Betws-y-Coed in north Wales is a beautiful town surrounded by craggy mountains, peaceful lakes, and lush woodlands – making it an ideal spot for an autumn break
As autumn slowly makes its arrival, those planning to have a seasonal getaway may want to look towards Wales. With autumn’s fresh air, the crackling leaves beneath your feet, Wales’s stunning landscapes transform into a brilliant tapestry of reds, oranges, and golds.
The country is home to countless autumnal destinations where you can marvel at spectacular foliage, enjoy steaming hot chocolates in welcoming cafés, and explore independent shops for seasonal delights. One picturesque town is Betws-y-Coed, with its distinctive alpine atmosphere and delightful stone structures and bridges.
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.
For generations, St. Michael’s Church served as Betws-y-Coed’s vital centre until the settlement expanded, and, in 1873, St. Mary’s Church arrived with its impressive scale to assume control. Both places of worship and the railway terminus, constructed in 1869, were crafted by Owen Gethin Jones – quite the regional icon.
The introduction of transport links and rail connections proved transformative for Betws, drawing 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 artistic expression flourished.
By the Victorian era, this quaint village had transformed into a posh tourist hotspot for affluent visitors seeking wellness and relaxation.
Hotels began to pop up, offering horse-drawn tours to showcase Betws’ stunning beauty. 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. Paddle steamers even moored at Trefriw Quay, adding to the village’s allure, until the outbreak of World War II sadly brought everything to a standstill in 1939.
Today, Betws is at the centre of all the action in Eryri, with a plethora of nearby activities including 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 wild Welsh landscape.
Several trails are located in this area, so download the handy AllTrails app to find your preferred route and enjoy the dazzling foliage as you trek along.
Embark on the two-mile-long Swallow Falls walk to see the cascading 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.
For adrenaline junkies, Zip World is a family-friendly adventure hub nestled inside a beautiful woodland that looks absolutely stunning in autumn.
Fancy a thrilling woodland adventure? You can jump on the UK’s only alpine coaster and whizz through the trees at 25mph right here. The rugged glacial valleys and craggy canyons around Betws-y-Coed are perfect for bracing water adventures.
For those seeking an adrenaline kick, canyoning and gorge walking are a must. 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 easily double as a film set.
But it’s not just the scenery that’s captivating; the falls are steeped in local folklore, adding an extra layer of charm to this already enchanting place.
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.
Rhaeadr Ewynnol (Swallow Falls) 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.
Alternatively, parking is available in the nearby lay-by on the A5. You can also take the regular Snowdon Sherpa S1 (Betws-y-Coed to Caernarfon) and T10 (Betws-y-Coed to Bangor) bus services.
Once you get there, you’ll encounter a coin or card-operated turnstile to gain access to the viewing area for the falls. For just £2 per person, you can enter the viewing areas, which are only a short stroll from the turnstiles.
The sound of the falls will likely reach your ears before the sight does, as the thunderous noise of the white water cascading over the rocks pierces the tranquil woodland.
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 hold the title of the highest continuous waterfall in Wales.
It’s one of the most accessible and picturesque falls in Wales and is definitely worth a visit this autumn.
Worked up a hunger after all that waterfall gazing? Make your way to the newly revamped Swallow Falls Hotel just across the road. This delightful old inn has been a welcoming spot for travellers and locals for over 150 years, and now, following a swanky multi-million-pound refurbishment, it’s looking better than ever.
Expect cosy pub vibes, comfortable rooms, and relaxed food and drink served all day, every day. It’s the ideal place to recharge with a pint and a pub lunch.
Back in the village, there are plenty of dining and drinking choices. For authentic excellent pizza, Hangin’ Pizzeria is a brilliant choice for traditional Italian pizzas topped with inventive ingredients.
Dog-friendly Y Stablau is a delightful venue for local ales, hearty portions crafted with Welsh ingredients, and a selection of bespoke cocktails. It’s ideal for relaxing after a big day of hiking or canyoning.
Upmarket B&B Olif boasts an onsite tapas bar that combines Spanish tapas and traditional Welsh fare to deliver a cracking menu of small plates packed with locally sourced Welsh produce.
The beloved Alpine Coffee Shop is a favourite destination for coffee and homemade cakes in a charming atmosphere. Bonus points: they’ve even got a “sausages for dogs,” loyalty card so your pooch can enjoy a cheeky treat.
If you fancy a brief drive (roughly 20 minutes from Betws-y-Coed), The Old Stag in Llangernyw is essential. This traditional country pub is a properly welcoming venue and nestles beneath a 4,500 year old yew tree.
Constructed in 1640 as a farm, it’s now packed with quirky treasures from centuries past. There’s nothing quite like settling into one of its comfortable seats beside a crackling fire with a delicious Welsh ale.
There’s simply too much to experience in beautiful Betws-y-Coed to squeeze into just one day, so why not stay around for a while?
After all, you’ll need time to discover everything this stunning village provides, and trust me, it’s worth it. For a charming, rustic stay, consider the Tŷ Gwyn Hotel, a centuries-old coaching inn complete with beamed ceilings and stunning bedrooms.
If you’re after a more tranquil setting, Pengwern Country House is just a mile out of town. Constructed from beautiful Welsh stone and slate, it offers breathtaking views over the lush Lledr Valley.
For those who prefer their accommodation with a bit more excitement, Pont-y-Pair Inn is the place to be. This family-run, traditional inn boasts 10 luxury en-suite bedrooms and is surrounded by endless hiking and biking trails.
The inn also hosts a variety of entertaining events, from karaoke to live music, perfect for a lively evening after a day filled with autumn adventures.