Linton Falls, Yorkshire Dales: Ticket prices, hours, parking & visitor guide (2026)

The River Wharfe drops over a geological fault line where rocks shifted millions of years ago, creating Yorkshire‘s most accessible waterfall just minutes from a car park. After heavy rain, standing on the footbridge by Linton Falls can feel precarious as the full force of the river thunders beneath your feet.

It’s one of the highlights of a Yorkshire Dales and Bronte Country tour from Manchester.

Quick overview

Linton Falls is free to visit year-round with no opening hours, tickets, or entrance fees. The falls are a five-minute downhill walk from Grassington National Park Centre car park, which charges for parking. A footbridge built in 1989 provides the best viewpoint.

The restored hydroelectric plant upstream generates enough electricity for 90–122 homes, reviving a scheme that originally opened in 1909 before closing in 1948. The site works equally well as a quick stop or the start of longer riverside walks along the Dales Way.

At a glance

How much does Linton Falls cost?

Linton Falls is completely free to visit. There are no tickets, entrance fees, or charges to access the falls, footbridge, or riverside paths.

Parking charges

The National Park Centre car park (postcode BD23 5LB) is the main parking option, located about 500 metres uphill from the falls. A smaller car park sits closer to the falls at Linton village, though spaces fill quickly during summer weekends and after rainfall when the falls are most dramatic.

Both car parks accept card payments. Cash-only meters are increasingly rare across the Yorkshire Dales. On-street parking in Grassington itself is free but time-restricted and difficult to find on sunny weekends.

What time does Linton Falls open?

Linton Falls is accessible 24 hours a day, every day of the year. There are no gates, fences, or restricted access times. The falls, footbridge, and riverside paths remain open throughout all seasons.

However, visiting during daylight is strongly recommended for safety and to appreciate the scenery. Winter daylight (November–February) is limited to roughly 8 hours, with sunrise around 8am and sunset by 4pm. Summer offers extended daylight until 9:30pm in June and July.

The falls flow year-round but vary dramatically depending on rainfall. After heavy rain or snow melt, the volume increases tenfold, creating the most spectacular (and loudest) display. During dry summer periods, the falls reduce to a trickle over the rocks.

Parking advice

Grassington National Park Centre car park (Hebden Road, BD23 5LB) is the largest option with space for cars, coaches, and motorhomes. It’s well-surfaced, has public toilets, and sits about 500 metres (5-minute uphill walk) from the falls. The car park rarely fills completely except during peak summer weekends and the Grassington Festival in June.

Linton Falls car park offers a shorter walk to the falls but has far fewer spaces. It fills quickly on sunny days and whenever the falls are in full flow after rain. Arrive before 10am on weekends or risk disappointment.

Grassington village has limited free on-street parking with 2-hour restrictions. Spaces around the cobbled square are almost impossible to find on summer weekends, during the 1940s Weekend (September), or Dickensian Festival weekends (December).

Alternative parking: If Grassington is full, try Town End field car park (adjacent to the main car park) or consider parking in Threshfield (1 mile away) and walking via footpaths.

Public transport is limited but exists. The Dales Bus service runs between Skipton and Grassington (route 72) with connections from the railway station. Services are more frequent in summer and on Sundays.

The easy way of getting to Linton Falls is on a small group Yorkshire Dales and Bronte Country tour from Manchester. This day tour also takes in Aysgarth Falls, the Bronte Parsonage in Haworth, Oakworth Station (of Railway Children fame) and the Ribblehead Viaduct.

History

Linton Falls formed where a geological fault — part of the larger Craven Fault system — shifted millions of years ago during tectonic activity. The fault raised limestone rocks to the north higher than those to the south, creating a sudden drop where the River Wharfe crosses the fault line.

The River Wharfe originates 65 miles upstream from the confluence of Greenfield Beck and Oughtershaw Beck at Beckermonds in upper Wharfedale. By the time it reaches Linton, the river has gathered sufficient volume to create impressive falls, particularly after rainfall on the surrounding fells.

Humans have harnessed the falls’ power for centuries. The nearby weirs once channelled water into a large textile mill that employed local workers during the Industrial Revolution. The mill has since been demolished, but the weirs remain visible upstream and downstream of the falls.

In 1909, the Grassington Electric Supply Company built a hydroelectric plant at the site, using the natural drop to generate electricity for the growing village. The scheme operated until 1948 when the National Grid’s arrival made small-scale generation less economical. The plant fell into ruin over subsequent decades.

Between 2010 and 2012, a partnership involving the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, English Heritage, and private investors restored the hydroelectric plant. Two Archimedean screws now generate up to 500,000 kilowatt hours annually — enough to power 90–122 homes. The restored building gained scheduled monument status, recognising its industrial heritage significance in this predominantly rural landscape.

The footbridge spanning the falls dates from 1989, replacing an earlier structure. The bridge provides the classic viewpoint for photographing the falls, though the spray can drench cameras during high water.

What to see at Linton Falls

The main waterfall drops where the River Wharfe meets the fault line, cascading over exposed limestone in a broad curtain. The volume varies enormously — after dry periods, water trickles over the rocks, but following heavy rain, the full width of the river plunges over the edge with enough force to create spray that reaches the footbridge 20 metres away.

The footbridge built in 1989 crosses directly above the falls. This is the prime viewing spot, offering perspectives both upstream and downstream. The bridge can feel alarmingly shaky when the river is in full flood — the vibration from thousands of litres per second thundering beneath is genuinely unsettling.

Weirs upstream and downstream of the main falls create secondary cascades. These artificial structures once diverted water to the textile mill and later to the hydroelectric plant. They’re less dramatic than the natural falls but add to the site’s industrial archaeology interest.

The restored hydroelectric plant sits upstream on the north bank. Two Archimedean screws visible through glass panels rotate as water flows through them, generating electricity. Interpretation panels explain how the system works and the plant’s history from 1909 to its 2012 reopening.

Geological features are clearly visible in the exposed limestone. The fault line runs roughly east–west across the river. Upstream, the riverbed sits higher; downstream, it drops away sharply. The limestone’s layered structure shows how sediments were deposited when this area lay beneath a tropical sea 350 million years ago.

Riverside paths extend upstream toward Grassington Bridge and downstream toward Burnsall along the Dales Way long-distance trail. The paths offer easier walking than the surrounding fells, making them popular with families and those wanting level terrain.

What’s included with your visit?

• Free access to Linton Falls and footbridge
• Riverside paths along the Dales Way
• View of restored hydroelectric plant with interpretation panels
• Connection to wider Grassington walking routes
• Public toilets at Grassington National Park Centre car park
• Access to National Park Centre information (opening hours vary)

Not included: parking (pay-and-display charges), food and drink (available in Grassington village, 5-minute walk), guided walks (bookable separately through the National Park).

Things to do near Linton Falls

Grassington village (500m, 5-minute walk uphill) — A classic Yorkshire Dales market town with a cobbled square, independent shops, pubs, and cafés. The village served as the filming location for Darrowby in Channel 5’s All Creatures Great and Small adaptation. Grassington Folk Museum (on the square) displays lead mining equipment, period costumes, and domestic items in two 18th-century miners’ cottages. The village hosts festivals throughout the year: Grassington Festival (June), 1940s Weekend (September), Dickensian Festival (December weekends).

Stump Cross Caverns (6 miles, 15-minute drive via B6265) — One of Britain’s premier show caves with stalactites in various colours formed over 500,000 years. Discovered by lead miners in 1860, the caves yielded fossil remains including wolverines. Guided tours take 45 minutes through illuminated passages. The site includes a visitor centre, café, and gift shop. Open daily 9am–6pm April–October, weekends only November–March.

Kilnsey Park & Trout Farm (4 miles, 10-minute drive) — A family attraction combining fly fishing lakes, farm animals, nature trails, and a farm shop. The park sits beneath Kilnsey Crag, a 170-foot limestone cliff popular with climbers. Children can feed animals, explore a nature trail to the “Holy Spring,” and try pond dipping. The fishery offers catch-and-take fishing (charges apply). Café serves homemade food. Open daily except Christmas.

Bolton Abbey Estate (10 miles, 20-minute drive) — Ruins of a 12th-century Augustinian priory on the banks of the River Wharfe, surrounded by 30,000 acres of estate land with 80 miles of footpaths. The Strid — where the river narrows to just a few feet wide but becomes extremely deep — is both fascinating and dangerous (swimming is prohibited; several deaths have occurred). Seasonal trails for families run at Easter, Halloween, and Christmas. The priory ruins are free to visit; some estate areas have separate charges.

Grassington Moor Lead Mining Trail (2 miles from Grassington village) — A self-guided walk through remains of 18th and 19th-century lead mining workings. Interpretation panels explain how miners extracted lead ore from the limestone. The landscape is scarred by old shafts, spoil heaps, and ruined buildings — a reminder of when Grassington was an industrial hub. The trail is free and accessible year-round, though terrain is rough and uneven. OS map recommended. Allow 2–3 hours for the full circuit.

Elsewhere in the Yorkshire Dales, highlights include Malham Cove and the Hardraw Force waterfall.

Practical tips

Location and access: Linton Falls sits on the River Wharfe between Grassington and Linton villages in Wharfedale, roughly 10 miles north of Skipton. The falls are accessed via Sedber Lane, a surfaced path leading downhill from Grassington National Park Centre car park. Grid reference: SE 002630. Postcode for sat nav: BD23 5LB (Grassington National Park Centre).

Getting there: By car, Grassington is 10 miles from Skipton via the B6265, 25 miles from Harrogate via the A59 and B6265, and 30 miles from Leeds via the A65 and B6265. The roads are winding and narrow in places — allow extra time. By public transport, the Dales Bus (route 72) runs between Skipton railway station and Grassington. Trains from Leeds to Skipton run hourly (journey 40 minutes). The bus journey from Skipton to Grassington takes 30–40 minutes.

Time needed: Visiting just the falls requires 30–45 minutes including the walk from the car park. If you’re walking the circular route via Linton village, allow 1–1.5 hours. Combining the falls with a longer riverside walk to Burnsall or Hebden requires 2–4 hours depending on distance. The falls make an excellent short stop on a longer Yorkshire Dales itinerary.

What to wear: The path from Grassington car park to the falls is surfaced and well-maintained, suitable for trainers in dry weather. However, the riverside paths beyond the falls can be muddy year-round — walking boots are advisable for anything beyond the main viewpoint. Waterproof jacket essential, even in summer. The spray from the falls in high water can soak you if you linger on the bridge.

Safety: The River Wharfe is dangerous. Swimming is prohibited and multiple drownings have occurred in Wharfedale over the years. The current is deceptively strong, and the water remains cold even in summer. Keep children away from the water’s edge. The footbridge has railings but can be slippery when wet. In winter, ice forms on paths and the bridge — take extreme care or avoid visiting in freezing conditions.

Accessibility: The main path from Grassington National Park Centre to the falls is surfaced and has gentle gradients, making it manageable for most mobility levels. However, the path isn’t classified as wheelchair accessible due to some steeper sections (gradients reaching 1:7). The footbridge has a step at each end, preventing wheelchair access. Mobility scooters with good ground clearance can reach the falls in dry conditions.

Photography: The falls photograph well from multiple angles. The footbridge offers the classic viewpoint looking upstream or downstream. After heavy rain, bring lens wipes as spray coats camera lenses within minutes. Overcast conditions often work better than harsh midday sun, which creates strong shadows on the water. Autumn colours in surrounding woodland peak in October. Winter photography requires care due to icy conditions.

Dogs: Welcome but must be kept on leads around the falls. Livestock graze in surrounding fields, and ground-nesting birds use the riverside area in spring. Dog waste bins are located at the car park. The riverside paths are suitable for most dogs, though some sections can be muddy.

Combining visits: Linton Falls works well as part of a Grassington day out. Walk to the falls, return to the village for lunch, then visit the Folk Museum or browse the independent shops. Alternatively, use the falls as the starting point for the Dales Way walk downstream to Burnsall (4 miles one way) or upstream through Grassington to Grass Wood nature reserve. The stepping stones at Linton (15-minute walk from the falls) provide another photogenic spot, though one stone has slipped and the gap between stones is larger than usual as of October 2024.

Best time to visit: The falls are most impressive after heavy rainfall when the River Wharfe is in full flow. Check the Environment Agency’s river levels online before visiting — Wharfe levels above 0.5 metres at Addingham indicate good flow. Winter and early spring typically offer the highest water volumes. Summer visits during dry spells can be disappointing as the falls reduce to a trickle. Early morning (before 9am) and evening (after 5pm) avoid tour coach crowds on summer weekends.

FAQs

Can you swim at Linton Falls? No, swimming is strictly prohibited. The River Wharfe has strong currents, cold water year-round, and has caused multiple drownings in Wharfedale. Even paddling is discouraged due to slippery rocks and the risk of being swept off your feet. The area around the falls is particularly dangerous due to the current’s strength and the rocky riverbed.

How long is the walk from Grassington car park to Linton Falls? The walk takes 5–10 minutes downhill from Grassington National Park Centre car park to the falls. The return journey uphill takes 10–15 minutes. The path is surfaced and well-signposted. Total round trip is roughly 1 kilometre. Elderly visitors or those with mobility issues should allow longer for the uphill return.

When is the best time to see Linton Falls at their most powerful? After heavy rainfall or during spring snowmelt (March–April). Check recent weather — if it’s rained heavily in the previous 24–48 hours, the falls will be impressive. Winter months (November–February) generally have higher water levels than summer. The Environment Agency’s river level data for the Wharfe at Addingham provides a good indicator: above 0.5m means good flow; above 1m is spectacular.

Is there a café or toilets at Linton Falls? No facilities exist at the falls themselves. Public toilets are located at Grassington National Park Centre car park (5-minute walk uphill). The National Park Centre has limited refreshments when open, but Grassington village (additional 5-minute walk) has numerous cafés, pubs, and tea rooms. The Retreat café and various pubs around the cobbled square serve food and drinks. Linton village (10-minute walk from the falls) has The Fountaine Inn.

Can you walk to other places from Linton Falls? Yes, the Dales Way long-distance footpath runs past the falls. Downstream, you can walk to Burnsall (4 miles, allow 1.5 hours), Bolton Abbey (8 miles), or even continue to Ilkley (16 miles). Upstream, paths lead through Grassington to Grass Wood nature reserve, Hebden (2 miles), and beyond to Kettlewell and Buckden in upper Wharfedale. The circular walk via Linton village and stepping stones takes 1–1.5 hours. OS Explorer Map OL2 (Yorkshire Dales Southern & Western) shows all routes.

More North Yorkshire travel

Other North Yorkshire travel articles 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.