Waterfalls have an undeniably magical quality and they’re always an exciting thing to spot when exploring woodland or coastal trails. Cornwall has several beautiful waterfall sites that are well worth visiting if you’re after some truly enchanting views and a lovely day spent out and about in nature.
The Best Waterfalls in Cornwall
While Cornwall might be most renowned for its beaches, there are plenty of other natural wonders to enjoy. Cornwall boasts a few beloved waterfalls, all set in diverse locations for some unbeatable photo opportunities!
- St Nectan’s Kieve
- Golitha Falls
- Rocky Valley
- Lansallos Waterfall
- Pentargon Waterfall
- Luxulyan Valley Waterfalls
- Tregargus Waterfall
- Tintagel Haven Waterfall
- Tregardock Beach Waterfall
Seeking out a waterfall isn’t just about reaching the end point – it’s about the journey that takes you there. Many of these Cornish waterfalls will require a bit of a walk to get to, and with stunning settings nestled among ancient woodlands or surrounded by rugged sea cliffs, that’ll only make your waterfall experience even better.
1. St Nectan’s Kieve, Trethevy
St Nectan’s Glen near Tintagel is an area of outstanding beauty and serves as a haven for plants and wildlife. One of the glen’s most popular features is St Nectan’s Kieve, a 60ft high waterfall that’s fed by the river Trevillet.
Enjoy sights of cascading water as it winds through a hole in the rock into the sparkling pool below. Surrounded by verdant green plants and ancient woodland, the effect here is transportive, making it feel like you’ve stepped into another world.
Take the circular walk to see two other secluded waterfalls and marvel at the majesty of this unspoilt natural beauty spot.
St Nectan’s Kieve by © Raimond Spekking / CC BY-SA 4.0 (via Wikimedia Commons)
2. Golitha Falls, Liskeard
Another favoured place to see waterfalls in Cornwall is Golitha Falls, a nature reserve on the edge of Bodmin Moor. Here you’ll come across a series of cascading waterfalls rushing past ancient oak trees and cutting through the gorge.
The water here, fed by the River Fowey, is quite fast-flowing and makes for some spectacular views, especially after heavy rain. There are plenty of walking routes that take you through Draynes Wood and give you lots of chances to take in the stunning scenery. The mile-long circular route is ideal for families.
Golitha Falls on the River Fowey to the west of St Cleer in Cornwall by Nilfanion / CC BY-SA 3.0
3. Rocky Valley, Tintagel
If you’re after more of a coastal adventure, head to Rocky Valley which lies along a portion of the South West Coast Path between Tintagel and Boscastle. Here you’ll be treated to breathtaking cliff-top views as you explore a rugged terrain of slate amidst the craggy gorge.
The Trevillet River cuts through the rock to form several waterfalls along the walk here. One of the main features includes a mesmerising 30 ft waterfall. As well as being abundant with natural beauty, the area here is also bursting with history as you’ll also come across old mills and historic rock carvings.
Rocky Valley by Maurice D Budden / CC BY-SA 2.0
4. Lansallos Waterfall, Lantic Bay
This spot on Cornwall’s south coast is a lovely place to visit. Managed by the National Trust, this little stretch of coastline offers secluded coves and a tranquil trail that is perfect for an afternoon of exploration.
Lansallos Beach, just along the coast from Polperro, boasts charming golden sands and a small waterfall on its western side. Also known as Reed Water, the waterfall here used to power a mill. Explore the surrounding rock pools and wider cove to retrace the trails of smuggles past. On calmer days, the beach is great for swimming and snorkelling.
Lansallos: waterfall onto the beach by Brian / CC BY-SA 2.0
5. Pentargon Waterfall, Boscastle
Another coast path jaunt, you’ll find this hidden gem just north of Boscastle. Dropping from an impressive height, Pentargon Waterfall plunges dramatically from the cliffs into the sea below.
Walk up from Boscastle harbour and follow the coastline beyond Penally Point to find the natural viewpoint where you can admire the falls in all their glory.
Pentargon Waterfall by Nilfanion / CC BY-SA 4.0
What is the Biggest Waterfall in Cornwall?
Falling from a height of 120ft, Pentargon is Cornwall’s biggest/longest waterfall. It looks its most spectacular after a decent bout of rain.
6. Luxulyan Valley Waterfalls, Near St Blazey
Just up from St Blazey, between St Austell and Bodmin, lies the tranquil wooded valley of Luxulyan. A walk among the leafy glades is complemented by various sights from Cornwall’s industrial and mining past, including the 19th-century viaduct, water wheels and other quarry relics.
The various waterfalls and streams are fed by the Par River, which flows through the woods and creates an unbeatable setting for an afternoon stroll. Immerse yourself in the rich heritage of the area on one of the easily accessible paths before admiring the Carmears Wood Waterfall or the Wheelpit, a man-made water feature built to power the area’s mining and quarrying efforts.
Lanlivery: river below the Treffry Viaduct by Martin Bodman / CC BY-SA 2.0
7. Tregargus Waterfall, near St Stephen
For similar scenes, head to Tregargus Valley (sometimes known as the Hidden Valley) near St Stephen, which offers some wonderful woodland walks and meandering riverside adventures. Barn River flows between trees and plant life before joining the River Fal later on – along the way, it feeds into a charming little waterfall that tumbles over gentle slopes of rocks.
While taking to the trails here, you’ll discover loads of old mill ruins, hinting at an industrious past. In previous centuries, the area was home to seven mills – many of which you will still see echos of.
Abandoned Building in Tregargus Woods by Mike Lyne / CC BY-SA 2.0
8. Tintagel Haven Waterfall
If you’re visiting Tintagel Castle, be sure to keep a look out for Tintagel Haven Waterfall. The legendary Tintagel Island offers some panoramic views, and once you make your way down to the beach, you can appreciate the sights from a whole new angle.
Watch the magical waterfall as it cascades from the cliffside into the turquoise water below. The iconic Merlin’s Cave is also visible at low tide.
Waterfall, Tintagel Haven by Humphrey Bolton / CC BY-SA 2.0
9. Tregardock Beach Waterfall, near Port Isaac
Head down the coast from Tintagel to find the lovely Tregardock Beach. The large sandy beach here is usually nice and quiet as it can be slightly tricky to get to, so fewer people make the journey. Access is at the end of a long footpath before a climb over some rocks.
The waterfall cascades over the cliff down to the mouth of a shallow cave, lending the spot an even more mysterious, magical feel. With surrounding rock pools and extensive sands at low tide, you’ll have loads of fun exploring the beach and falls here.
From Tregardock Cliff by Derek Harper / CC BY-SA 2.0
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