waterfalls

A hiker has suggested exploring a picturesque Yorkshire Dales village in Cumbria after completing an 11-mile walk taking in the local scenery, cobbled streets and pub

If you’re a fan of walking adventures even in the cold winter months, a hiker has discovered a gem in the Yorkshire Dales that you might wish to consider checking out for yourself. “Have you heard about this village in the Yorkshire Dales?” Chris queried in a video. “It’s got a perfect circular walk that’s easy to do on the train from Leeds.”

Stepping off the train, Chris revealed it has a “secret waterfall” spot as he was immediately greeted by the stunning views of the Dales’ countryside. However, despite its Dales location, the village he referred to is actually in Cumbria, not Yorkshire itself.

Following a stream in Cowgill, Chris continued his trek. “I picked up the Dales Way… there’s multiple walks that you can do here and I actually did an 11-and-a-half mile walk, which took me five hours,” he shared.

And for those less inclined to clock up as many steps, Chris suggested parking is available in the village of Dent for a splendid view of the waterfalls.

The quaint village of Dent itself is roughly an hour and 45 minutes’ stroll from the railway station “but absolutely worth it”, Chris affirmed as he navigated its charming cobbled streets. “I visited the church and stopped outside for a cup of tea and a very well deserved sandwich,” he added during his journey.

Chris went on to describe Dent as a “beautiful village to explore” with “hardly anyone around” on a Sunday, despite the traditional pub – the Sun Inn – being open.

And regarding the waterfalls, he recommended making your way from the car park towards Flintergill. “It’s a really steep track to get up there,” he cautioned, however “I definitely got quite sweaty.”

Chris then arrived at a gorge where the river cascaded down numerous mini falls amid stunning surroundings. “These are some of my favourites, but there are multiple as you head up the track,” he noted.

Naturally, with the route being circular, Chris arrived at Dent station by day’s end after following the valley floor. “What a fantastic day out,” he concluded.

Writing in response, one TikTok user queried Chris on his route. “The station is Dent on the Settle to Carlisle line (goes from Leeds), cost £21 from Shipley so probably similar from Leeds,” he said.

Another person shared: “Our family fell in love with the Dales in the 90s. Since then my mum has relocated to Skipton. It’s a stunning part of the world. Dent and Cowgill both lovely.”

A third added: “I’ve stayed in The Sun Inn in Dent when I did the Yorkshire Three Peaks, it’s so cute!”

Whilst a fourth TikTok user gushed: “Beautiful. Would love to do this.” Chris replied encouragingly: “Go! It’s free bar transport and if you book in advance you could get super cheap tickets.

“With its narrow, cobbled main street, white-walled cottages and ancient village church, set in a deep, narrow valley, Dent, in Cumbria, is one of the loveliest of Dales villages,” according to the Yorkshire Dales official website.

The statement continues: “Village cafés like Stone Close, with its original cast iron range, offer a tantalising selection of home-baked treats, while the town’s two pubs both extend a warm welcome and serve excellent cask ales. The George and Dragon is the tap house for Dent Brewery and has bagged several CAMRA awards for their cider and perry. The Sun Inn takes pride in its no-nonsense, traditional ambience.”

Devon is awash with natural and historic attractions – great news for wildlife lovers and culture vultures heading here on a £9.50 Holiday.

Whether you’re fascinated by stories of the navy’s past, exhilarated by the sheer beauty of the coast or prefer to visit age-old market towns, there’s something to excite every type of traveller. 

Of course, Devon is blessed with natural wonders such as its two national parks, Dartmoor and Exmoor, complete with its dark sky status.

You’ve also got five Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) to explore: Blackdown Hills, East Devon, North Devon Coast, South Devon and the Tamar Valley.

These are packed with natural and historical attractions, like the Tamar’s rich mining heritage landscape and the North Devon Biosphere, England’s largest sand dune system located around Braunton Burrows. 

Among the top-rated historic attractions in Devon are Saltram, a Georgian house and gardens in Plympton, the 600-year-old Dartmouth Castle and Coleton Fishacre, a 1920s house with a grand garden in Kingswear.

We’ve spoken to local experts, plus Sun readers who have already enjoyed a £9.50 Holiday in this beautiful part of the world, to discover their recommendations for Devon’s best natural and historic attractions. Here’s what they said… 

Walk, coasteering and belly boarding at Baggy Point

Surrounded by Croyde’s crashing waves and spectacular cliffs, Baggy Point is an impressive headland in North Devon.

The 300-ft-high site has an interesting history.

During the Second World War, it was used by the American forces to train for the Normandy Landings (lookout for the telltale remnants of this past, including dummy pillboxes on the plateau). 

You can explore Baggy Point on foot, which Paul Braithwaite, General Manager at Ruda Holiday Park, recommends.

He says: “It takes about half an hour to get to the top, but you get incredible coastal scenery and some spectacular photo opportunities up there.”

Thrill-seekers can see the cliffs from a different angle with a coasteering session – or you can borrow one of the six wooden belly boards for free from the Baggy Point kiosk (during summer months) and leap into the sea of your own accord.

Meet Verity

Overlooking the Bristol Channel on Baggy Point in North Devon, a pregnant woman wields a sword overhead and holds the scales of justice while standing on a pile of law books.

This arresting sight is actually a 60ft bronze and steel sculpture called Verity.

It was created by world-famous artist Damien Hirst, who described it as a “modern allegory of truth and justice”.

Hirst, who lives in Ilfracombe, has loaned the statue to the town for 20 years, starting from when it was unveiled in 2012.

Tessa Lomas, owner of Sea Sauna in nearby Saunton recommends strolling to Stacc afterwards for cocktails and cake. Tessa, 31, said: “The pastry chef there is amazing and it’s all really good quality.” 

Wildlife spotting in the national parks

Devon has two national parks, Exmoor and Dartmoor.

Both free to visit, they are incredible places to explore whether on foot, by bike or even on horseback (guided rides available).

While landlocked Dartmoor is famous for its granite “tors” and ponies, in north-east Devon, Exmoor meets the coast, and is also the UK’s first dark skies conservation area.

During the day, keep your eyes peeled for rare species, including butterflies and birds such as red grouse. The Valley of Rocks and Lynton circular walk offers plenty of wildlife spotting and coastal views. 

See shipwrecks in South Devon

The rocky coast of Devon has been the cause of thousands of shipwrecks (some estimates suggest up to 5,000).

And you can get a glimpse of some of them if you know where to look.

Gem Krupa, Holiday Home Sales Manager at Challaborough Bay, suggests Hope Cove in South Devon where the wreckage of Empire Harry is visible at low tide.

She said: “You can hire a paddleboard from Bigbury-on-Sea (try Discovery Surf) or just take your snorkel. You can sometimes see seals hanging out there, too.”

After, swing by Hope & Anchor for a pint near the beach. 

Park life 

Sun reader Richard Tilley visited Cockington Country Park during his recent £9.50 Holiday at Parkdean Resorts Torquay.

The park is a mix of manicured gardens and rural countryside and woodland, with a historic manor house, thatched cottages and 11th-century church.

Richard, 62, from Devizes in Wiltshire, said: “It has a big old-fashioned cricket green and a little lake and stream. We had a cup of tea and visited all the little craft units.

“My partner watched the glass blowers and bought a bauble as a souvenir.”

Tip: Although the park is free to visit, you have to pay for parking (£1.80 per hour or £7 for four hours and over). 

Market madness

For a shopping trip with a historic twist, Sun reader Dawn Brannigan recommends heading to Barnstaple Pannier Market in North Devon.

The current Guildhall building dates back to 1826, but Barnstaple’s trading history goes back even further, to Saxon times.

Dawn, 54, from Wakefield, was staying nearby at Golden Coast Holiday Park in Woolacombe when she visited Pannier Market.

She said: “It’s an indoor market with a historic feel. There’s also the Pottington car boot sale where I picked up loads of bargains.”

Royal William Yard and Drake’s Island

Plymouth has a fascinating naval history – after all, this is where the English fleet left in 1588 to confront the Spanish Armada.

The regenerated Royal William Yard area is steeped in history, having kept the naval fleet afloat in the 19th century.

Today, the restored Grade I and II Listed buildings are home to pulsing restaurants, galleries, shops and events such as live music and food markets.

Gem Krupa recommends the ferry to Drakes Island for history buffs, saying: “You can get a ferry through Plymouth Sound and do a tour of the island. You will see old cannons, mysterious tunnels and maybe even seals on the rocks.”

Wild swimming 

Around a 35-minute drive inland from the South Devon coastline is a fantastic wild swimming spot on the River Dart.

Daniel Start, author of the new Wild Guide South West, said: “It’s one of the most beautiful wild swimming rivers in the UK.

In a deep gorge far upstream of Newbridge, you can lie out on the flat hot rocks above the serene beauty of Horseshoe Falls, a natural horseshoe-shaped water”fall.

“Below a deep pool, perfect for a refreshing swim, with opportunities for jumps from the surrounding rocks. From here a picturesque footpath leads up to the perfect village of Holne with a pretty pub.”

Discover Aysgarth in Yorkshire Dales, home to stunning Aysgarth Falls and a hidden Edwardian rock garden perfect for nature lovers and history enthusiasts

Nestled in the Yorkshire Dales lies a charming village, renowned for its natural wonders such as cascading waterfalls and a historical secret garden.

While Aysgarth is a popular destination for those seeking to marvel at the pristine Aysgarth Falls, many are unaware of another equally stunning ‘hidden gem’. This secret spot can be easily overlooked, located just off the A684 between Swinithwaite and Hawes, a short distance past the turn-off for the waterfall entrance.

Upon arrival, you’ll encounter a metal railing and small gate. Don’t let this deter you; it’s essential to continue on to discover the secret gardens. Once inside, you’ll be greeted by an assortment of limestone rocks, adorned with alpine plants, inviting you to navigate through archways and mazes, reports Yorkshire Live.

The rock garden, now a listed building protected since 1988, offers a hidden world, preserving this piece of history from potential demolition. The garden was commissioned before the First World War by Frank Sayer-Graham, who resided in the cottage opposite. It’s believed that the land directly in front of the cottage served as a vegetable patch, given Sayer-Graham’s passion for horticulture, providing him with a unique gardening space. The Edwardian rock garden continues to impress those lucky enough to find it, with one recent visitor dubbing it a “must-visit” for gardening enthusiasts.

They went on to share on TripAdvisor: “The gardens’ proportions are modest, and 30-45 mins is all the time you’ll need. Everything about it is classy and understated, e.g., the signage outside the garden is small by today’s ‘in your face’ culture, and the old-fashioned donations box is tucked away close to the ground just as you enter. The garden is beautifully looked after, and we didn’t hesitate to make a generous donation towards its upkeep.”

The village is also home to the enchanting Aysgarth Falls, a peaceful series of waterfalls guaranteed to captivate adventurous visitors. The location is part of the Yorkshire Dales National Park and features a visitor centre, café and car park. The three-tiered cascades tumble down into the serene waters of the River Ure, which meanders through the centre of Wensleydale.

For more than two centuries, they’ve drawn visitors and became even more renowned after featuring as the setting for a scene in the Hollywood blockbuster Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. One guest described the spot as a “water wonderland”. They commented: “What ever time of year you go, Aysgarth falls does not disappoint. Whatever the rainfall has been, the falls are beautiful, and the autumn colours added a little something special.”

Next to the falls lies the local nature reserve, providing numerous meandering trails for passionate ramblers exploring the woodland. There are frequently even glimpses of deer darting through the trees, so make sure you watch carefully. Another satisfied visitor shared: “Lovely hour-long visit to see the lower, middle and upper falls. Each walk was well laid out and simple to do. Didn’t take as long as the recommended times, but we weren’t far off. The falls were beautiful.”

This village in the Yorkshire Dales is a hidden gem with stunning waterfalls and green landscapes that inspired a famous artist hundreds of years ago

Nestled in the Yorkshire Dales, this quaint village provides the perfect getaway for those seeking to immerse themselves in nature’s splendour – and a renowned artist did just that.

West Burton, tucked away in a side valley of Lower Wensleydale, has a deep-rooted connection with the celebrated painter J. M.W. Turner, who is acclaimed for his evocative depictions of expansive landscapes. The village itself, particularly its breathtaking waterfall, served as inspiration for Turner. A sketch of the Cauldron Falls, drawn by the artist during his tour of Yorkshire in 1816, still exists. It’s thought that he spent a significant amount of time by the water, studying its flow and observing how it cascaded over the falls.

His plan was to create a larger, more detailed piece in his signature watercolour style; however, it famously remained unfinished. Despite this, the artwork can be viewed alongside his other masterpieces at the Tate in London. Remarkably, the falls remain unchanged even after 200 years, allowing visitors to appreciate their full colour and beauty firsthand. A brief stroll from the charming West Burton village will lead you there, where you can marvel at the stunning plunge pool, filled with naturally tumbling water.

A recent holidaymaker left their review on TripAdvisor, stating: “Wow, what a hidden gem this is, tucked away in the quaint village of West Burton. Really easy to access the falls, a very short walk from the village itself. Stunning waterfall and peaceful away from the crowds. Simply magical.”

Beyond this attraction, the village centre boasts a verdant green space, surrounded by numerous period buildings and charming cottages that perfectly capture authentic Yorkshire countryside living. The settlement serves as a favoured stopping point for those keen to discover the dales and surrounding regions.

Standing proudly on the green is the impressive West Burton Obelisk, a stone monument built in 1820. While such features are typical of many market settlements, this particular structure is thought to have originally been a preaching cross, now serving as a significant historical marker for the locality.

The village’s heritage stretches back much further, with connections to an Iron Age community, evidenced by the Burton Moor hut circles, which eventually evolved into a mediaeval estate. During the 18th century, it flourished as a bustling settlement centred on lead extraction, stone quarrying, traditional crafts, and naturally, farming.

Traditional crafts remain a local speciality, most notably the distinctive Cat Pottery. This charming establishment has been creating adorable Moorside cats since 1982, with every piece lovingly handmade within the village itself – preserving the region’s rich tradition of skilled craftsmanship.

One visitor hailed the spot as a “hidden gem”, adding: “Perfect for cat lovers. Bought two ceramic cats and had a lovely conversation with the gentleman who was working there at the time. It was hard to pick which we wanted because all of the pot cats are adorable. Will be ordering more online!”.

The forest features the spectacular Cascades Walk boardwalk along the river, with visitors comparing the scenic beauty to the Canadian wilderness

Tucked away in the heart of Wales, one remarkable forest brimming with thousands of pine and spruce trees has left visitors so spellbound they struggle to believe they’re still in the UK. Boasting around 15 square miles of stunning scenery and rich wildlife, Hafren Forest possesses an enchanting quality, where you can wander beneath the leafy canopy on various trails that encounter streams and waterfalls en route.

Situated just a brief drive from the Welsh town of Llanidloes, this makes an ideal spot for winter rambles, witnessing the seasonal transformation up close.

One of the forest’s crown jewels is the Cascades Walk, a scenic half-mile boardwalk that meanders alongside the River Severn. When TikTok explorers going by @tomharbourne stumbled upon the forest, they hailed it as “the best boardwalk in the country.”

The adventurers, who have a knack for uncovering hidden gems across the UK, ventured to Hafren Forest. They posted a TikTok clip, simply titled “This is not Canada” featuring the boardwalk stroll, bordered by flowing water and tree-lined paths on both sides.

They continue: “This walk showcases some of the most amazing scenery Wales has to offer and the views you get on this stunning walk immediately will have your thoughts drifting away to pine forests of Canada or Alaska.”

The Cascades Walk offers a breathtaking viewpoint with cascading waterfalls, providing the ideal spot to take a breather and soak up the splendour of nature.

The boardwalk is easily navigable and even includes ramps for wheelchair users and mobility scooters, ensuring it’s a welcoming spot for everyone.

You’ll also find the Source of the Severn Trail within the forest, leading intrepid explorers to the river’s origin on the slopes of Pumlumon, the loftiest peak in the Cambrian Mountains.

This hour-long trail takes visitors along the river, through a vibrant wildflower meadow, before crossing a footbridge where the River Severn roars down a gully to create the renowned Severn-Break-its-Neck waterfall.

The forest itself was established in the 1930s by the Forestry Commission, with the river’s source located on the slopes of Pumlumon (Plynlimon), the tallest mountain in mid-Wales. It’s also a paradise for wildlife lovers.

It’s home to an array of rare bird species, such as buzzards, goshawks, red kites, and merlins.

Plus, almost all of the UK’s native freshwater fish species inhabit its waters, making it a hotspot for biodiversity.

Forest walks can range from a quick 30-minute stroll to a more challenging 4.5-hour hike, with terrain varying from a man-made boardwalk to loose stone and steep inclines, depending on your chosen route.

With picnic areas conveniently situated near the car park and at the end of the boardwalk, it’s the perfect place to pause and appreciate the otherworldly beauty of the surroundings.

The forest is a perfect spot for families, couples, and large groups, offering ample room for all to roam and relish.

Whether you’re after a tranquil escape or a fun-filled family day out, Hafren Forest has got you covered.

What’s more, entry won’t cost you a penny, making it a wallet-friendly choice for nature enthusiasts keen to soak up the breathtaking Welsh scenery without splashing the cash.

Whether it’s the picturesque vistas, the abundant wildlife, or the serene trails that catch your eye, Hafren Forest is an essential stop-off for anyone touring Wales.

A British travel expert has shared the location of what she believes to be the most beautiful place on Earth, advising others of five things to know before planning a visit to the breathtaking scenery

Following her visit to what she hailed as the “most beautiful place on Earth”, a travel expert has compiled a list of five essential pointers for anyone wanting to experience this breathtaking destination themselves. Emma Ansley Knight turned to TikTok after returning from the Brazil-Argentina border in South America, describing her journey as “such a bucket list moment”.

“Literally felt a tear come down my face when I stood over the Devil’s Throat waterfall for the first time,” she added. “Just amazing how powerful nature can be.” She went on to explain that the Brazilian side of her destination offers roughly a 1.5km walk with “beautiful panoramic views” of the cascades, which she suggests tackling first.

“Someone said that from the Brazilian side you can see the falls, and from the Argentinian side you can feel the falls, which I thought was a great way of describing it,” Emma said. The Argentinian side is quite different, however, featuring multiple walking routes and providing more of a “full day experience”, she added.

Her destination? Iguazu Falls. Also referred to as Iguaçu Falls, it sits on the Iguazu River and forms part of the world’s largest waterfall network.

“If you want to see the falls at their absolute fullest, you are best off going in the rainy season, which is roughly between November and March,” Emma advised.

“We went in December and just before that it had rained so much that the flow of the falls was five times higher than usual.”

She went on to describe the Devil’s Throat, the most impressive cascade at Iguazu Falls. “You can see the water thundering down it from the Brazilian side,” she said.

“And on the Argentinian side, you can head along a walkway and stand pretty much right at the top of it – and wow, what an experience that was.”

Regarding accommodation options, Emma outlined several choices. “On the Brazil side, you have Foz do Iguaçu, which is where we stayed. And on the Argentina side there’s Puerto Iguazu – and if your budget allows, you can even stay in the National Park itself.”

Emma concluded by reminding visitors that crossing from one side of the falls to the other requires passing through border control, meaning you must make sure you have your passport with you.

Iguazu National Park achieved UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 1986 due to its exceptional natural splendour. Its website advises: “The semicircular waterfall at the heart of this site is some 80m high and 2,700m in diameter and is situated on a basaltic line spanning the border between Argentina and Brazil.

“Made up of many cascades producing vast sprays of water, it is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the world. The surrounding subtropical rainforest has over 2,000 species of vascular plants and is home to the typical wildlife of the region: tapirs, giant anteaters, howler monkeys, ocelots, jaguars and caymans.”

To get to the destination from Brazil, you can catch a flight from either Sao Paulo or Rio de Janeiro to the local airport, Aeropuerto Internacional de Foz do Iguaçu. The journey from Rio takes roughly two hours, while flights from Sao Paulo shave off about 15 minutes.

Alternatively, if you’re travelling from Buenos Aires in Argentina, you can fly directly to the Aeropuerto Internacional de Puerto Iguazu. This flight is slightly quicker, clocking in at around one hour and 50 minutes.

WITH its staggeringly beautiful beaches, scenic woodlands and hidden waterfalls, Cornwall has natural attractions galore.

There’s also fascinating history to discover, from legendary King Arthur’s roots, the tin mining heyday and the infamous pirates that terrorised the coastline for hundreds of years.

We’ve spoken to Sun readers who have visited Cornwall on £9.50 Holidays to get their recommendations of the best local natural and historic attractions to visit.

We’ve also asked local experts and holiday park staff for their top tips, with options that are all within easy reach of your £9.50 Holiday. Here’s what they said… 

Waterfall magic 

Dani Fillery, Owner and Guest Experience Manager at White Acres Holiday Park, near Newquay, recommends the beautiful St Nectan’s Glen, on Cornwall’s north coast.

A scenic woodland walk leads you to a spectacular 60ft waterfall with a cafe at the top (tip: wear decent footwear as it can be wet and uneven underfoot).

Kids will be amazed by the sight and sound of the waterfall.

Admission costs £9 per adult and £5 per child (free for under fives), but you can see some of the smaller rapids for free, which are also lovely. Don’t forget to take £3 cash for the car park.

Castle legends 

You could pair St Nectan’s Glen with a trip to Tintagel Castle, just a couple of miles away.

Said to be the birthplace of King Arthur, it has medieval ruins to explore, accessed by a jaw-dropping footbridge.

At low tide, don’t miss Merlin’s Cave – located below the castle, which is believed to be where Merlin lived.

If you’re staying further south, Pendennis Castle offers a glimpse into Tudor Cornwall.

One of Henry VIII’s finest seaside fortresses, it’s ideal for a family day out, with kid-friendly tours, an events programme and even a soft play for little ones. 

Tin mining legacy

For Sun reader Anne Walton, 71, from Newport in Wales, there are lots of historic attractions in Cornwall worth visiting.

She said: “You’ve got the Poldark area and Jamaica Inn, which they filmed near Holywell Bay. We’ve been down on the beach when they’ve been filming it.”

Another highlight that Anne recommends, and which features in Poldark, are the tin mines.

You can walk right next to well-preserved engine houses on the coastal path near St Agnes Head, one of the filming locations for the BBC drama.

Or, delve deeper into the history of Cornish mining and more at the Royal Cornwall Museum in Truro, which is a wallet-friendly option for families (free for under-18s, £7.50 for adults).

It houses over 300,000 artefacts, with hands-on exhibits to capture kids’ imaginations. 

Escape to an island fortress

Carol Harris, 72, from Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, stayed at Parkdean Resorts Lizard Point.

She recommends taking the hop on, hop off bus from outside the holiday park to Marazion, to visit St Michael’s Mount, an island fortress that she says is “beautiful”.

And it might look a tad familiar – it has a French counterpart across the Channel, in Normandy.

Located on a tidal island, you need to take a boat to reach the castle and its subtropical gardens at high tide (£2.80 one way for adults, £1.50 for children).

But at low tide, you can get there for free by walking across the granite causeway (it’s open for about four hours each day).

Tip: there is a great cafe on the island, but you can keep costs down by packing a picnic and finding a grassy spot. 

Swim in a natural sea pool

Cornwall is blessed with more than 400 beaches – so you’re never short of sea swimming locations.

But for something more sheltered and a little more unique, head to a natural sea pool.

Cornwall expert and Sun travel writer Ellie Ross recommends Trevone Natural Sea Pool, which you can walk to from Trevone Bay car park in under ten minutes.

She says: “You have to time it for low tide, and clamber across some rocks, but it’s well worth it for the experience of swimming in a sea pool – which is completely free.

“There is also a shallow end nearest the path so supervised children can play here, too.”

Other tidal pools include a man-made rock pool, which is relatively unknown, hidden out of sight at Porthtowan Beach.