About Aira Force
Experience the Lake District's spectacular 70-foot cascade plunging through ancient woodland near Penrith, with scenic trails perfect for family picnics and adventure.
Good to know
Parking
- ✓Free car park
- ✓Paid car park
- ✓Free street
- ✓Paid street
Accessibility
- ✓Accessible parking
Payment
- ✓Credit cards
- ✓Debit cards
- ✓Contactless
Details via Google — worth confirming with the attraction before you travel, especially for access needs.
Photos
Photos via Google
Opening hours
- Monday
- Open 24 hours
- Tuesday
- Open 24 hours
- Wednesday
- Open 24 hours
- Thursday
- Open 24 hours
- Friday
- Open 24 hours
- Saturday
- Open 24 hours
- Sunday
- Open 24 hours
Current hours may differ from the usual schedule above (e.g. holidays) — check Google Maps for today's hours.
What visitors say
Ideal walk for all abilities. We did the Aera Force & Gowbarrow Fell walk. If you don't stop this will take around 2.5 hours, but we took plenty of photos and had a picnic along the way so it took around 3.5 hours. Make sure you wear walking boots as the way up and down the fell are rocky and boggy in places. Be ready for strong winds at the top! I would recommend using the All Trails app to help guide you round the walk. Park up at the Aera Force car park but arrive early if you want to guarantee a space, as it does fill up quickly. Cafe at the end makes this a perfect trip out.
· via Google
Absolutely stunning walk, up one side of the waterfall and down the other side. Areas for our dog to go into the water, my little girl loved exploring some of the flatter areas climbing over rocks. I had my 11 month old in a carrier, and my 3 year old walked all the way up one side and was carried down the other side. Its very uneven under foot in places but manageable if you take a slow walk. Would absolutely recommend. I think it was £10 all day to park or free with a national trust membership. We did a litter pick whilst we were there and was absolutely disgusted at the amount of litter and poo bags (used) we found! Make sure you clean up after yourself when walking! It ruins it for others!
· via Google
Very nice setting. We've been twice now and will go again. 5 and 10 yr olds too. A few different paths up. Waterfalls, bridges over the river and quite secluded in the trees. Very picturesque. If you are making your way up to the top it's more open so be prepared. It's not too taxing to go the final waterfall and back. There is also another car park half way up if you fancy. 😀
· via Google
There's several car parksnwith some being quite tight and small to get into. £8 for 4 hours to park is a bit steep however the paths seem maintained and it's a good starting point to go up Gowaborrow
· via Google
Visitors say this tourist destination features stunning waterfalls, picturesque views, and well-maintained trails suitable for various fitness levels. They also highlight the convenient on-site facilities, including clean restrooms, a cafe, and an ice cream hut. Guests mention that National Trust members receive free parking, which is a significant benefit.
Summary via Google
At a glance
- Address
- Matterdale, Penrith Get directions
- Category
- Parks & Play Areas
- Guest rating
- 4.7 / 5 (1,668 reviews)
- Suitable for
- Ages 4+
- Setting
- Outdoor
- Good for children
- Yes
- Toilets on site
- Yes
- Destination
- Penrith