Don’t listen to TLC. You can and should go chasing waterfalls. Because even though they aren’t something we closely associate with the West Country, there are many lovely waterfalls to find near Bristol (plus, a few a bit further afield that you simply can’t overlook). Unwind and relax to the gentle sound of water tumbling off a cliff’s edge, as you discover the most wonderful waterfalls near Bristol, tucked away in some truly beautiful locations.
1. Snuff Mills
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
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, head downhill 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. 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.
Abbots Leigh, Bristol BS8 3RT
4. Warleigh Weir
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 in 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
5. Trull Waterfall
There’s an old story that claims trolls used to live under these falls near Taunton, and the name Trull is a nod to these fearsome creatures. They were prone to stealing farm animals passing across the bridge above, but they can now be a bit awkward to find, so keep a lookout for this small but lovely feature of the landscape.
Trull, Taunton TA3 7EH
6. Cheddar Waterfall
You may come for the cheese, but you’ll stay for the Gorge. Well over 10,000 years of human history—the oldest complete skeleton ever found in Britain is from Cheddar—as well as hiking, rock climbing and goats, it’s one of the country’s great wonders. 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
7. Bowood House & Gardens
You don’t have to be looking for waterfalls to enjoy Bowood House & Gardens, which is always worth aday trip. At this gorgeous Georgian country house, the grounds are home to an exciting adventure playground for kids (the infamous ‘Death Slide’ is a rite of passage), while many gardens often burst 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
8. St Audries Bay Waterfall
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 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
9. Cleddon Shoots
If you can’t hear running water here, you might be in the wrong place. Cleddon Falls thunders down the valley and can be heard for quite some distance—making the waterfalls much easier to find than many others on this list. They’re at their most dramatic following heavy rains, particularly in autumn. But it can be enjoyed all year round with its epic valley views and plentiful walking routes.
Cleddon Shoots, Monmouth NP25 4PN
10. Mells
Mells is a lovely little village and home to what might be the smallest waterfall on this list—but it’s too cute not to include! You’ll find it heading through the woods on the Mells Estate and following the river path. You’ll find it heading through the woods on the Mells Estate and following the river path near the Old Iron Works.
Mells near Frome
11. Waterfall Country
Crossing the border into Wales can feel like a scary concept (just kidding), but it’s also the very best place to find waterfalls near Bristol (or in Britain). The Vale of Neath, better known as Waterfall Country, is famous for its large number of splendid natural water features. 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.