Opening Times:
Falls open all year round.
National Park Centre opening:
Summer (April-October): daily 10am-5pm
Winter (November-March) Fri-Mon 10am-4pm
Closed all January. Open February half term 10am-4pm.
Prices:
Free
Venue contact details:
T: 01969 662910
E: aysgarth@yorkshiredales.org.uk
W: www.yorkshiredales.org.uk
Nearby:
Aysgarth Falls
Turner visited Aysgarth on 28 July 1816 when making illustrations for 'A General History of the County of York' by Thomas Dunham Whitaker. He probably stayed that night in Aysgarth Village.
Turner's principal subject at Aysgarth was the famous falls. The River Ure drops over three major falls in less than one mile. The third fall, Lower Falls, is the most vigorous, where the river drops down a fine staircase of horizontal ledges and can be an awesome sight (and sound) when the river is in spate.
Turner also made one very fine sketch from the path across the fields between the church and the village, recording the view over the church and down the whole sweep of Wensleydale towards a distant Bolton Castle, where he sketched the following day.
Turner's Viewpoint
Turner explored the falls from various angles in a number of sketches, but it was the classic view and best-known fall, Lower Falls (known as Aysgarth Force in Turner's time) that he chose to develop into a finished watercolour (Aysgarth Force, Richmondshire, Indianapolis Museum of Art, Wilton number: 570). This was one of the most geologically perceptive and at the same time dramatising compositions of the series. Turner seems to have been particularly interested in the two figures he introduced into the foreground. One has stripped off his stockings and appears to be preparing for a paddle. Perhaps they are tickling for trout, or even salmon which at that time were so numerous in these rivers that they were considered commonplace.
The first fall, High Falls, is easily seen from Yore Bridge by Yore Mill, while the second and third (Middle Falls and Lower Falls, respectively) can be viewed from well-managed paths and vantage points in Freeholders' Wood on the north bank of the river.
The Lower Falls can be seen from above; typically Turner clambered down to sketch the best viewpoint.
Discover The Landscape
The Turner Trails bench and panel are located outside the Aysgarth Falls National Park Visitor Centre.
Download a choice of two walking trails to explore these waterfalls that Turner sketched on either a 6 mile moderate trail or a 12 mile linear trail for experienced walkers.
Download our themed leaflet and let the rivers and waterfalls guide you around Turner's Yorkshire as water literally flows through many of his sketches and paintings.
The Venue
Address:
Aysgarth Falls National Park Centre, Aysgarth, Leyburn, North Yorkshire, DL8 3TH. Co-ordinates, 54.294943,-1.983186
Map reference: SE012888
View on mapDirections to Aysgarth Falls:
Follow the A684 Leyburn-Hawes road to Aysgarth where the minor road (Church Bank) to Aysgarth Falls is clearly signposted
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