Conwy Falls is a 15m (50ft) waterfall on the River Conwy just outside Betws-Y-Coed in Snowdonia.
The waterfall is essentially split into two, with the right-hand side plummeting over the 15m drop and the left side trickling down a series of smaller drops.
I recently visited the waterfall and have put together this guide with everything you need to know.
Quick Info
There is a large car park outside the Conwy Falls Café where you can park for free.
Conwy Falls costs £1.50 for adults and £1 for children via a cash-only honesty box.
The walk to Conwy Falls is easy, taking around 10 minutes from the car park. It's a woodland path but it's well-maintained so you don't need specific footwear.
Can You Visit Conwy Falls?
Conwy Falls is one of two popular waterfalls near Betws-Y-Coed, the other being Swallow Falls. Whilst Swallow Falls is more iconic (it was featured in the Wonder Woman movie), I prefer visiting Conwy Falls as it feels less touristy and more natural.
There is a public path that leads from a large car park down to the waterfalls. However, this is a paid attraction at £1.50 for adults and £1 for children.
It’s worth visiting Conwy Falls if you are already nearby. However, if you’ve visited any of the waterfalls in the Brecon Beacons, you might find Conwy Falls a little underwhelming.
How To Visit Conwy Falls
There is a large car park outside the Conwy Falls Café where you park to visit Conwy Falls. Parking is free of charge. The café is 3.8km (2.4 miles) from the centre of Betws-Y-Coed so it’s also possible to walk or cycle here.
It’s possible to park overnight here if you have a campervan. I visited early in the morning and there were two sets of campers enjoying breakfast in the car park.
NOTE: If you’re typing ‘Conwy Falls’ into Google Maps, be aware that it is listed under its Welsh name Rhaeadr Y Graig Lwyd, here’s the Google Maps link.
From the car park, head through the gate at the right-hand side of the café. It says ‘Conwy Falls’ across the top. You’ll see the turnstile where there is an honesty box for paying which only accepts coins.
| Adults (18+) | £1.50 |
| Children (4-17) | £1 |
| Children (0-3) | Free |
After paying your fee, you can follow the path down to the falls, this is well-trodden and clearly signposted.
The walk at Conwy Falls is easy and very short, taking around 10 minutes, so it’s great for families.
However, keep in mind that it’s a woodland walk and not a paved path. There are steps, tree roots, and uneven surfaces meaning that it’s not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs.
During my visit in summer, the path was relatively dry. However, according to some reviews on Trip Advisor I’ve heard that it can get very muddy after heavy rain, with someone stating that it was up to 2” deep.
There is a circular walk at Conwy Falls. However, when I last visited some of the route was closed so it was necessary to return along the same path.
Visitor Questions
Do You Have to Pay for Conwy Falls?
Yes, there is a charge to visit Conwy Falls. It is £1.50 for adults, £1 for children and free for those aged 3 and under. There are no staff at the gate so you pay your entry fee into an honesty box. Keep in mind that the honesty box is cash only and will only accept coins.
What Facilities Are at Conwy Falls?
There is no visitor centre at Conwy Falls so there are no toilets or other facilities. However, you can find toilets at Conwy Falls Café next to the car park. They are happy for you to use the toilet without purchasing anything, but the café is definitely worth checking out.
There are several picnic benches along the trail and near the waterfall where you can enjoy a bite to eat.
How Long Should You Allow to Visit Conwy Falls?
From the car park, it takes around 10 minutes to reach the waterfall viewing area. You can spend as much time here as you like, it’s a great picnic spot with lots of benches to eat. You can also make your way down to the river for a paddle. In total, it takes at least 40 minutes to visit Conwy Falls.
Can You Swim at Conwy Falls?
Yes, it’s possible to make your way down to the river and swim at Conwy Falls. However, the current can be string right near the foot of the waterfall so it’s advisable to move downstream a little before going for a splash. There are signs nearby warning that the current is too strong for children.
Is Conwy Falls Dog-Friendly?
Yes, Conwy Falls is dog-friendly, although you are asked to keep your four-legged friend on a lead on the main trail. The café in the car park is also dog-friendly.
Facts About Conwy Falls
There isn't much information about Conwy Falls at the site so I've put together some interesting facts to read before you go.
1. It Has A Different Name in Welsh Than in English
In English, Conwy Falls is named after the River Conwy upon which it lies. However, the Welsh name for Conwy Falls is Rhaeadr y Graig Lwyd which translates into English as ‘waterfall of the grey rock’. It’s not known why the waterfall has a different name in Welsh than in English.
2. Conwy Falls is a Site of Special Scientific Interest
Conwy Falls is part of a 10-acre Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) called the Fairy Glen Woods SSSI
The woodland is an SSSI for the trees and wildlife. Notable species of tree include sessile oak, ash, small-leaved lime, birch and wych elm, plus many old oak trees over a hundred years old.
As for wildlife, the Fairy Glen Woods is home to breeding birds such as dipper, pied flycatcher, redstart, wood warbler and buzzard, and several species of bats, otters, and badgers. The river is also home to a large breeding population of Salmon.
3. The Conwy Falls Café Was Built By Sir William Clough Ellis
The building in which you’ll find Conwy Falls Café (and the office for Go Below) was built by Sir Clough William-Ellis who is best known for building the Italian-style village of Portmeirion which is one of North Wales’ top attractions.
It’s not just the café that has a recognised architect, Thomas Telford had a hand in building the A5 that runs right past it. He’s known for his work on the Menai Bridge to Anglesey and the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct near Llangollen.
4. It Was Crowned ‘Landmark Of The Year’ by Country File
In 2017, Conwy Falls was named ‘Landmark Of The Year’ in the BBC Countryfile Awards. They noted that the wooded area was ‘imbued with magic’ and also praised the wildlife including polecats and the ‘variety of birdlife’
Published: 20 July 2022 · Last updated: 12 November 2023