I’m not sure I actually want to tell you about Falling Foss. For years, it felt like one of Yorkshire’s best kept secrets. However, the cat has been out of the bag for a little while now. Put simply, Falling Foss waterfall and tea garden is a gem and a visit here feels almost magical.
So its not the easiest spot to find. Parking is limited and it is quite a steep walk down to the tea garden and base of the waterfall. However, It is worth it (so long as you are steady on your feet and have decent walking shoes on).
The waterfall isn’t the biggest or most majestic you will ever see – Angel Falls this is not. What it might lack in force (particularly in the summer months), it makes up for, however, by being in the most idyllic spot! The stream is a prime paddling spot for kids and dogs alike, whilst adults will appreciate the coffee, lunches and cake in the tea garden.
Falling Foss Tea Garden
For many years, Falling Foss Tea Garden was completely off grid. Nowadays, you can pay by card but the loo is still organic! Wooden benches and tables are set around a clearing in the woods behind the owners’ home.
You can order food and drinks from a counter in the middle. The menu is not extensive but tasty and good value. Think thick sandwiches and Greek salads in the summer, with warming soups in the colder months. The family bake cakes and scones fresh every day. Morning walkers will appreciate the bacon butties and decent coffee.
Moving on from Falling Foss
If you need to walk off the cake, Falling Foss is a great starting point for hikes towards the village of Littlebeck (you can do a circular route) or up on to the North York Moors. You might choose to park at Littlebeck Village Hall and start your walk from there, stopping off at Falling Foss as a halfway stop (which does avoid the parking difficulties at Falling Foss itself). Families might prefer the easy 2-mile circular May Beck to Falling Foss route.
There are signs for the route to Littlebeck. Nonetheless, I would recommend you bring an OS map if you want to walk up onto the Moors.
Once you’ve visited Falling Foss waterfall and tea garden, click back to my main page on North Yorkshire to find more great places to visit in this wonderful area.
