Hardraw Force is England’s highest single drop waterfall and it drops 30m into a deep pool below. Used as a filming location in the 1991 film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves with Kevin Costner, the waterfall is spectacular. It sits within the grounds of the Green Dragon Inn, which dates all the way back to the 13th century and the walk to it is short, accessible and family friendly. The walk from the car park takes no more than ten minutes to reach the waterfall.

Please note that Hardraw Force is located on private land and there is an admission cost for visiting the waterfall. Access to it is via the on-site heritage centre.

How to get to Hardraw Force

The walk to Hardraw Force starts from the car park behind the Green Dragon Inn (DL8 3LZ) located just outside Hawes. It takes less than ten minutes along good paths. There are numerous other trails above the waterfall through the woodland that you can also explore.

The visitor centre, cafe and public toilets can be found at the end of the car park and access to the waterfall is through the visitor centre.

Please note there is an admission cost to visit the waterfall. Parking is free but there is a £4 admission cost per adult to visit the waterfall. This is via card payment and discounts are available for families and seniors if the heritage centre is open. If it is closed, the £4 payment per person is made via the card reader on the turnstiles. (Information correct at time of writing February 2025)

The path leads directly to the waterfall through the woods and you can view it from both sides of the river by crossing the bridge next to the footpath.

Can you swim in Hardraw Force?

Yes! There are no signs up to say that swimming is not permitted.

Hardraw Force is a great place for a swim with easy entry to the water and a deep pool to swim in. Standing alongside the waterfall is a breath-taking experience and you can really feel the force of the water as it rushes down from above. Some of the rocks can get slippery though and as always, take care in cold water.

Hardraw Force Information

• Parking: The car park behind the Green Dragon Inn at Bellow Hill, Hardraw (DL8 3LZ)
• Dog friendly: Well behaved and well-controlled dogs welcome
• Facilities: the car park has a toilet block and the on-site Heritage Centre has a tea room. Check their website for opening times.
• Walk time: 10 minutes from the car park
• Accessibility: The path directly to the waterfall is levelled and gravel so is suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. The other paths surrounding the waterfall and the higher path is uneven and prone to rockfall so great care should be taken here.

Take a look at this video I made on Instagram about Hardraw Force;

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A post shared by I Z Z Y | UK Walks & Hikes | Wild Swim | Adventure Travel (@wild_0utdoors)

Hardraw Force is one of my favourite waterfalls in the Yorkshire Dales but it does get busy. I recommend visiting during the off seasons and on a week day if possible. Be sure to let me know if you’ve been here or if you plan on visiting. If you enjoyed this post, let me know and be sure to check out Catrigg Force, another impressive Yorkshire Dales waterfall.