There aren’t many places that we’d brave the A64 for on the hottest day of the year, but Falling Foss near Whitby is one of them. If you’re looking for a really pretty walk that isn’t too taxing for younger children (and has the prospect of caffeine en route), then look no further. It’s not too far a drive from York, and it’s close to the coast if you want to extend your trip. Here are our top five reasons to visit Falling Foss with children.
RECOMMENDED
💰 The best free things to do in the North York Moors
🌳 The best family walks in the North York Moors
🧙♂️The best Harry Potter things to do in York
🥴 The best unusual things to do in York
👶🏼 The best things to do in York with a baby/toddler
📗 Read the Little Vikings Family Guide to York
There’s a magical woodland walk
The prospect of ‘going for a walk’ is enough to make most children burrow under the duvet. But the walk at Falling Foss is so fun that they won’t even realise that they’re putting one foot in front of the other. At around two miles, it’s doable for all but the shortest of legs: our three-year-old, who generally insists on being carried and moans about walking to the shop at the end of our street managed the whole thing without help. They can play with sticks and make up stories, all of which makes it a pleasure rather than a chore. There are even rope swings hanging from trees along the way, which older kids won’t be able to resist.
Falling Foss Tea Garden is gorgeous
Reward your efforts with refreshments at the Falling Foss Tea Garden. The prospect of a cake and juice by the stream is a great incentive for any reluctant walkers. There can’t be many more idyllic spots. Grab a table outside and order at the kiosk. There’s a selection of cakes and snacks, hot and cold drinks and more filling options like bacon baps, homemade soup and children’s picnic boxes. There’s a little play area that younger children will enjoy, too. Opening hours are seasonal, so don’t assume it’s open without checking their social media and website first.
Falling Foss is free!
Day trips with children that don’t break the bank are a rare thing, but this one ticks the budget box. There’s no admission fee and if you pack a picnic, you don’t even need to spend anything on food and drink! Yep, the best things in life really do cost nothing.
There’s a waterfall
Oh, we do love a waterfall, and the one at Falling Foss is very pretty indeed. It’s a steep walk down, so not one to do with a buggy. Families with small children often decide to just look at it from above rather than walk right down to it, paddling in the stream instead.
Falling Foss is a fab place to paddle
On a warm day, there’s nothing more refreshing than kicking off your shoes and paddling in a stream. Our kids love getting their feet wet, wandering up and down the streams and playing pooh sticks from the bridge. Top tip: take a towel or two and the right sort of footwear. There are plenty of other paddling spots along the walk from the May Beck car park, so even on a busy day you’ll probably be able to find a quiet spot to splash about.
Top tips
– The car park gets busy, so arrive early or expect to park on the road.
– The terrain isn’t smooth, so buggies may struggle – a sling/baby carrier would be a better option for those with little ones.
– If it’s rained recently, expect mud and adjust your footwear accordingly!
– Take a towel or two with you to sort out any wet/muddy feet. We take waterproof shoes when we remember, too.
– There are no loos on the route, but there are some lovely ones for customers of the Tea Garden (expect to queue at busy times).
– It’s just outside Whitby, so why not combine it with a trip to the coast?
