Pretty leafy town with waterfalls and cute coffee shops is best place to visit in autumn | Wales Online

One of our favourite autumn spots is a beautiful town in north Wales with a distinct alpine feel and charming stone buildings and bridges

Ah, fall, my favourite season. I don’t know about you, but I am an autumn. The crisp air, the crunchy leaves underfoot, and Wales's gorgeous landscapes transform into a vibrant palette of reds, oranges, and golds.

Here in Wales, there are plenty of autumnal spots where you can admire dazzling foliage, sip hot chocolates in cosy cafes, and browse boutique stores for seasonal treats.

One of our favourite spots is a beautiful town in north Wales with a distinct alpine feel and charming stone buildings and bridges.

Surrounded by craggy mountains, peaceful lakes, and lush woodlands, Betws-y-Coed is an ideal spot for an autumn break.

Considered the gateway to Eryri National Park (Snowdonia), its name means “prayerhouse-in-the-woods” and is thought to come from the 14th-century St. Michael’s Church, where ancient yew trees have stood for over 500 years.

For centuries, St. Michael’s Church was Betws-y-Coed’s beating heart until the village grew, and, in 1873, St. Mary’s Church swooped in with its grand size to take over. Both churches and the railway station, built in 1869, were designed by Owen Gethin Jones – quite the local legend.

The arrival of roads and railways was a game-changer for Betws, bringing artists, poets, and writers to the area, enchanted by the crisp air and forested views. It didn’t take long for Betws-y-Coed to become Britain’s first artists’ colony, where creativity thrived.

By the Victorian era, the village had blossomed into a swish tourist destination for well-heeled and wellness-seeking visitors.

Hotels sprang up, offering horse-drawn tours to show off Betws' enviable beauty. Fast forward to the 1930s, and steam trains began ferrying factory workers from Lancashire to Betws-y-Coed for a much-needed escape from city life.

The Trefriw Spa became a big hit, attracting visitors in droves. Paddle steamers even docked at Trefriw Quay, adding to the village's charm, until World War II hit and sadly halted everything in 1939.

Today, Betws is at the heart of the Eryri action, with plenty of nearby activities, including waterfall walks, canyoning, hiking, and ziplining.

Gwydir Forest Park practically wraps itself around Betws-y-Coed, offering a magical mix of serene mountain lakes, woodland paths and frothing waterfalls tumbling 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 dazzling foliage as you stomp along.

Head off on the two-mile-long Swallow Falls walk to see cascading falls. This often muddy trail winds through woodland to a viewpoint over the waterfall - you get a great view from this side of the river, so don't forget your camera.

For thrill-seekers, Zip World is a family-friendly adventure hub found inside a pretty woodland that looks gorgeous in autumn.

Here, you can hop aboard the UK’s only alpine coaster and embark on an unforgettable woodland experience as you weave and speed at 25mph through the trees.

The craggy glacial valleys and rugged canyons around Betws-y-Coed are ideal for outdoor adventures in bracing waters.

If you’re after an adrenaline rush, canyoning and gorge walking are an absolute must here. Scramble through river-filled canyons, abseil down cliffs, and even zipline across rivers with an activity provider like Seren Ventures.

Along with its charming Victorian architecture, Betws-y-Coed is also home to Swallow Falls at Ty’n Llwyn – often hailed as North Wales' most beautiful spot, with a backdrop that could easily be mistaken for a film set.

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 magical 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 mesmerising.

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 arrive, you'll see a coin—or card-operated turnstile to access the viewing area for the falls. Entry to the viewing areas is just £2 per person, and they are located just a short walk from the turnstiles.

You'll likely hear the falls before you see them as the roar of the white water tumbling over the rocks cuts through the peaceful woodland.

You can view the falls from timber boardwalks and a footbridge, with platform access in a gently steep gorge. There's no need for a huge hike; simply walk to the platforms and start snapping some lovely #fall photos.

The falls consist of multiple cascades, totalling 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 well worth a visit this autumn.

Worked up an appetite after all that waterfall gawping? Head over to the freshly spruced-up Swallow Falls Hotel just across the road.

This charming old inn has been welcoming wanderers and locals for over 150 years, and now, after a swanky multi-million-pound makeover, it’s looking better than ever.

You’ll find cosy pub vibes, comfy rooms, and laid-back food and drink served all day, every day. It’s the perfect spot to refuel with a pint and a pub lunch. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What’s On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here

Back in town, there are lots of food and drink options. For proper good pizza, Hangin' Pizzeria is a great shout for traditional Italian pizzas loaded with creative toppings.

Dog-friendly Y Stablau is a lovely spot for local ales, generously portioned dishes made with Welsh produce, and a menu of bespoke cocktails. It is perfect for unwinding after a big day of hiking or canyoning.

Posh B&B Olif has an onsite tapas bar that blends Spanish tapas and traditional Welsh dishes to create a banging menu of small plates crammed with locally sourced Welsh produce.

The much-loved Alpine Coffee Shop is a popular spot for coffee and homemade cakes in a cutesy setting. Bonus points: they’ve even got a "sausages for dogs," loyalty card so your pup can have a cheeky treat.

If you're up for a short drive (about 20 minutes from Betws-y-Coed), The Old Stag in Llangernyw is a must-visit. This traditional country pub is a proper cosy spot and sits in the shadow of a 4,500-year-old yew tree.

Built in 1640 as a farm, it’s now filled with oddball artefacts from centuries ago. There’s nothing like sinking into one of its comfy seats next to a roaring fire with a lovely Welsh ale. Lush.

There’s simply too much to do in lovely Betws-y-Coed to cram into just one day, so why not stick around for a while? After all, you’ll need time to explore everything this gorgeous village offers, and trust me, it’s worth it.

For a rustic stay, Tŷ Gwyn Hotel is a centuries-old coaching inn with beamed ceilings and open, beautiful bedrooms.

If you fancy something quieter, just a mile out of town, you’ll find Pengwern Country House. Built from beautiful Welsh stone and slate, it overlooks the lush Lledr Valley.

If you like your accommodation with a bit more buzz, head over to Pont-y-Pair Inn. This family-run, traditional inn has 10 luxury en-suite bedrooms and is surrounded by endless hiking and biking trails.

The varied events here are always a laugh, from karaoke to live music, perfect for a lively evening after a big day of autumn adventures.

For other hotels, inns, and B&Bs, research prices and availability on booking.com and Airbnb.