This beautiful town in north Wales is makes for the perfect escape from the city, with a distinctly alpine feel, charming stone buildings and an impressive waterfall
Those looking for the perfect autumn escape close to home should set their sights on North Wales. In fall, fresh air and falling leaves transform Wales’s stunning countryside into a brilliant tapestry of reds, oranges, and golds.
Nestled amongst rugged peaks, tranquil waters, and verdant forests, Betws-y-Coed makes a perfect destination for an autumn getaway.
Regarded as the entrance to Eryri National Park (Snowdonia), its name translates to “prayerhouse-in-the-woods” and is believed to derive from the 14th-century St Michael’s Church, where ancient yew trees have flourished for over 500 years.
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The introduction of transport links and rail connections proved transformative for Betws, attracting artists, poets, and authors to the region, captivated by the invigorating atmosphere and woodland panoramas. It wasn’t long before Betws-y-Coed established itself as Britain’s inaugural artists’ settlement, where imagination flourished.
During the Victorian era, this quaint village transformed into a posh tourist hotspot for affluent visitors seeking wellness and relaxation, reports Wales Online. Hotels began to pop up, offering horse-drawn tours to showcase the stunning beauty of Betws.
Fast forward to the 1930s, steam trains started transporting factory workers from Lancashire to Betws-y-Coed for a much-needed break from urban life. The Trefriw Spa became a massive attraction, drawing in crowds of visitors.
Today, Betws is at the epicentre of all the action in Eryri, with a plethora of nearby activities such as waterfall walks, canyoning, hiking, and ziplining.
Gwydir Forest Park practically envelops Betws-y-Coed, offering a magical blend of tranquil mountain lakes, woodland paths and frothing waterfalls cascading through the untamed Welsh landscape.
Numerous trails are located in this area where you can enjoy the dazzling foliage as you trek along. Embark on the two-mile-long Swallow Falls walk to witness the tumbling falls. This often muddy trail meanders through woodland to a viewpoint over the waterfall – you get a fantastic view from this side of the river, so don’t forget your camera.
Canyoning and gorge walking are also a must for adventure seekers. With Seren Ventures, you can scramble through river-filled canyons, abseil down cliffs, and even zipline across rivers.
Betws-y-Coed isn’t just about outdoor pursuits; it’s also home to charming Victorian architecture and Swallow Falls at Ty’n Llwyn – often dubbed North Wales’ most picturesque spot, with a backdrop that could pass for a film set.
Here, the River Conwy meets three tributaries – the Llugwy, Lledr, and Machno – flowing in from the west, creating a dramatic mix of waterfalls, rapids, and deep, mysterious pools. The natural beauty is absolutely spellbinding.
Swallow Falls (Rhaeadr Ewynnol) are just a 15-minute drive from Betws, and you can park at the Ty’n Llwyn car park in Gwydir Forest Park, which is a starting point for a walking trail to the falls.
You can admire the falls from timber boardwalks and a footbridge, with platform access in a gently steep gorge. There’s no need for an extensive hike; simply amble to the platforms and start capturing some stunning fall photos.
The falls are made up of multiple cascades, adding up to approximately 42 m (138 ft) in height, tumbling over a stepped rocky platform and are the highest continuous waterfall in Wales. It’s one of the most accessible and beautiful falls in Wales and is definitely worth a visit this autumn.