History
It all started in 1885
Ingleton has been well-known for its caves and magnificent mountain scenery since the 18th century, but after a series of articles appeared in the local press, public curiosity prompted the appointment of an Improvements Company to make the waterfalls accessible to the public.
The trail first opened on 11th April, 1885, charging a 2d entrance fee. Thousands of visitors flocked to Ingleton by train from towns such as Bradford, Manchester and Leeds. In fact the trail’s popularity can be demonstrated by June 1888 when 3840 people visited Ingleton in one day alone.
Ingleton Waterfalls Trail Celebrated 125 Years of Heritage in 2010
The Ingleton Waterfalls Trail in Yorkshire celebrated its official 125th anniversary on Sunday 11 April 2010. The tourist attraction marked this special milestone with a nominal one penny entry fee for its visitors. The original entrance charge was 2d, when it first opened to the public in 1885.
Peter Worthington, Director of Ingleton Scenery Company said: “This was the first of many commemorative events that we plan to run for our visitors throughout 2010/11, to celebrate our Yorkshire heritage. The new Falls Café and Gift Shop were launched in 2005 and we have plans to further develop and invest in our 125-year history. We want to raise greater awareness of the famous Waterfalls Trail that offers some of the most stunning waterfall and woodland scenery right here in the North of England.”
To mark the 125th birthday, staff and Directors at the visitor attraction and Cave Rescue volunteers could be seen dressed in Victorian costumes and rescue attire, reflecting the era in which Ingleton Waterfalls was founded.
Jack Pickup, chairman of the Cave Rescue Organisation added: “The celebratory day attracted tourists, regular walkers and families and raised £2,528.10 for the invaluable work of the Cave Rescue Organisation that is celebrating its 75th anniversary. The Cave Rescue Organisation, based in Clapham, is the oldest constituted cave rescue team in the UK.”
Ingleton Scenery Company continue to work and manage the location to ensure our visitors can enjoy and celebrate the unique environment of the Waterfalls Trail in another 125 years.
