AN AWARD-WINNING attraction in Devon is home to the country’s highest man-made waterfall, Lady Exmouth Falls.
Located in Dartmoor National Park, Canonteign Falls has been named a hidden gem by local travel expert, Alex Gwillim, from Sweetcombe Cottage Holidays.
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He said: “Canonteign Falls is a beautiful natural attraction located in the heart of Devon, home to the South West’s highest waterfall.
“If you want to go for a peaceful walk, it’s the perfect location to venture past the waterfalls and lakes, or through the fern gardens and woodlands.”
Despite its name, Canonteign Falls is a set of two waterfalls, Natural Falls and Lady Exmouth Falls.
Lady Exmouth Falls was commissioned by Lady Susan, who was the wife of the third Lord Exmouth.
The aristocrats wanted to build the waterfall to help keep the miners in work following the end of the mining boom in the 1880s.
The former miners worked to divert the leat course, which had previously provided water for the sawmill and the mines, over the nearby rock formations to create the country’s highest man-made waterfall.
Stretching for more than 70 metres, Lady Exmouth Falls still attracts visitors to this day.
To reach the top of the waterfall, visitors will journey through the history of Canonteign Falls, passing the site of the old sawmill and its woodland.
Once at the top of the waterfall, holidaymakers can continue the climb upwards following a set of 90 Victorian steps, which lead to a Fern Garden.
On this route, visitors will cross the bridge at Devil’s Leap, the site of the Natural Falls, before emerging at the viewing platform at the very top of the valley.
Aside from the waterfalls, there are plenty of other attractions to keep families entertained, including a Bee Garden and the old Orchard.
Canonteign Falls is also home to seven lakes, one of those being Swan Lake, which is home to a bevy of black swans.
There’s also a children’s play area on site with a huge wooden galleon, a climbing wall, slide pole and rope ladders.
A climbing frame, a set of swings and two trampolines can also be found in the children’s play area.
Other attractions include a zip wire and a mini assault course.
Canonteign Falls has been praised by visitors on TripAdvisor, with a 4.5/5 star rating from nearly 900 reviews.
One person wrote: “A really beautiful place to explore. The waterfalls are spectacular and the ferns make the place really atmospheric.”
While another added: “Such a beautiful, relaxing, place with lots of little hidden gems to discover around the lakes.”
Entry tickets cost £11.75 for a full-paying adult and £8.50 for children.
OTHER UK WATERFALLS
There are several other hidden waterfalls that can be found throughout the UK, including Batman Falls and Hardraw Force.
Batman falls
Film buffs might not know it, but a piece of Hollywood history can be found in a deep gorge in the Brecon Beacons National Park in Wales.
The falls are known as “Batman’s Waterfall” after they featured in Christopher Nolan’s hit film The Dark Knight Rises.
Henrhyd Falls is where people can find the caped crusader’s hidden cave.
Hardraw Force
Gayle Beck is found near the confluence of the River Ure and gushes through the streets of Hawes, a tiny market town in the Yorkshire Dales.
It leads to Hardraw Force, one of the most visited spots in the area and one of the country’s biggest waterfalls.
Tumbling more than 100ft, the falls are located behind the Green Dragon Inn, a tavern that has been in its current location since the 13th century.
Read more on the Scottish Sun
Three other hidden gems to explore in Devon
FROM secret beaches to stately home, Devon is home to plenty of family-friendly activities and attractions.
Berry Pomeroy Castle is an atmospheric ruin near Totnes. It is reputed to be one of the most haunted castles in England, offering a unique glimpse into the past.
Dartington Hall is a medieval hall with beautiful gardens and a vibrant arts scene. The estate often hosts cultural events and workshops.
Once home to Sir Francis Drake, Buckland Abbey is now in the hands of the National Trust. It features a mix of history, art and beautiful gardens.
There’s also Heddon Valley, a hidden gem in Exmoor National Park. This lush valley offers beautiful riverside walks and leads down to the rocky beach at Heddon’s Mouth.
A northern county made the “world’s best places to visit in 2024” thanks to its great beaches, lavender fields, and dark skies.
And here’s the British national park that’s the best place to see the Northern Lights in the UK.
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