Don’t go chasing waterfalls. You can and should go chasing waterfalls from Bristol. There’s nothing more beautiful and relaxing than a stream of water tumbling off a cliff’s edge. While waterfalls aren’t something we closely associate with the West Country, there are a few lovely ones close by (plus some a bit further that you simply must visit). So pack the car or hop on your bike and discover these wonderful waterfalls near Bristol.
1. Snuff Mills
Credit: @emziestridey
What were you expecting, the South West’s answer to Niagara Falls? It’s not exactly mindblowing, but if you want waterfalls in Bristol, this is the spot to come to. The popular woodland walk – named after one of the local millers, ‘Snuffy Jack’ – features several small yet lovely waterfalls, as well as a community garden, a play area, and thriving wildlife.
Snuff Mills, Bristol BS16 1UH
2. Stephen’s Vale Waterfall
Credit: @rubblebus2
Situated halfway between Bath and the Mendip Hills, Greyfield Wood is a wonderful spot for a good day’s rambling. Offering 90 acres of natural woodland, ripe for exploration, ancient trees and downhill lead you to the majestic Stephen’s Vale where you’ll find a waterfall. There’s a map and information board at the woodland entrance, so you should find it easily. If you do get lost, just keep your ears peeled for the sound of water. The wooded valley is also home to diverse flora, birds and butterflies.
Greyfield Wood Farm, Greyfield Wood, Bristol BS39 6YE
3. Warleigh Weir
Credit: @warleighweirproject
You won’t be able to swim at all the waterfalls around Bristol. But Warleigh Weir is one of our favourite outdoor swimming spots. It might not be what you envision when you think waterfall, but this sun-trapped manmade waterfall is just lovely for dipping your toes over and cooling off in the summertime. Plenty of green space makes it ideal for some after swimming walks too.
Warleigh Weir, Ferry Ln, Claverton, Bath BA2 7BH
4. Abbots Pool
This one is more of a trickle than a full-blown waterfall, but it’s actually in Bristol (or thereabouts). So we’re including it. Some tranquil ponds for paddling and swimming, meadows for picnics and woodlands for walking also make Abbots Pool worth the visit. Credit: @znaughalty
Abbots Leigh, Bristol BS8 3RT
5. St Audries Bay Waterfall
Credit: @spinning_wheels_photography
A little way along from one of our favourite beaches near Bristol, Kilve Beach, this waterfall is one of the most breathtaking. The natural waterfall on St Audrie’s Bay plunges straight down the cliff straight onto the beach. It can only be reached at low tide, but it’s worth waiting around for. If you fancy a bit of a beach trip – one more secluded and less sandy than say, Weston-super-Mare – this is the ideal trip.
West Quantoxhead, Taunton, Somerset TA4 4DP, UK
6. Trull Waterfall
Credit: @spicydays
There’s an old story that claims trolls used to live under these falls near Taunton. They were prone to stealing farm animals passing across the bridge above. (The name Trull is a nod to these fearsome trolls.) They can be a bit awkward to find, so keep a lookout for this small but lovely feature of the landscape.
Trull, Taunton TA3 7EH
7. Cheddar Waterfall
Credit: @adam95p
You may come for the cheese, but you’ll want to stay in Cheddar for the Gorge. Well over 10,000 years of human history – the oldest complete skeleton ever found in Britain, Cheddar Man, is from here- while outside you’ll find hikers, rock climbers and goats. But if all you care about is waterfalls, then head into the town where it has its own viewing platform.
Cheddar Waterfall, 4 The Cliffs, Cheddar BS27 3QE
8. Bowood House & Gardens
Credit: @bowoodwiltshire
Even if you weren’t looking for waterfalls near Bristol, Bowood House & Gardens would be worth the day trip. This gorgeous Georgian country house is open to the public. The grounds are home to an exciting adventure playground for kids (the infamous ‘Death Slide’ is a rite of passage). And the many gardens are often bursting with flowers during spring and summer. But it’s the waterfall you care about and what a waterfall it is. Cascading off the rocks, it’s a true beauty.
Bowood House & Gardens, Old Rd, Derry Hill, Calne SN11 0LZ
9. Cleddon Shoots
Credit: @raw_uk_
If you can’t hear running water here, you might be in the wrong place. Cleddon Falls thunder down the valley and can be heard for some distance. (Making the easier to find than many others on this list.) They’re at their most dramatic following heavy rains, particularly in autumn. But can be enjoyed all year round with its epic valley views and plentiful walking routes.
Monmouth NP25 4PN
10. Mells Waterfall
Credit: @colourblendzphotos
This might be the smallest waterfall on this list, but it’s too cute not to include. It might not be worth the travel from Bristol on its own, but if you’re ever near Frome check it out. Mells is a lovely little village too. You’ll find this waterfall heading through the woods on the Mells Estate.
Mells near Frome
11. Blaen Bran Reservoir
Credit: @sianaschultz99
Crossing the border into Wales can feel like a scary concept (just kidding) but it’s going to be worth it to find the best waterfalls near Bristol. Some well-worn paths around the ridge of these woodlands offer astonishing views. The whole area provides lots of lovely forest walks and waterfalls as you hike uphill towards the old reservoir and mine buildings.
Blaen Bran Reservoir, Torfaen, Wales
12. Waterfall Country
Credit: @toosytorkia
If you don’t mind travelling a tiny bit further into Wales, then the very best place to find waterfalls near Bristol (or in Britain) is the Vale of Neath. Better known as Waterfall Country for its large number of splendid natural water features, it’s situated near Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons). There are too many waterfalls to name here, but some of the closest include Sgwd Clun Gwyn, Sgwd Y Pannwr and Sgwd Isaf Clun-Gwyn on the Afon Mellte.
Sgwd Yr Eira on the Afon Hepste are also very famous as you can actually walk behind them! This waterfall, along with the nearby Sgwd Henrhyd waterfall, was used in scenes for Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight Rises. Used for Batman’s iconic hideout, the Batcave. So don’t be surprised if you see a caped crusader or two running about. To learn more about Britain’s Waterfall Country head here.