Aysgarth Falls facts for kids
Aysgarth Falls are a famous group of three waterfalls in the Yorkshire Dales of England. They are found near the village of Aysgarth. The River Ure created these falls as it flows down towards Wensleydale.
The falls stretch for almost one mile. They are made of wide, flat limestone rocks, like giant steps. After a lot of rain, the falls look amazing! Thousands of gallons of water rush over these steps. The three main parts are called Upper Force, Middle Force, and Lower Force.
Aysgarth Falls is a very special place. It is protected as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). This means it has important plants, animals, or geology.
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Why Aysgarth Falls Are Special
Aysgarth Falls has been a popular spot for over 200 years. Many famous people have visited and loved its beauty.
- John Ruskin, a famous writer and artist, enjoyed the falls.
- J. M. W. Turner, a well-known painter, also visited.
- The poet William Wordsworth was inspired by the scenery.
The falls even appeared in the movie Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. This helped make them even more famous!
Exploring the Falls and Area
Aysgarth Falls is located inside the beautiful Yorkshire Dales National Park. This park helps protect the natural environment.
Visitor Information
There is a special visitors' centre at Aysgarth Falls. Here you can find:
- An exhibition about the falls and the area.
- Helpful information for your visit.
- Items for sale, like souvenirs.
- A café where you can get food and drinks.
- Toilets.
- A car park where you pay to park your car.
Walking and Wildlife
You can walk along public footpaths through the wooded valley. These paths offer great views of the river and the waterfalls.
- In spring and summer, you can see many wild flowers.
- Snowdrops bloom in January and February.
- Primroses appear in April.
- Bluebells cover the ground in May.
- You might also spot birds, squirrels, and even deer.
- Sometimes, in autumn, you can see salmon jumping up the falls! They are trying to swim upstream to lay their eggs.
Nearby Attractions
Close to the falls is St Andrew's Church, Aysgarth. This church is very old and interesting. It is said to have the largest churchyard in all of England. Inside the church, you can see a medieval painted wooden screen. This screen was saved from the old Jervaulx Abbey after it was destroyed.
The Name Aysgarth
The name "Aysgarth" comes from an old language called Old Norse. It means "the open space in the oak trees." This tells us that long ago, this area had many oak trees.
On Television
Aysgarth Falls was also shown on a TV programme called Seven Natural Wonders. It was featured as one of the amazing natural wonders of the North of England.
