Idyllic leafy town with waterfalls could be the Alps despite being in the UK | UK | Travel

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 originate 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 village expanded, and, in 1873, St. Mary’s Church arrived with its impressive scale to assume control. Both churches and the railway station, constructed in 1869, were crafted by Owen Gethin Jones – quite the regional icon.

The introduction of roads and railways proved transformative for Betws, attracting artists, poets, and writers to the region, captivated by the invigorating air and woodland vistas. It wasn’t long before Betws-y-Coed established itself as Britain’s inaugural artists’ colony, where imagination 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 emerge, 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 major 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 tragically brought everything to a standstill in 1939.

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.

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 particularly stunning in autumn.

Here, you can jump on the UK’s only alpine coaster for an unforgettable woodland adventure, whizzing through the trees at 25mph. The rugged glacial valleys and craggy canyons around Betws-y-Coed are perfect for outdoor adventures in invigorating waters.

Canyoning and gorge walking are essential activities for those seeking a thrill. With an activity provider like Seren Ventures, you can navigate through river-filled canyons, rappel down cliffs, and even zipline across rivers.

Betws-y-Coed, with its delightful Victorian architecture, is also home to Swallow Falls at Ty’n Llwyn – often touted as North Wales’ most stunning location, with a backdrop that could easily be mistaken for 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 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.

Upon arrival, you’ll encounter a coin or card-operated turnstile granting access to the viewing area for the falls. For a mere £2 per person, you can gain entry to these viewing areas, conveniently located just a short stroll from the turnstiles.

The thunderous sound of the white water cascading over the rocks will likely reach your ears before the sight of the falls comes into view, piercing the tranquillity of the surrounding woodland.

The falls can be admired from timber boardwalks and a footbridge, with platform access nestled within a gently steep gorge. There’s no need for an arduous hike; simply amble to the platforms and begin capturing some stunning #fall photos.

Comprising multiple cascades that total approximately 42 m (138 ft) in height, the falls tumble over a stepped rocky platform, earning them the title of the highest continuous waterfall in Wales.

This autumn, don’t miss out on visiting one of the most accessible and picturesque falls in Wales.

After all that waterfall admiration, have you worked up an appetite? Make your way to the recently revamped Swallow Falls Hotel, conveniently situated just across the road.

This delightful old inn has been a welcoming haven for travellers and locals alike for over 150 years. Now, following a lavish multi-million-pound refurbishment, it’s looking more appealing than ever.

Expect cosy pub ambience, comfortable rooms, and relaxed dining options available throughout the day. It’s the ideal place to recharge with a pint and a hearty pub lunch.

Back in the village, there are plenty of dining and drinking establishments to choose from. For authentic quality pizza, Hangin’ Pizzeria comes highly recommended for traditional Italian pizzas topped with imaginative ingredients.

Dog-friendly Y Stablau provides a delightful venue for local ales, generously sized dishes crafted with Welsh produce, and a selection of bespoke cocktails. It proves ideal for relaxing after an extensive day of hiking or canyoning.

Upmarket B&B Olif features an onsite tapas bar that combines Spanish tapas with traditional Welsh cuisine to deliver an outstanding menu of small plates packed with locally sourced Welsh produce.

The beloved Alpine Coffee Shop remains a favoured destination for coffee and homemade cakes in a charming atmosphere. Added bonus: they even offer a “sausages for dogs,” loyalty card so your pooch can enjoy a cheeky treat.

Should you fancy a brief drive (approximately 20 minutes from Betws-y-Coed), The Old Stag in Llangernyw proves essential. This traditional country pub offers a genuinely welcoming atmosphere and nestles beneath a 4,500 year old yew tree.

Constructed in 1640 as a farm, it now houses quirky artefacts from centuries past. Nothing beats settling into one of its comfortable seats beside a crackling fire with a delicious Welsh ale.

There’s simply too much to experience in lovely Betws-y-Coed to squeeze into just one day, so why not remain for a while?

After all, you’ll require time to discover everything this stunning village provides, and believe me, it’s worthwhile. For a charming, rustic experience, consider the Tŷ Gwyn Hotel, a centuries-old coaching inn complete with beamed ceilings and stunning bedrooms.

If you’re after tranquillity, 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 seeking a livelier atmosphere, Pont-y-Pair Inn is the place to be. This family-run traditional inn boasts 10 luxury en-suite bedrooms and is surrounded by an abundance of hiking and biking trails.

The inn hosts a variety of entertaining events, ranging from karaoke to live music, providing the perfect end to a day filled with autumn adventures.