First time visiting Hardraw Force in Leyburn, North Yorkshire? This guide covers opening hours, entry cost, parking, accessibility, and how to get there.
History and overview of Hardraw Force
Hardraw Force is a waterfall in the Yorkshire Dales, England. It is the highest single-drop waterfall above ground in England, with a drop of around 100 feet.
The waterfall sits in a wooded ravine known as Hardraw Scar, behind the historic Green Dragon Inn.
In the past, visitors accessed the falls through the pub itself; now there is a dedicated entrance via the Heritage Centre and a side gate by the inn car park.
The site is on privately owned land, but public access is allowed through managed paths. There are both lower and upper viewing walks, giving different perspectives of the falls.
You can visit as part of an all-day All Creatures Great and Small-themed tour from York, but most visitors arrive independently.
How to get to Hardraw Force
The address is Hardraw, near Hawes, Leyburn, North Yorkshire, DL8 3LZ.
Transport options:
- Driving: Visit Hawes via the A684, then follow local signs to Hardraw.
- Parking: There is a small free car park behind the Green Dragon Inn.
- Walking: You can walk from Hawes to Hardraw Force in under 20 minutes over fairly gentle terrain.
- Tour: All Creatures Great and Small-themed tours from York stop briefly at Hardraw Force.
Opening hours and cost of visiting Hardraw Force
Opening hours: In summer the Heritage Centre is open from 10am to 6pm. During winter, times may change, although it’s usually 10am to 16.30pm. Turnstile access is controlled outside staffed hours.
Entry cost: Admission is £4 per adult. Children (5–16) pay £2; under-5s go free. Concession or family rates may apply when the centre is open.
Accessibility at Hardraw Force
The main path from the visitor centre to the waterfall is level and gravelled. It is not ideal for for wheelchairs or pushchairs, but most can be wrangled across with care with care.
However, some of the upper and riverside paths are uneven. Once you arrive, parts of the gorge have steep drops — stay on the marked paths.
Well-controlled dogs are welcome.
Best times to visit Hardraw Force
Visit in the morning or weekday afternoons for smaller crowds. After rainfall, the waterfall is at its most dramatic.
The site can be especially serene outside peak season. Allow around 30 to 60 minutes to walk and enjoy the falls.
Nearby attractions to combine with Hardraw Force
Hardraw Force makes a great stop as part of a day in the Yorkshire Dales. Consider pairing it with:
- Hawes: Visit the Wensleydale Creamery to learn about the region’s famous cheese.
- Dales Countryside Museum: Near Hawes, with local history exhibits.
- Other walking routes: The Pennine Way passes nearby, and there are woodland paths around the gorge.
FAQ: Practical visitor information for Hardraw Force
Can I bring my dog?
Yes—well-controlled dogs are welcome on a lead.
Are there toilets and a café?
Yes: the Heritage Centre has toilets and a tea room (open in summer).
Is it safe to walk behind the waterfall?
No: access behind the falls is no longer allowed.
Can I swim at Hardraw Force?
Wild swimming has been reported, and no signs forbid it, but parts of the terrain are rocky and slippery. Use caution if entering the water.
Are there benches or picnic spots?
Yes: there are benches and grassy areas near the paths and within the woodland grounds.
Where should I park?
Behind the Green Dragon Inn is a small free car park. Street parking near Hardraw may also be possible but is limited.
More Yorkshire travel
Other Yorkshire travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- A practical guide to visiting Pontefract Castle.
- Do I need to book York Dungeon tickets in advance?
- All you need to know about visiting the York Bird of Prey Centre.
- What first time visitors need to know about visiting Whitby Abbey.
- 5 things I learned on the way to Spurn Point.
