crumble which he thoroughly enjoyed and would recommend.
A 10% service charge is added to the bill and our two course Sunday Roast for 4 adults was £120 with drinks which is what I'd expect to pay for somewhere nice like this. There is a 10% discretionary service charge.
A 10% service charge is added to the bill and our two course Sunday Roast for 4 adults was £120 with drinks which is what I'd expect to pay for somewhere nice like this. There is a 10% discretionary service charge.
You can also buy refreshments and snacks from the kiosk in the car park and I must admit, I was jealous of everyone walking down to the waterfall with a hot drink. Next time, I'll be purchasing one to enjoy by the waterfall. Prices below.
Extend Your Walk to Low Force Waterfall
I just love it here and both waterfalls are definitely worth seeing.
Essential Information & Tips
- Address: The High Force Hotel. Alston Road. Forest-in-Teesdale. Co.Durham. DL12 0XH
- Tickets: Can be purchased in advance online (for couples / families) or on the day from the kiosk in the car park. Tickets are £3.50 per adult, £2 per child (aged 5-15 years), under 5s are free. Discounted tickets for families / couples can be booked online.
- Special Events & Tours: When planning your day, do check out the 'What's On' section of the High Force Waterfall website. There are regular events and guided tours which look fab.
- Access: The route is a gentle decline on a surfaced path with light gravel in places. Suitable for most all terrain pushchairs, trampers and some wheelchairs. Keep in mind it's uphill on the way back. The very last section of the walk involves steps but you can skip these and still enjoy the waterfall. There is seating along the route, blue badge parking and an accessible toilet in the car park.
- Parking: An on-site car park is managed by an external provider. It's £3 for 3 hours or £6 for 6 hours. Limited motorhome spaces are available to be pre-booked and are charged at £12 per night.
On arrival, scan the QR code in the car park (this worked for us but beware there is limited phone signal), pay at the machine near the car park entrance (cash or card), call 0330 333 8434 and enter location code 11810 or use the Your Parking Space app (I'd recommend downloading in advance). Any problems, pop to the kiosk or hotel and they'll be happy to assist. - Location: A 1 hour 15 minute drive from Newcastle / 1 hour drive from Durham. It's a beautiful part of the world with rolling hills, countryside views and fields filled with sheep.
- Public Transport: The 73 Hodgsons bus stops outside of the hotel on Wednesdays only (Barnard Castle to Langdon Beck). Do check up to date timetables before heading out.
- Dogs: Are welcome on leads along the waterfall walk route and inside the dog friendly areas in the hotel. Do not allow dogs to enter the water.
- Toilets: Free toilets (including accessible and baby change) are available to use in the car park and customer toilets are available inside the hotel.
- Safety: Follow safety advice, keep to the paths and don't enter the water. The current is very strong.
- Opening Hours: Open daily from 10am-4pm
- Find out more: https://www.raby.co.uk/high-force/waterfall/
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