The first thing that surprised me about Aysgarth Falls in the Yorkshire Dales was that they’re not one waterfall but three separate cascades spread across nearly a mile of the River Ure. The second surprise was watching families paddling in the upper falls’ pools whilst I’d been expecting “keep off the water” signs. This is Yorkshire‘s most accessible waterfall experience — you can wade across parts of it in summer, or simply admire the torrent from well-maintained woodland paths when the river’s in spate.
To check out a Yorkshire Dales tour from York that visits Aysgarth Falls, head this way.
Quick overview
How much does Aysgarth Falls cost? The waterfalls themselves are completely free to visit. The only charge is parking at the Yorkshire Dales National Park Centre car park — £6.00 for over two hours, or £3.80 for up to two hours (with an extra free hour for Blue Badge holders). An alternative car park across the river charges hourly rates that work out more expensive for longer stays, so the National Park Centre represents better value.
Yorkshire Dales day tours from York are the best bet for non-drivers.
The falls are accessible year-round, with the National Park Visitor Centre currently open weekends only, 10am–3:30pm (closed throughout January, with special Christmas week opening). This tends to change in school holidays, however.
The waterfalls themselves have no opening hours or restrictions — you can visit at any time. The 5-minute walk from the car park to Upper Force is straightforward, whilst the longer trek to Lower Force takes about 20 minutes through Freeholders’ Wood and offers the most dramatic scenery when water levels permit river access.
At a glance
| Price | Opening hours | Address | Free for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free (parking £6.00 for over 2 hours) | Waterfalls: 24/7. Visitor Centre: weekends 10am–3:30pm | Church Bank, Aysgarth, Leyburn, DL8 3TH | Everyone (parking charges apply) |
How much does Aysgarth Falls cost?
The waterfalls are free to view. Parking charges apply at both available car parks.
| Ticket type | Price | Who qualifies |
|---|---|---|
| Aysgarth Falls admission | Free | Everyone |
| National Park Centre car park (up to 2 hours) | £3.80 | All vehicles (Blue Badge holders get 3 hours) |
| National Park Centre car park (over 2 hours) | £6.00 | All vehicles |
| National Park Centre car park (24 hours) | £7.00 | All vehicles |
| Falls car park (hourly) | £1.50/hour | All vehicles |
| Falls car park (all day) | £6.00 | All vehicles |
| Annual YDNPA parking pass | £62.00 | Valid in all 10 Yorkshire Dales National Park car parks |
The Yorkshire Dales National Park Centre car park offers the better deal for most visitors — £6.00 for over two hours provides better value than the Falls car park’s hourly charges, which accumulate to £6.00 for four hours. The National Park Centre also provides closer access to facilities including toilets, the visitor centre, and The Coppice Café.
Payment at the National Park Centre is card-only at machines, though you can pay cash inside the visitor centre during opening hours (currently weekends only). The car park and toilets remain accessible even when the visitor centre is closed. Electric vehicle charging points are available.
An honesty box at the entrance to Upper Force suggests a £1 donation towards path maintenance, though this is voluntary.
What time does Aysgarth Falls open?
The waterfalls are accessible 24/7, year-round. There are no gates, barriers, or restrictions on when you can walk to the three falls — Upper Force, Middle Force, and Lower Force.
The Coppice Café (behind the visitor centre) operates independently with its own hours. Contact them directly on 01969 663763 for current opening times.
The car park and toilets remain open and accessible even when the visitor centre is closed, so you can visit the falls at any time.
Do I need to book Aysgarth Falls tickets in advance?
No. The waterfalls require no booking, no tickets, and have no capacity limits. Simply turn up, park, and walk. The challenge isn’t access — it’s finding a parking space during peak times.
The Yorkshire Dales National Park Centre car park has approximately 80 spaces and fills quickly on sunny weekends and during school holidays, particularly in summer when families descend for paddling and picnics. Arriving before 10am virtually guarantees a space. After 3pm, availability improves as day visitors depart.
The alternative Falls car park (near the A684 junction) offers more spaces (approximately 120) but sits at the top of a steep hill requiring a challenging walk down to the waterfalls — a 25% gradient that several mobility-impaired visitors have found problematic. If you have any mobility concerns, use the National Park Centre car park despite potential wait times.
A Tramper (all-terrain wheelchair) is available for visitors with mobility issues, providing access to Upper Force and Middle Force. Book through the Access to the Dales website or call the centre directly — advance booking is strongly recommended as only one Tramper is available.
Parking
Yorkshire Dales National Park Centre car park (postcode: DL8 3TH): This 80-space car park behind the visitor centre provides the best access to all three falls. £3.80 for up to 2 hours, £6.00 for over 2 hours, £7.00 for 24 hours. Pay by card at machines or cash inside the centre during opening hours. Toilets available. Electric vehicle charging points. Blue Badge holders receive one extra free hour on the 2-hour ticket. The car park remains open when the visitor centre is closed.
Falls car park (Church Bank, near A684 junction): Larger capacity (approximately 120 spaces) but less convenient location. £1.50 per hour or £6.00 all day. This car park sits at the top of a steep 25% gradient hill requiring a challenging descent to reach the waterfalls. Several visitors with mobility issues have reported difficulty. Coach parking is available here but not at the National Park Centre.
Alternative free parking: Some visitors report finding limited free roadside parking on minor roads near the village of Aysgarth, though availability is extremely restricted and involves longer walks to the falls.
Getting there without a car: Bus 156 (Little White Bus) runs from Leyburn to Aysgarth, though advance booking is usually required. DalesBus 856 operates Sundays during summer months from Northallerton through Leyburn to Aysgarth and Hawes. Services are infrequent — a car is genuinely more practical.
The Yorkshire Dales day tours from York are the best bet for non-drivers, however. These tours also visit Bolton Castle, the Wensleydale Creamery, Beggarman’s Pass and Grassington.
History
Aysgarth Falls formed over millennia as the River Ure carved through successive layers of limestone, creating the distinctive stepped cascades visible today. The river drops approximately 30 metres over its nearly mile-long journey through three main stages — Upper Force, Middle Force, and Lower Force. Each “force” (from Old Norse fors, meaning waterfall) comprises multiple smaller cascades tumbling over broad limestone ledges rather than plunging vertically.
The surrounding Freeholders’ Wood, which envelops Middle and Lower Force, is ancient woodland that provided timber and grazing rights to local landowners for centuries. The name “Aysgarth” derives from Old Norse, meaning “open space between the oak trees” — though you’d struggle to find many oak trees now, with ash and sycamore dominating.
The falls gained literary attention when William Wordsworth visited in 1807 and subsequently mentioned them in his poetry. Artist J.M.W. Turner sketched the falls during his 1816 tour of Yorkshire, capturing their power during winter spate. But the location’s true fame arrived in 1991 when Kevin Costner and Morgan Freeman filmed scenes for Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves at Upper Force — the quarterstaff fight between Robin and Little John takes place in the pools and on rocks that visitors now wade across on summer days.
The Yorkshire Dales National Park acquired management of the site, establishing the visitor centre in a former coaching inn and developing the woodland paths that now provide access to all three falls. The paths underwent significant improvement in recent years, with gravel surfaces and drainage upgrades making the routes more accessible whilst attempting to minimise environmental impact on the ancient woodland.
What to see at Aysgarth Falls
Upper Force is the most accessible and consequently the busiest of the three falls. A 5-minute walk from the National Park Centre car park brings you to wide limestone ledges where the River Ure cascades over multiple shelves. This is where families gather for picnics, children paddle in shallow pools, and the brave swim in deeper sections when summer lowers water levels. The Robin Hood fight scene was filmed here — YouTube it beforehand and you’ll recognise specific rocks where Kevin Costner performed stunts. Tables and grassy areas provide picnic spots, though you’ll be sharing with significant numbers on sunny weekends.
Swimming and paddling happen naturally here despite the absence of official permission — the National Park doesn’t actively encourage it but doesn’t prevent it either. Standard wild swimming warnings apply: depths change dramatically with rainfall, currents can be deceptive, and the water remains cold even in August. Children should be supervised closely.
Why book the Dales and Brontë Country small-group tour from Manchester?
- Explore Brontë literary heritage: Visit Haworth, the village where the famous Brontë sisters lived and drew inspiration for their classic novels. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
- See stunning Yorkshire Dales scenery: Enjoy sweeping views over rolling hills, limestone valleys and traditional villages in one of England’s most beautiful rural regions. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
- Visit iconic waterfalls: Stops include picturesque Linton Falls and atmospheric Aysgarth Falls for great photo opportunities. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
- Comfortable small-group experience: Travel in a Mercedes mini-coach with a maximum of eight passengers, making the day more personalised and relaxed. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
- Local guide and included transport: An English-speaking driver-guide leads the tour and transport from Manchester Piccadilly is provided, taking the stress out of arranging your own trip. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
Middle Force sits about 10 minutes’ walk downstream through woodland paths. A viewing platform provides elevated views of the falls cascading over limestone steps, but river access here is limited — this is primarily a viewpoint rather than a paddling spot. Fewer visitors make it this far, so you’ll likely find more space and quieter contemplation.
Lower Force requires the longest walk — approximately 20 minutes from the visitor centre through Freeholders’ Wood along a well-maintained but occasionally muddy path. When river levels drop in summer, Lower Force transforms into the most spectacular of the three, with extensive limestone pavements exposed across the riverbed allowing you to walk across the falls themselves. Rock formations carved by millennia of water flow create pools, channels, and sculptural shapes. This is genuinely remarkable when accessible, though high water levels can make it impassable and dangerous.
The woodland walk between Middle and Lower Force provides its own rewards — ancient trees, wildflowers in spring (wild garlic carpets sections in April/May), and relative peace compared to Upper Force’s crowds.
What’s included with your visit?
- Free access to all three waterfalls at any time, year-round
- Well-maintained woodland paths connecting Upper, Middle, and Lower Force
- Toilets and facilities at Yorkshire Dales National Park Centre car park
- Visitor centre with free maps, walking guides, and local information (weekends only)
- All-terrain wheelchair (Tramper) available for booking to access Upper and Middle Force
- Picnic tables and grassy areas at Upper Force
- The Coppice Café serving locally-sourced food and drinks (independent opening hours)
- Gift shop at visitor centre (weekends only)
- Electric vehicle charging points at car park
- Access to extended woodland walks through Freeholders’ Wood
- Swimming and paddling opportunities at Upper and Lower Force (at your own risk)
Things to do near Aysgarth Falls
Bolton Castle (5 miles from Aysgarth, 12 minutes’ drive) — This 14th-century quadrangular fortress dominates Wensleydale from its hilltop position above the village of Castle Bolton. Mary, Queen of Scots was imprisoned here for six months in 1568–1569. The castle offers falconry displays, medieval gardens, and remarkably well-preserved interiors including the dungeon where Mary was held. Open daily April–October, weekends November–March.
Hardraw Force (9 miles from Aysgarth, 20 minutes’ drive via Hawes) — England’s highest single-drop waterfall plunges 30 metres into a natural amphitheatre. Access is through the Green Dragon Inn — you’re essentially paying the pub for access through their land. The waterfall featured in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves during the bathing scene, not Aysgarth as some believe. The amphitheatre hosts the annual Hardraw Scar Brass Band Contest.
Wensleydale Creamery (10 miles from Aysgarth in Hawes, 20 minutes’ drive) — Home of Yorkshire’s famous Wensleydale cheese, immortalised by Wallace and Gromit. The visitor centre offers cheese-making demonstrations, tastings, and a museum explaining the cheese’s history. Free entry to the shop and viewing galleries; paid guided tours available. Open daily except Christmas, with a café serving cheese-based meals and ice cream.
Jervaulx Abbey (8 miles from Aysgarth, 15 minutes’ drive) — Atmospheric ruins of a 12th-century Cistercian monastery set in peaceful grounds beside the River Ure. The monks of Jervaulx created the original Wensleydale cheese recipe. Entry by honesty box donation. The ruins remain privately owned and beautifully maintained, with wildflowers encouraged to grow among the stonework. Open daily dawn to dusk.
Middleham Castle (12 miles from Aysgarth, 20 minutes’ drive) — Childhood home of Richard III, this substantial castle keep overlooks the market town of Middleham. The town is also Britain’s leading centre for racehorse training, with 15 stables and strings of horses exercising on the gallops most mornings. The castle offers excellent views across Wensleydale and displays about Richard III’s life.
Other attractions in the Yorkshire Dales include Linton Falls near Grassington, Malham Cove and the Ribblehead Viaduct.
Practical tips
Location: Wensleydale, in the central Yorkshire Dales. The nearest market town is Leyburn (6 miles). Hawes sits 10 miles west. Richmond is 15 miles east.
Getting there: From the A1, take the A684 west through Leyburn towards Hawes. Aysgarth is signposted. The National Park Centre car park is on Church Bank, a steep road off the A684. Sat nav postcode: DL8 3TH. Be prepared for narrow country lanes and steep gradients.
Time needed: Allow 2–3 hours minimum. Upper Force alone takes 30 minutes to visit. Walking to all three falls requires 1.5–2 hours. Budget extra time if you’re paddling, picnicking, or visiting the café. The circular walk to Lower Force and back via woodland paths takes approximately 1 hour.
Footwear: Walking boots or sturdy trainers essential. Paths can be muddy, particularly after rain. If you’re planning to paddle or explore the riverbed at Lower Force, bring appropriate water shoes or sandals — limestone is slippery when wet.
Photography: Permitted everywhere. The falls photograph well during “spate” (high water after heavy rain) when cascades are most dramatic. Low water in summer reveals rock formations and allows different compositions. Woodland sections photograph beautifully in spring with wildflowers and in autumn with leaf colour.
Weather considerations: The waterfalls are exposed, though woodland paths provide some shelter. After heavy rain, the river becomes genuinely powerful and dangerous — keep children away from the water’s edge. Winter ice can make paths treacherous. Check forecasts and dress accordingly.
Swimming and paddling: Happens regularly at Upper and Lower Force, though officially at your own risk. Depths vary dramatically with rainfall — what’s knee-deep in August can be dangerously deep after autumn storms. Water remains cold year-round. Supervise children closely. No lifeguards, no safety equipment, no official swimming area.
Dogs: Welcome throughout. Keep on leads near livestock (sheep graze the surrounding fields) and during bird nesting season (March–July). The woodland paths suit dog walking well, though river access points can become crowded with paddling families in summer.
Accessibility: The Tramper (all-terrain wheelchair) provides access to Upper and Middle Force for visitors with mobility issues — book in advance through Access to the Dales. Standard wheelchairs can reach Upper Force from the National Park Centre car park, though assistance may be needed on gradients. Lower Force is not wheelchair accessible due to uneven woodland paths and steps.
Facilities: Toilets at National Park Centre car park (open even when visitor centre is closed). The Coppice Café serves food and drinks with indoor and outdoor seating overlooking the falls. No facilities at Middle or Lower Force.
Crowds: Busiest on sunny weekends, school holidays, and bank holidays, particularly at Upper Force. Lower Force remains quieter due to the longer walk. Weekday mornings and winter visits offer the most space and tranquillity. The Robin Hood connection draws film fans who specifically seek Upper Force.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you swim at Aysgarth Falls?
Officially, there’s no designated swimming area and you swim at your own risk. In practice, people regularly swim and paddle at Upper Force and Lower Force during summer when water levels drop. The pools at Upper Force are popular with families, whilst Lower Force offers deeper sections for confident swimmers. Water temperatures remain cold even in summer, depths change dramatically with rainfall, and currents can be deceptive. No lifeguards or safety equipment exist. Supervise children closely and assess conditions before entering.
Which is the best waterfall to visit — Upper, Middle, or Lower Force?
Upper Force is most accessible, most popular, and offers the best facilities (5 minutes from car park, picnic area, river access for paddling). Middle Force provides the best viewpoint for photographing cascades from the viewing platform but limited river access. Lower Force is most dramatic when water levels are low, allowing you to walk across exposed limestone pavement — genuinely spectacular but requiring the longest walk (20 minutes) through woodland. Visit all three if time permits; each offers different experiences.
Is the walk suitable for young children?
Yes to Upper Force — the 5-minute walk from the National Park Centre car park is manageable for most children, and the paddling opportunities keep them entertained. Middle Force is achievable with supervision. Lower Force is more challenging due to distance (20 minutes each way) and uneven woodland paths, though the exposed riverbed when accessible makes it worth the effort for families with older children. Pushchairs can reach Upper Force but struggle on woodland paths to Middle and Lower Force.
What are the opening hours of Aysgarth Falls?
The waterfalls themselves have no opening hours — they’re accessible 24/7. The Yorkshire Dales National Park Visitor Centre currently opens weekends only, 10am–3:30pm (closed throughout January). The car park and toilets remain open when the visitor centre is closed. The Coppice Café operates independently with its own hours — call 01969 663763 to confirm.
Where was Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves filmed at Aysgarth Falls?
Upper Force was the filming location for the quarterstaff fight between Robin Hood (Kevin Costner) and Little John. The scene where they battle on rocks in the river was filmed in the pools and on the limestone ledges that visitors now paddle across in summer. If you watch the scene on YouTube before visiting, you’ll recognise specific rocks. Note that Hardraw Force (9 miles away) was used for the bathing scene, not Aysgarth.
Is parking free at Aysgarth Falls?
No. The Yorkshire Dales National Park Centre car park charges £6.00 for over two hours (£3.80 for up to two hours). The alternative Falls car park charges £1.50 per hour or £6.00 all day. The former railway station offers £2 parking about 200 yards from the official car park. Very limited free roadside parking exists on minor roads but fills quickly.
Can I visit Aysgarth Falls after heavy rain?
Yes, though the experience differs dramatically. The falls are most spectacular during “spate” when the River Ure runs high after rainfall — thousands of gallons cascade over the limestone steps creating impressive white water. However, river access becomes dangerous and paddling impossible. Paths can become muddy and slippery. The power and sound of the falls in spate is genuinely remarkable, but keep well back from the water’s edge and supervise children closely.
How long does the circular walk take?
The popular circular route from the National Park Centre to Upper Force, then through woodland to Middle Force and Lower Force, returning via forest paths, takes approximately 1.5–2 hours at a leisurely pace. This allows time for photographs and river exploration at Lower Force (when accessible). A shorter option visiting just Upper and Middle Force takes about 45 minutes. Paddling and picnicking at Upper Force can extend visits considerably.
More North Yorkshire travel
Other North Yorkshire travel stories on Planet Whitley include:
- What to expect at Ripon Cathedral.
- Guide to visiting Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal.
- Practical visitor guide to Rievaulx Abbey near Helmsley.
- What to see and do at Helmsley Castle.
- The best bits of Byland Abbey.
