At a glance
Conwy Falls (LL24 0HA) is on the A5, 1.5 miles south of Betws-y-Coed. The Afon Conwy drops through a narrow gorge — viewing platform and short gorge walk accessible through the Conwy Falls Café (small charge ~£1–2 per person). Nearby: Fairy Glen (0.5 miles), Swallow Falls (2 miles). Allow 30–60 minutes.
About Conwy Falls
South of Betws-y-Coed, the Afon Conwy and its tributary the Afon Machno join in a landscape of wooded gorges and waterfalls. Conwy Falls is the principal attraction — the main river, gathered from the flanks of the Migneint moorland, is channelled through a narrow rock slot and drops several metres into a deep pool, from which it forces its way through the gorge below. The sound of the water is remarkable; in high flow after heavy rain it fills the gorge entirely.
Access to the falls and gorge is through the Conwy Falls Café, which sits on the A5 with a small car park. A modest entry charge covers the short path from the café to the viewing platform above the falls and the gorge walk downstream. The café itself serves food and drink throughout the season — it is a useful refreshment stop between Betws-y-Coed and the higher valleys beyond.
Conwy Falls, Fairy Glen and Swallow Falls form a trio of waterfall destinations within a few miles of each other along the A5 — the classic trio for a day based in Betws-y-Coed. The Conwy Valley Railway station in the village makes it possible to arrive and explore all three by a combination of bus and walking.
Nearby waterfalls
- Fairy Glen — 0.5 miles — a wooded gorge on the Afon Conwy with pools and small falls, popular for wild swimming. Small entry charge.
- Swallow Falls — 2 miles north (Betws-y-Coed, then north on A5) — the most visited waterfall in Wales, on the Afon Llugwy. Entry charge.
- Ceunant Mawr — 8 miles west at Llanberis — a waterfall and gorge walk near the foot of Snowdon.
Find it on the map
Frequently asked questions
Conwy Falls is on the A5 road approximately 1.5 miles south of Betws-y-Coed village, in the Conwy Valley. Access is through the Conwy Falls Café, which is on the roadside — look for the signed turning and small car park. The postcode is LL24 0HA. The falls are on the <span lang="cy">Afon Conwy</span> — the same river that flows north through the valley to Conwy Castle on the coast.
A small charge is made for access through the Conwy Falls Café to the viewing area and gorge walk — typically around £1–2 per person, payable at the café. The falls are partially visible from the road bridge on the A5 without paying the entry charge. The café itself serves food and refreshments throughout the season.
Below the main waterfall, the Afon Conwy has carved a narrow gorge through the bedrock — in places only a few metres wide, with polished rock walls rising on either side of the turbulent river. A short path follows the gorge downstream, with viewing points over the churning water below. In high water after rain the gorge is spectacular. The falls themselves drop several metres, channelling the entire river through a narrow rock slot.
Yes — this is a popular combination. Conwy Falls and Fairy Glen are close together on the A5 south of Betws-y-Coed; Swallow Falls is 2 miles north of Betws-y-Coed on the A5 (in the opposite direction). All three can be visited in a single day from Betws-y-Coed, which has car parks, cafés and public transport. The Conwy Valley Railway station at Betws-y-Coed allows car-free access to the village.
Like all upland waterfalls, Conwy Falls is most dramatic after sustained rainfall — autumn and winter tend to produce the most impressive volumes of water. In dry summer conditions the flow can be reduced. Spring also produces good flow from snowmelt. Autumn has the added attraction of the woodland colours around the gorge. The falls are accessible year-round but the café may have reduced or no opening in winter.