The first time I stood at the base of Malham Cove in North Yorkshire, I couldn’t quite grasp the scale until someone at the top waved. That person — a tiny speck against the limestone — was 80 metres above me. This curved amphitheatre of rock is Yorkshire‘s slightly more diminutive answer to the Grand Canyon, minus the gift shops and minus the entry fee.
To skip the detail and book a Yorkshire tour from Manchester that includes Malham Cove, head this way.
Quick overview
How much does Malham Cove cost? Nothing. Malham Cove is completely free to visit, as are the nearby Gordale Scar and Janet’s Foss waterfall. The only cost you’ll encounter is car parking in Malham village. The Yorkshire Dales National Park car park charges £6.00 for over two hours, which represents decent value considering you’ll likely spend 3–4 hours exploring the area. Blue Badge holders receive an additional free hour on the 2-hour ticket.
The cove itself is accessible 24 hours a day, year-round, though attempting the 400-step climb in darkness requires more courage (or foolishness) than most possess. There’s no visitor centre on site — facilities are a mile away in Malham village — and no toilets at the cove itself. The walk from the car park takes about 20 minutes each way on clearly marked footpaths.
At a glance
| Price | Opening hours | Address | Free for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free (parking £6.00 for over 2 hours) | 24/7 year-round | Malham, Skipton, North Yorkshire, BD23 5JA | Everyone |
How much does Malham Cove cost?
The limestone formation itself costs nothing. This is National Trust and Yorkshire Dales National Park land with free public access.
| Ticket type | Price | Who qualifies |
|---|---|---|
| Malham Cove admission | Free | Everyone |
| Gordale Scar admission | Free | Everyone |
| Janet’s Foss admission | Free | Everyone |
| Car parking (up to 2 hours) | £3.80 | All vehicles (Blue Badge holders get 3 hours) |
| Car parking (over 2 hours) | £6.00 | All vehicles |
| Car parking (24 hours) | £7.00 | All vehicles |
| Annual parking pass | £62.00 | Valid in all 10 YDNPA car parks |
The Malham National Park Centre car park operates pay-and-display machines that accept cards only. If you need to pay cash, you can do so inside the National Park Centre during opening hours. Electric vehicle charging points are available in the car park.
Watersinks Car Park, located between Malham and Malham Tarn, offers free parking and is an alternative starting point for walks, though it adds distance to your journey. The trade-off: no fees and far fewer people.
If you don’t want to drive, there are tour options that cover other top Yorkshire sights such as the Ribblehead Viaduct and the Hardraw Force waterfall.
Why book the Yorkshire adventure from Manchester?
- Scenic Yorkshire countryside: Enjoy rolling hills, dales and picturesque villages as you travel from Manchester into the heart of Yorkshire.
- Historic and cultural highlights: Visit iconic sites such as Ripon Cathedral, quaint market towns and traditional English landscapes.
- Expert local guide: Gain insight into Yorkshire’s history, folklore and points of interest from a knowledgeable guide.
- Comfortable full-day tour: Relax as transport and logistics are taken care of, leaving you free to enjoy the sights.
- Perfect for first-time visitors: Ideal if you want to experience classic Yorkshire charms without the stress of planning your own trip.
What time does Malham Cove open?
Malham Cove is open access land available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. There are no gates, no opening times, and no last entry restrictions. You can walk there at sunrise, sunset, or under the stars — the car park at Malham is even designated as a Dark Sky Discovery site with free parking between 7pm and 6am for stargazers.
Malham National Park Centre operates limited hours:
- The Centre is currently closed for refurbishment with no confirmed reopening date
- The car park and toilets remain open for use
- Nearest alternative visitor centre is in Grassington
The 400 steps up the western side of the cove can become treacherous in wet or icy conditions. Winter visitors should check weather forecasts and consider whether the climb is wise — wet limestone is genuinely slippery, and there are no handrails.
Do I need to book Malham Cove tickets in advance?
No. There are no tickets, no bookings, and no capacity limits. Simply turn up and walk. The challenge isn’t gaining access — it’s finding somewhere to park.
The Malham car park has approximately 60 spaces and fills quickly, particularly on sunny weekends and during school holidays. Arriving before 10am gives you the best chance of securing a spot. After that, you’re competing with tour coaches, Three Peaks walkers, and half of Yorkshire.
Roadside parking on the approach to Malham exists but disappears fast. The village has placed cones throughout to prevent inconsiderate parking, and traffic wardens do patrol. Some visitors report finding free roadside spots just outside the village, though your wing mirrors may be at risk from passing traffic on these narrow lanes.
Parking
Official parking: Yorkshire Dales National Park car park, Malham (postcode: BD23 4DA). This pay-and-display car park behind the National Park Centre offers approximately 60 spaces with toilet facilities and is a 20-minute walk from Malham Cove. Payment by card only at machines, or cash inside the Centre (when open). £3.80 for up to 2 hours, £6.00 for over 2 hours, £7.00 for 24 hours.
Overflow parking: When the main car park fills, overflow parking opens in the field opposite at the same rates. This happens frequently during peak periods.
Watersinks Car Park: Free National Trust parking located between Malham Tarn and the cove (grid reference: SD 89420 65812). No facilities. From here, it’s 1.4 miles downhill to the top of Malham Cove — a 30-minute walk. This option suits those happy to approach from above rather than below, and the lack of parking charges is appealing if you’re visiting multiple times.
Roadside parking: Limited free spaces exist on roads approaching Malham village, but arrive early. The village discourages roadside parking with strategically placed cones, and spaces disappear by mid-morning on popular days.
Getting there without a car: Bus 580 runs from Skipton to Malham (limited service, check timetables). The Settle-Carlisle railway line serves nearby Settle, from where you could taxi or cycle to Malham. The Dales Bus service 881 operates Sundays from April to October. Realistically, a car makes everything easier.
The easy option, however, is to take one of the guided bus tours that includes Malham Cove in the itinerary.
History
Malham Cove formed approximately 12,000 years ago at the end of the last Ice Age. During glacial melt, a waterfall higher than Niagara Falls cascaded over the cliff, carving the distinctive curved amphitheatre. The water has long since disappeared underground, emerging from the base of the cove as Malham Beck after flowing through a complex cave system beneath the limestone pavement.
The cove sits along the Middle Craven Fault, a geological fracture that created the dramatic landscape. Over millennia, water and ice eroded the limestone backwards from the fault line, forming the 300-metre-wide, 80-metre-high cliff face visitors see today. The limestone pavement above — that strange, cracked surface resembling giant paving slabs — developed as rainwater dissolved the rock along natural joints, creating the distinctive clints (blocks) and grykes (fissures).
In December 2015, Storm Desmond produced such extraordinary rainfall that Malham Cove became a waterfall for the first time in centuries. Photographs of white water cascading over the cliff went viral, drawing thousands of visitors. The spectacle lasted only a few days before the water returned to its underground channels, but it reminded people that this landscape remains geologically active.
The area has inspired artists and writers for generations. Wordsworth mentioned Gordale Scar in a sonnet. Artist James Ward painted it in 1815. More recently, the limestone pavement atop Malham Cove appeared in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows — the scene where Harry and Hermione camp (camping isn’t actually permitted, for the record).
What to see at Malham Cove
The cove itself demands to be seen from two perspectives. First, stand at the base and crane your neck upwards at 80 metres of vertical limestone. The scale is genuinely impressive — photographs never capture it properly. On sunny days, climbers ascend the rock face on traditional routes that have been climbed since the 1950s. Watching them is simultaneously inspiring and terrifying.
Then climb the 400 steps on the western side to reach the top. These aren’t evenly spaced or particularly forgiving on the knees, and the climb is steeper than it looks from below. But the limestone pavement at the summit is extraordinary — a moonscape of fractured rock where rare plants grow in the sheltered grykes. The views across Malhamdale to the hills beyond are expansive.
The pavement itself requires attention to where you place your feet. The grykes can be deeper than they appear, and ankles have been twisted on uneven surfaces. Walking across it feels like traversing giant crazy paving, and in wet weather it becomes genuinely hazardous. This isn’t the place for flip-flops or smooth-soled shoes.
Peregrine falcons nest on the cliff face most years, and if you’re lucky (and quiet), you might see them hunting. The RSPB occasionally sets up telescopes during nesting season, offering views of these spectacular birds without disturbing them.
Things to do near Malham Cove
Janet’s Foss (1 mile from Malham village, 20 minutes’ walk) — A woodland waterfall named after the queen of the fairies, who supposedly lived in the cave behind it. The walk follows Gordale Beck through wild garlic in spring and offers a sheltered pool where brave souls swim in summer. Free entry, though the water temperature remains firmly in the “bracing” category year-round.
Gordale Scar (1.8 miles from Malham, 50 minutes’ walk) — A dramatic limestone gorge with cliffs towering over 100 metres and waterfalls crashing down the rock face. The approach is spectacular — the gorge appears suddenly around a corner, jaw-dropping in scale. Adventurous walkers can scramble up beside the waterfall, though this requires scrambling skills and is genuinely challenging when wet. Free entry.
Malham Tarn (2.5 miles from Malham village, via footpaths) — One of only two natural lakes in the Yorkshire Dales, sitting at 377 metres above sea level. This upland alkaline lake is a National Nature Reserve with rare aquatic plants. The tarn inspired Charles Kingsley to write The Water Babies. Swimming is prohibited to protect the fragile ecosystem. Free National Trust parking at Watersinks, Waterhouses, and Quarry car parks.
Settle-Carlisle Railway (5 miles from Malham to Settle station, 10 minutes’ drive) — One of Britain’s most scenic railway journeys crosses the Yorkshire Dales with stunning viaducts and mountain views. The line nearly closed in the 1980s but survived due to public campaigning.
Skipton Castle (10 miles from Malham, 20 minutes’ drive) — One of England’s most complete medieval castles, surviving a three-year Civil War siege. The castle opens daily except for three days over Christmas, and the well-preserved interiors include the medieval hall and dungeon. The market town of Skipton itself warrants exploration, particularly on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, or Saturday when the historic market operates.
Other Yorkshiire Dales highlights include Aysgarth Falls and Linton Falls.
Practical tips
Location: Malham village, North Yorkshire Dales. The nearest towns are Skipton (10 miles), Settle (5 miles), and Grassington (8 miles). Leeds Bradford Airport is approximately one hour’s drive.
Getting there: From Skipton, take the A65 towards Settle, then turn onto minor roads signposted to Malham. Sat nav postcode for the car park: BD23 4DA. Public transport is limited — bus services exist but run infrequently.
Time needed: Allow 2–3 hours minimum. The walk to the cove and back takes 40 minutes, climbing to the top adds another hour, and you’ll want time to appreciate the views. The full Malham Landscape Trail (including Janet’s Foss and Gordale Scar) takes 3–4 hours.
Footwear: Proper walking boots essential. The limestone pavement is uneven and slippery when wet. Trainers are inadequate. The 400 steps up the side require ankle support.
Photography: Permitted everywhere. Morning light favours photographing the cove from below. Late afternoon suits shots from above. The limestone pavement is most photogenic under dramatic skies.
Accessibility: The Miles Without Stiles route from Malham to the base of the cove is accessible with motorised wheelchairs (borrowable from local pubs). The steps to the top are not wheelchair accessible. The terrain is challenging for pushchairs.
Dogs: Welcome but must be under close control, especially March–July during bird nesting season and when livestock is present. Keep on leads near sheep. The 400 steps can be challenging for some dogs.
Crowds: Busiest on sunny weekends, bank holidays, and during school holidays. Quietest on weekday mornings outside peak season and winter weekdays. Early arrivals (before 9am) avoid crowds and parking stress.
Weather considerations: The cove is exposed with little shelter. Wind funnels through Malhamdale. Rain makes the limestone dangerously slippery. Winter ice transforms the steps into a genuine hazard. Check forecasts and be honest about your abilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there toilets at Malham Cove?
No. The nearest public toilets are in Malham village car park, approximately one mile (20 minutes’ walk) from the cove. Plan accordingly, particularly if visiting with children. No facilities exist at the cove itself, at Gordale Scar, or at Janet’s Foss.
Can I wild camp at Malham Cove?
No. Wild camping is illegal in England without landowner permission, and the National Trust does not permit it on their land. The Harry Potter scene showing camping atop the cove was filmed with permission and isn’t something visitors can replicate. Designated campsites exist nearby, including one at Gordale Scar.
Is the walk to Malham Cove suitable for children?
Yes, the flat walk from Malham village to the base of the cove suits families with children of all ages. The 400-step climb to the top requires reasonable fitness — young children may struggle, and you’ll likely be carrying tired ones on the descent. The limestone pavement at the top requires supervision as the grykes can be deep.
Can I climb Malham Cove?
Rock climbing is permitted on designated routes. The cove is a popular traditional climbing venue with routes graded from Moderate to E6. However, climbing requires proper equipment, experience, and knowledge of seasonal restrictions during peregrine falcon nesting. The steps up the side are for walkers, not climbers.
What’s the best circular walk from Malham?
The Malham Landscape Trail (5 miles, 3 hours) combines Janet’s Foss, Gordale Scar, and Malham Cove. For a longer option, include Malham Tarn (10 miles, 5–6 hours). Both routes are well signposted and offer spectacular scenery. Download maps before visiting as mobile signal is patchy.
When does Malham Cove have a waterfall?
Very rarely. The cove last flowed as a waterfall during Storm Desmond in December 2015 — the first time in living memory. Normally, water flows underground through cave systems beneath the cove. Don’t visit expecting to see waterfalls cascading over the cliff; visit nearby Gordale Scar or Janet’s Foss for guaranteed flowing water.
Is parking free at Malham?
No. The Yorkshire Dales National Park car park charges £6.00 for over two hours. The only free parking option is Watersinks Car Park (between Malham and Malham Tarn), though this adds significant walking distance. Roadside parking exists but is extremely limited and fills early.
Can I visit Malham Cove in winter?
Yes, but exercise caution. The cove itself remains impressive in winter, and snowy scenes are spectacular. However, the 400 steps become hazardous when icy — several walkers slip each winter. The limestone pavement holds ice in shaded areas even when surrounding paths have thawed. If snow or ice is forecast, consider viewing from the base only.
More North Yorkshire travel
Other North Yorkshire travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- Guide to the World of James Herriot in Thirsk.
- 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.
