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Rhaeadr Ewynnol / Swallow Falls | Betws-y-coed | Wales | United Kingdom

Rhaeadr Ewynnol / Swallow Falls

Sightseeing attraction | Betws-y-coed | Wales | United Kingdom

Visit waterfall in Wales

Swallow Falls, also known as Rhaeadr Ewynnol, is an impressive waterfall near Betws-y-Coed in the Conwy County Borough, Wales. The waterfall is located on the River Llugwy, which flows through a narrow rocky gorge at this point, forming a spectacular cascade. The surroundings are characterized by beech, conifer, and birch forests, giving the place a picturesque backdrop.

Natural beauty of Wales

Name and Meaning
The name "Swallow Falls" comes from the shape of the waterfall, where the river is divided into two streams by a prominent rock, resembling the tail of a swallow. The Welsh name "Rhaeadr Ewynnol" means "foaming waterfall" and describes the bubbling nature of the cascading water.

Viewpoint at Swallow Falls

History
In 1913, the then landowner, the second Lord Ancaster, handed over Swallow Falls to the Betws-y-Coed council. The council decided to charge entrance fees for visiting the waterfall to pay off debts for the installation of water and electricity supplies in the village. This action led to Betws-y-Coed having the lowest council taxes in the country for some time.

Visitor experience at waterfall

Visitor Experience
Visitors can view Swallow Falls from a viewpoint above the river, which is easily accessible without strenuous hikes. For those who wish to experience the scenery up close, stairs lead down to a platform near the riverbank. The impressive power of the water and the surrounding nature make the waterfall a popular destination for nature lovers and photographers.
Rhaeadr Ewynnol / Swallow Falls Betws-y-coed

Contact details

Web

Phone
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Address
Snowdonia National Park, Swallow Falls
LL24 0DW Betws-y-coed

Map view

Opening hours

Sunday9:00 - 17:00
Monday9:00 - 17:00
Tuesday9:00 - 17:00
Wednesday9:00 - 17:00
Thursday9:00 - 17:00
Friday9:00 - 17:00
Saturday9:00 - 17:00

Reviews

4887 Reviews

Glen Collinson
10.08.2022

Turnstile entry, with contact less / cashless payment. Great view from both viewing platforms
Jim Mcilwain
01.02.2025

I walked the river from the otherside up to the bridge and crossed over onto the A5 down to the turnstiles...2quid to enter card or cash and had the place to myself ♥️ there was alot of rainfall running off the hills and mountains ⛰️ so it was great to get up close and personal with mother nature in all her power and glory 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿♥️⛰️
Richard Seager
24.01.2025

No doubt impressive but currently closed for building works.
Michael Harris
20.01.2025

Beautiful, but much shorter than the 2.5 hours suggested, more like 1 hour
THEGGITtheELDER
20.01.2025

Called today, . Monday 20 Jan. Taking money but gate not opening .
Anatori Sealife
03.01.2025

Swallow Falls, located within the stunning Snowdonia National Park near Betws-y-Coed, is an awe-inspiring natural wonder that provides an unforgettable experience for visitors. On January 1st, I had the pleasure of visiting this breathtaking site with friends and family, and it turned out to be a perfect way to usher in the new year. The falls are easily accessible, with well-maintained pathways leading to several vantage points. From the first glimpse, the powerful cascade of water plunging down the rocky terrain is nothing short of mesmerizing. The thunderous roar of the falls combines with the serene beauty of the surrounding woodlands, creating a magical atmosphere that left us all in awe. The light drizzle that day only added to the mystical ambiance, as the mist blended seamlessly with the lush greenery and sparkling water. Swallow Falls is a photographer's paradise, and we made the most of it by capturing countless photos. Every angle offers a unique perspective of the falls' grandeur, from wide panoramic views to close-up shots of the intricate water patterns. For nature enthusiasts, this location is a haven for appreciating the raw beauty and power of nature. The facilities near the site were convenient, with parking areas and a small fee to access the viewing platforms. We also appreciated the clean pathways and well-placed railings, which made the visit safe and enjoyable for everyone, including the younger members of our group. After soaking in the views, we stopped by a nearby café in Betws-y-Coed to warm up with tea and snacks, which perfectly complemented the day’s adventure. Overall, Swallow Falls is a must-visit destination that offers an enchanting blend of natural beauty and accessibility. It’s an experience we’ll cherish and highly recommend to anyone visiting Snowdonia National Park.
Sylwia Hukowska
02.01.2025

Parking do wodospadu jest w zatoczce, sam wodospad jest ładny , uważam że warty zobaczenia jadąc po drodze bo specjalnie raczej bym go nie odwiedziła . My byliśmy tam z psami 🐕 nie ma Żadnej informacji że nie można czyli uważam że przyjazny psom 🐕. Płatny 2£ od osoby
Stuart Nobbs
02.01.2025

We went late in the day and had a lovely time admiring the waterfall, a fantastic place, the village adjourned is lovely.
Alin Stanciu
01.01.2025

Un alt motiv pentru care trebuie sa credem cä natura este absolut uimitoare 😲😲😲🏔️
Sathish Kumar Pachamuthu
25.12.2024

Contactless payments available . Beautiful waterfalls, visited on Xmas day
Jibin Francis
11.12.2024

Amażing water falls ! Worth to visit
Adrian Suarez Hasbach
04.12.2024

Fantastic!
N R
28.11.2024

Saw a review from a week ago saying it’s closed off, can confirm it is still closed.
Ken Joy
09.10.2024

Best to go when it has been or is raining. Well worth a stop, with free parking.
Tony Newman
21.11.2024

The most incredible place . Nature at its very very best 👍
Mark Graves, (Veteran,)
20.11.2024

it cost £6 for me and miss and the dog very tiny we where the only ones there apart from work guys busy working, the falls where ok
lorraine stoba
19.11.2024

It was closed sadly 😕
Tom Frost
19.11.2024

Beautiful place. This would have been our second visit but unfortunately it was closed due to works going on around it. You can still see it a bit from the road but not the same experience. Will definitely be returning.
Alice B
19.11.2024

Closed - no indication to when it'll reopen. Managed to park in the layby, drove from Betws-y-Coed direction, turned around in Cae'n y Coed just up the road on the left. There's tape across the entrance with signs saying sorry for the inconvenience. Photo is from over the fence on the walk back to the layby
Updesh Kaur
18.11.2024

Quite lovely!
Tony RANDALL
16.11.2024

Lovely waterfall
Sian Elen
13.11.2024

Beautiful spot and there is a handy place to park nearby. It is £2 to get in and was hoping for a bit more of a trail/walk for that. If you wanted a little walk though, you could park in Betws-y-coed and walk up. Great place for a beautiful view and some photos. Some benches if you wanted to take a little picnic too.
David Garforth
13.11.2024

Beautiful falls in full swing after the wet weather. Well worth the £2 entry.

 

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