A Perfect Family Day Out Near Whitby: Exploring Falling Foss Waterfall & Tea Garden
After hearing so many glowing reviews of Falling Foss Waterfall and Tea Garden, I finally decided it was time to visit. Nestled in the North York Moors, just a short drive from Whitby, it’s a hidden gem along the Yorkshire Coast that’s perfect for a family adventure.
Despite the typical overcast skies on my day off, we stuck to our plans and set off not long after breakfast. By the time we arrived around 11am, the main car park was already full—a clear sign that this place is popular! Luckily, there was plenty of space to park along the entrance road. I worried it might be too crowded for a peaceful walk, but that turned out not to be the case. While the entrance and tea garden were busy, the trails themselves were wonderfully quiet and uncrowded.
We made our way down the steep bridleway towards Midge Hall and soon caught our first glimpse of Falling Foss Waterfall—a stunning sight that had us pausing to take it all in. After a good ten minutes of admiring the falls, we continued to the tea garden, picked up some trail maps, and decided to head out on a walk before being tempted by treats.
There are two main walking routes to choose from: the Fairy Glen Walk and the May Beck Walk. Both are listed as 40-minute circular walks, but with some wandering off-trail (thanks in part to slightly unclear maps—and enthusiastic children and dogs), each walk took us closer to an hour.
We started with the Fairy Glen Walk, a scenic loop that took us past the waterfall again and on to The Hermitage—a large cave carved into stone with two quirky ‘wishing chairs’ on top. Be aware that parts of this trail include uneven terrain and sharp drops, so sturdy footwear is recommended (though we did spot a few brave souls in sandals!).
The trail led us along the river and eventually back to the Falling Foss Tea Garden, where we stopped for lunch. The setting is delightfully rustic yet modern, with ample outdoor seating shaded by trees and the soothing sound of the nearby waterfall. Despite the crowd, we were served quickly by friendly staff. The sandwiches were made with thick granary bread and filled generously, the kids enjoyed choosing from a tempting array of homemade cakes, and my mum and I shared a large cafetiere of coffee that was, honestly, one of the nicest coffees I’ve had —I wish I’d asked what blend it was!
After lunch, we tackled the May Beck Walk, which ended up being our favourite. It’s a gentler route that winds upstream, crossing footbridges and meandering through beautiful pine forest. The kids had a blast climbing trees, swinging from hidden ropes, and splashing in the stream. The circular route brought us back to the tea garden once more, with just a short (but steep!) walk back to the car.
By the end of the day, the kids were soaked and muddy but smiling from ear to ear—always a good sign of a successful family day out. With no screens, no WiFi, and plenty of fresh air and fun, Falling Foss was the perfect outdoor escape. The dogs were happy, the kids were tired and we all felt like we’d had a real adventure.
If you’re looking for a family day out near Whitby or planning to explore more of the Yorkshire Coast, Falling Foss is a must-visit. Highly recommended!
👉 Click here to visit the Falling Foss Tea Garden website
