🌳 Outdoor0–11–33–55–88–1212–16🌲 Woodland
What’s there
- Café on site
- Free parking
- Picnic area
- Dogs welcome
Free parking at both entrances; limited spaces for long vehicles, no caravans, no overnight parking. Designated accessible bays at each entrance.
Only facilities we’ve confirmed are listed — anything missing here we simply haven’t checked, rather than know to be absent.
Lydford Gorge is a steep-sided river gorge on the western edge of Dartmoor, cared for by the National Trust. Families come to walk through its temperate rainforest and oak woodland, following the River Lyd past mossy rock faces and pools. The main draw is the Whitelady Waterfall, a tall cascade that can be viewed from the waterfall trail. Younger walkers tend to enjoy spotting wildlife from the bird hide and the old railway path, while the more adventurous can explore the Devil's Cauldron, a whirlpool in a narrow rock gap. The site has two entrances, each with a car park, toilets and a tea-room, and there is a second-hand bookshop. Paths are steep, uneven and close to fast water, so the gorge suits children who are comfortable on rougher ground. Dogs are welcome on a short lead, and the place works well as an outdoor half-day out.
Devil's Cauldron trail, Lyd Link and second-hand bookshop closed for winter 2026-27; reopening planned 15 March 2027. Tramper not available over winter.
Stuff to take with you
The things people wish they’d packed for a day out like this one.
Wellies- Puddle suitThe only way a toddler stays dry at a farm in February.
Refillable water bottleMost places will fill it for free.
Snacks that survive a rucksackCheaper than the café, and buys you twenty minutes.
Tissues
Baby carrier or slingBetter than a pram anywhere with steps or mud.
Lip balm
Insect repellent
Torch- Teething gel
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Photos: Anna Tesar, CC BY 2.0 · Web-Betty, CC BY 2.0 · Unknown authorUnknown author, CC BY 4.0 · Darron Birgenheier from Reno, NV, USA, CC BY 2.0
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