Where to Go… to Walk to a Waterfall

Waterfalls may not be something you associate with the South East of England but here are nine adventures that involve walking to waterfalls and weirs.

Discover a Waterfall and Roman Ruins at Virginia Water

Ashford Hangers National Nature Reserve, Steep, Near Petersfield, Hampshire

With woods and paths to explore, places to build hideouts, scooter and cycle tracks, a gorgeous waterfall, some lost ruins from Rome, and a wooden playground, Virginia Water is a wonderful place to visit, with or without children.

Hever Castle was the childhood home of Anne Boleyn. It’s a picturesque castle that has everything a castle should have – a drawbridge, a moat and battlements – and even a castle-themed Hever Castle Adventure Play Area, complete with a secret passage! It also has beautifully manicured gardens with a couple of waterfalls.

Shoulder of Mutton Hill, Edward Thomas Stone, Ashford Hangers National Nature Reserve, Steep, Near Petersfield, Hampshire

Hidden behind beautiful Boulters Lock is Ray Mill Island, an island in the Thames where the river forks and either thunders over Boulters Weir or pools in Boulters Lock.

Wheatham Hill in the Ashford Hangers National Nature Reserve, Steep, Petersfield

The mesmerizing Mill Lane Waterfall roars down a hill and under the road where it pools as the slow flowing Ashford Stream. You can walk to the waterfall from Steep Recreation Ground. If you are feeling intrepid, you can continue from the waterfall to Shoulder of Mutton Hill in the Ashford Hangers.

Mill Lane Waterfall, Steep Recreation Ground and Play Area, Steep, Near Petersfield

Our visits to Broadmoor always make us feel like jungle explorers on an expedition to find a secret waterfall. I like to think this is because the woods have a wild, jungle-like feel…

Walking to the Secret Falls, and then paddling at Friday Street, has quickly become one of our favourite adventures.

At the bottom of Waggoners Wells – beyond the blue pools, waterfalls and giant fish – is an old wishing well that is said to have inspired Tennyson and Flora Thompson.

With beautiful scenery, cascading waterfalls, lovely picnic spots, buggy friendly pathways and even play areas, RHS Garden Wisley is wonderful.

This tranquil stretch of the River Wey offers you a choice of walks – in one direction is Newark Lock and the ruins of Newark Priory and in the other is Papercourt Lock and a tumbling bay waterfall.

The Blackwater begins in the tranquil Rowhill Nature Reserve and so does the Blackwater Valley Path, which winds with the river, past the source, waterfalls and bridges and out onto the streets of Aldershot and Badshot Lea.

This is a child-sized waterfall and the smallest on this list.

Let’s have an adventure…

Before taking part in any activities or visiting any places listed, you should make appropriate checks to ensure high quality provision, a safe environment is provided and to check all these details are up to date before you visit and/or take part. We accept no liability (to the fullest extent permitted by law) for the quality of the activities provided or places listed or for the accuracy of any information given.

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