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You are here > Home > Things to Do > High Force Waterfall

High Force Waterfall

From £1.00
Forest in Teesdale
County Durham
DL12 0XH

Tel: +44 01833 622209

Tel: +44 01833 622324

Email

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High Force Waterfall and river
  • High Force Waterfall and river
  • High Force Waterfall at sunset
  • High Force Waterfall in winter
  • High Force Waterfall in autumn

About

High Force is one of the most impressive waterfalls in England. The River Tees has been plunging into this gorge for thousands of years but the rocks it reveals are far more ancient – with origins dating back over 300 million years!

From its rise as a trickle, high on the heather covered fells at the top of the North Pennines, to the top of the whin sill rock at Forest-in-Teesdale, the River Tees steadily grows and gathers pace, then it suddenly and spectacularly drops 21 metres into the plunge pool below. A gentle and pretty woodland walk leads you to view this spectacular sight at the base of the falls.  High Force is surrounded by the stunning countryside of Upper Teesdale and is situated in the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. A variety of animal and plant life can be seen at High Force throughout the seasons, from a vast array of wildflowers, ferns and towering trees, to roe deer and rabbits.

The woodland walk leads to this breathtaking sight. As you begin the descent down the gentle slope the well-maintained path twists and turns giving a different view every few yards. The muffled rumble suddenly turns to a roar and the sight astounds you.

High Force commands your respect. Its power is its beauty, but it must be treated with care and children should be supervised at all times. 

High Force is an incredible sight at any time of the year, however the Winter months can be when you are able to see it at its most powerful, especially after heavy rainfall when it flows with tremendous force.  If we have had a prolonged period of severe cold, you might even be lucky enough to see it freeze.

The woodland walkway is open all year round and the gates open from 9am until early evening or dusk.  Tickets can be purchased from the High Force Hotel (opposite the entrance gate) or the kiosk which is open every day throughout the summer and weekends during the winter months

Please remember to keep hold of your tickets, as you will need then to present to the attendant along the route.

Admission fees apply to help us maintain the footpaths and walkways and keep routes safe and open throughout the year. It also ensures our staff can clear litter and helps us to reduce our impact on the local environment by working with nature to protect sensitive wildlife.  We are committed to preserving and protecting our site for future generations to enjoy.

Book Tickets

Guide Prices

Ticket TypeTicket Tariff
Adult£2.50 per ticket type
Child (under 16yrs )£1.00 per ticket type

Under 5s: Free.

Gradings

  • VAQAS VB Attraction
VAQAS VB Attraction

Awards

  • Visit EnglandVAQAS VAQAS 2019
  • Regional and MiscellaneousWTTC Safe Travels WTTC Safe Travels 2021

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating:

4 of 5 stars
1235 reviews
    • Excellent
      685
    • Very Good
      346
    • Average
      96
    • Poor
      28
    • Terrible
      80

    Recent Reviews:

    • Vacation02142325824
      Knaresborough, United Kingdom
      Trip Type:
      Couples
      Great place - Don’t pay to enter the private path use pennine way
      4 of 5 stars
      Monday, 9th May 2022
      Great place to visit - DONT go on the private path - vista £5 for 2 - walk across down towards the lower force and walk back up the Pennine way - get great views of the high force in that side . Why... Read full review
    • C26aroline M
      Lovely waterfall walk
      5 of 5 stars
      Tuesday, 10th May 2022
      Set off from Bowlees Visitor Centre (not open) and walked to Low force and then up to High Force. Lovely walk with beautiful scenery along the way. Fab, really enjoyed the walk and the stunning... Read full review
    • alsarcastic1
      Egham, United Kingdom
      nice
      5 of 5 stars
      Thursday, 19th May 2022
      went to low force first, huge disappointment. if the same person who made high force also made high force, sort yourself out, dunno what you were thinking making low force. waste of time. i like this... Read full review
    Write a review
    © TripAdvisor 2022

    Facilities

    Accessibility

    • Access Statement - Please see below

    Parking & Transport

    • Parking (charge) - £2.00 per car

    Provider Facilities

    • Dogs Accepted - On short leads only.

    Access Information

    Visit External Site

    Opening Times

    Season (1 Apr 2022 - 31 Oct 2022)
    DayTimes
    Monday - Sunday10:00 - 16:00
    Winter Season (1 Nov 2022 - 30 Mar 2023)
    DayTimes
    Monday - Sunday10:00 - 16:00
    Bank Holiday10:00 - 16:00

    * October - Easter: Visitor facilities closed. In adverse weather it may be necessary to close High Force in the interest of safety, please check the weather forecast before travelling. Closed Christmas Day.

    facebook: https://www.facebook.com/High-Force-Waterfall-153905458010620/

    TWITTER UPDATES

    High Force Hotel and Waterfall

    HighForceWater

    High Force Hotel and Waterfall

    Last minute May getaways 🍾 Last few rooms remain for weekend availability in May, treat yourself to a restful retr… https://t.co/laiN5yCAKw
    19 May 2022   16:00:57
    Green Team 💚 We want to do more to reduce our impact on the environment. Driven by our passionate Estate Ranger, A… https://t.co/942A3hnadz
    17 May 2022   16:01:54

    Map & Directions

    Map Link

    View Map

    Road Directions

    Nearest major road is A66. From the A1(M) take the A66 to Bowes/Barnard Castle turn off and pick up the signs for High Force, which is on B6277 Middleton in Teesdale to Alston Road.

    Public Transport Directions

    Nearest train station - DarlingtonNearest bus stop - Forest in Teesdale (timings depend on season and day)

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