Escape from modern life and enjoy the beauty of nature at this spectacular waterfall. Visit the nearby Hermitage, then relax with tea and cakes at the nostalgic tea gardens within sound of the waterfall...
We had a lovely morning out at this picturesque natural beauty spot and Tea Garden.
Falling Foss is a spectacular waterfall in Sneaton Forest, near Whitby.
We were lucky enough to visit after a day of heavy rain, so the waterfall was particularly gushing and splendid.
Water from 'May Beck' falls more than 9 metres down to a natural pool below.
Unlike most waterfalls (that I've seen anyway) Falling Foss is viewed from a pathway, level with the higher part of the waterfall (middle-top) so you can get a really good impression of how far down the water actually falls.
It is a lovely, tranquil spot to visit, full of natural beauty.
There are several walks around here, and a very tempting tea garden, perfect for a quick snack, or to while away the hours....
We followed the signs from the main B1416 (linking Ruswarp and Sneaton to the main A171 Robin Hoods Bay Moors Road). We parked in the car park there (free) and on foot followed the signs to the footpath down to Falling Foss waterfall and tea garden.
(Go left from the car park, downhill, to reach the waterfall and tea garden.
Go straight on from the car park to go straight to the Hermitage.)
We stopped for a while to admire the impressive waterfall, with the sound of falling water rushing in our ears.
And explored the area by a picturesque beck and bridge...
We then proceeded to the Falling Foss Tea Garden at Midge Hall.
Midge Hall is a charming country house, in a totally idyllic spot amongst the woodlands. It was originally a gamekeepers cottage, but was opened in the early 1900's as a tea garden.
By the 1960's the house was unused, and became derelict until its recent restoration, and re-opening as a tea garden, in July 2008.
Today, the tea garden is an enchanting and peaceful spot - an idyllic, old-fashioned garden, with gnarled apple trees and pretty flowers, surrounded by woodland, and with the ever-present rushing of the waterfall (at the bottom of the garden) providing a calming ambience.
There are rustic tables and chairs, plenty of parasols, pergolas, arbours and even an evocative yurt, so there are plenty of spots to sit, come rain or shine!
Choose your teas, coffees and cakes at the covered, outdoor counter. There were some delicious looking cakes on display...
The tea garden also serves sandwiches and light snacks and can also cater for functions.
We just had a coffee and a mint tea, and just enjoyed sitting back, relaxing, and soaking up the serene atmosphere.
There is a play area for children, with climbing wall.
The garden is fenced off from the woodland, beck and waterfall.
Dogs are allowed in the tea garden.
An eco-toilet (don't worry, it's a proper toilet, not a hole in the ground!) is available in a shed at the bottom of the garden.
The Falling Foss Tea Garden is totally charming and delightfully different - a truly magical and idyllic spot, away from the cares of the real world.
After our drinks at the tea garden, we got directions to the nearby Hermitage - a shelter carved out of solid rock...
Leave the tea garden, and, keeping the waterfall on your left, follow the path up through the woods, (take care, as there is a sheer drop on the left)
Then, take the signposted route, left, to Little Beck
After just a 5-10 minute walk, you reach the Hermitage.
The Hermitage is a cave/shelter cut from solid sandstone, with a circular stone bench (carved) inside for weary travellers.
The Hermitage bears the initials of George Chubb (The local schoolmaster) and the date 1790.
Above it are 2 boulder 'wishing chairs'
Enjoy the fantastic views across the countryside from here.
The footpath continues from here up to Little Beck (if you wish).
We turned round, and just returned directly to the car park - taking the same route, but continuing strainght ahead at the signpost.
There are many footpaths and walks around here - up to Little Beck, and in the opposite direction down to May Beck (where there is a further car park available). Click to see a footpath map
On leaving the Hermitage (to return towards Falling Foss) you can also take the lower, right hand fork in the footpath, to return to the tea garden via an alternative route.
I hope you enjoy this walk as much as we did... please check your route on appropriate maps, and take care with the weather and take appropriate safety precautions.
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This is a really beautiful and special place - picturesque, relaxing, and away from the modern world - we'll remember our visit for a long time - and hope we'll come back soon.
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