As the summer season fades away, nature slowly transitions from bright green into a patchwork of russet, amber, and gold. Woodland trails crunch underfoot with fallen leaves, crisp autumn air drifts through the valleys, and mist often lingers over peaks and rivers, adding a touch of enchantment. The more capricious weather conditions, with their mix of rain and sun, can reward you with dramatic light (and the occasional rainbow!) as the days grow shorter.
Wales does not hold back during this beautiful time of year, which is my favourite (a bit cliché, I know, but how can you not love it?). From forests to sweeping mountain slopes, the Welsh landscape comes alive with warm colours, offering walkers and photographers an ever-changing backdrop that feels tranquil and inspiring.
Whether you prefer a gentle stroll, a more challenging hike, a bike ride, or even paddling along a river, in this article I have selected some of the most interesting locations worth exploring during the autumn season in Wales. And if you have a favourite location you’d like to share, don’t hesitate to drop us an email or leave a comment in our Facebook group – I’d love to hear your recommendations!
Please note that our list is arranged in geographical order from north to south.
Photo Credits
Photos of Zip Forest Roller Coaster, Coed y Brenin, Hafod Estate, Elan Valley, Wye Valley, Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal, Castell Coch and Fforest Fawr, as well as select photos of Bodnant Garden (Terraces, tree with red and yellow leaves) are from the Wales Asset database. © Hawlfraint y Goron / © Crown copyright (2022) Cymru Wales. Additional credits can be found on individual photos.
All the other remaining photos are property of Mathieu Gasquet / We Travel Wales.
1. Bodnant Garden
See Bodnant Garden on
Google Maps | Apple Maps
Public transport
- 25 bus (llandudno)
general info
- entry is £19 (adult), £9 (child), family tickets available
- Free entry for national trust members
- Free and large car park
- open 9am to 5pm
- two cafés, toilets and shop on site
- part of the garden is accessible with a wheelchair
Bodnant Garden always makes the list — and rightfully so — as it is one of Wales’ most popular and renowned gardens. Spanning over 80 acres of hills, woods, rivers, and terraces, it is a wonderful place to visit all year round, but there is no denying that the warm palette of autumn colours adds something quite special to this wonderland.
You can see trees from all around the world at Bodnant, many of which put on their best display at this time of year, including Wales’ largest collection of Champion Trees. Stroll through the Glades to witness a variety of wonderful species of acer as the leaves fade into a rich golden yellow before falling. Look out for the Acer mandshuricum (Manchurian maple), a rare sight in Britain, whose leaves turn a beautiful rosy-red. There is a lot of ground to cover, but you will also find benches and peaceful spots where you can rest and enjoy the surroundings.
While spring might be considered the best time to witness the extraordinary flower bloom at Bodnant, there is still a fine display of colour in the formal gardens on the Terraces, with roses and herbaceous beds bursting with late-flowering asters, sedums, and dahlias.
Bodnant Garden is located near Conwy in North Wales and is managed by the National Trust. You will find ample parking, two cafés, two playgrounds, and a large shop. Given the scale of the gardens, it is quite easy to spend the entire day there. See the National Trust website for more information.
2. Betws-y-Coed
See Betws-y-Coed on
Google Maps | Apple Maps
Public transport
- train: Conwy Valley line from llandudno
- buses: 19 / 19X (llandudno), T10 (bangor-corwen) and s1 (caernarfon)
extra info
- £2 entry to see Swallow Falls or Conwy Falls (cash or card).
- Car parks are available near both falls if you prefer to drive.
- EV charging stations are located by the Royal Oak Hotel and the Waterloo Hotel.
- The first part of the Coed Tan Dinas path has a wheelchair-accessible boardwalk and picnic tables.
- Swallow Falls can be accessed by wheelchair only at the upper viewpoint, and only between April and the end of October (10:00 am – 3:00 pm), as a member of staff must be on site to open the centre gate.
Betws-y-Coed is a charming village with picturesque stone buildings and bridges, surrounded by lakes, woodlands, and mountains. Situated on the north-eastern edge of Eryri (Snowdonia), it is one of the most popular bases from which to explore the national park, offering plenty of outdoor activities in and around the area. Naturally, walking through its woodlands is a favourite during autumn.
One of the best ways to experience Betws-y-Coed at this time of year is to take the circular walk in Gwydir Forest Park, starting from Pont-y-Pair bridge, following the Coed Tan Dinas path and then the Afon Llugwy Riverside path. This will bring you to the A5 road after about an hour. After a further 10-minute walk, you can stop at the majestic Swallow Falls.
From there, continue along the A5 for another 10 minutes, cross the bridge, and stop for a coffee or snack at the one-of-a-kind Ty Hyll (the Ugly House). Finally, stay on the north side of the river and walk back towards Betws-y-Coed, passing through another inspiring section of forest, where you will also enjoy a different view of Swallow Falls (free, but more distant).
Other interesting walks include the one leading to Conwy Falls and the iconic Fairy Glen, a narrow ravine framed by trees through which the River Conwy flows, or the steep hike up to Llyn Elsi.
As one of the most popular spots in Eryri, Betws-y-Coed is always busy and offers plenty to visitors, from places to eat and drink to an impressive selection of outdoor clothing shops (I have bought many things here over the years, from my shell rain jacket to my latest hiking shoes).
If you are looking for more adrenaline, Zip World Forest is only a 5-minute drive away and offers a host of thrill-seeking activities, including the forest roller coaster where you can zoom through the woodland.
3. Coed y Brenin
See Coed-y-Brenin on
Google Maps | Apple Maps
Public transport
- T2 bus (bangor-aberystwyth) will stop by request at the entrance road to the visitor centre
other info
- The café, shop and visitor centre are not operating.
- toilets and accessible paths available
Coed y Brenin is known as Britain’s first purpose-built mountain biking centre, and it remains very popular to this day. With trails ranging from easy to highly technical, it offers families and enthusiasts alike the chance to enjoy autumn colours in a more dynamic way, whether it is a gentle ride or a more intense workout.
If you prefer walking, there is no need to worry — there are plenty of waymarked routes as well. Some are easy enough for pushchairs, and some are accessible to users with off-road mobility scooters, while others are longer and more strenuous. There is truly something for everyone, whether you are looking for a gentle stroll or a proper hike. Several trails follow the river or lead to waterfalls and other beautiful spots within the forest. You can read more about all this on the Natural Resources Wales website.
Although the café and visitor centre remain closed until further notice (Natural Resources Wales, which manages the woodland, is seeking partners to take over these facilities), you will still find benches and picnic tables, as well as a playground for children.
4. Nant Gwernol
See Nant Gwernol on
Google Maps | Apple Maps
Public transport
- G24 bus (dolgellau-tywyn) stops in abergynolwyn village, where the walk starts
- Talyllyn Railway steam train from tywyn
other info
- café and pub in abergynolwyn
- EV charger at abergynolwyn station
Nant Gwernol is a woodland with cascading waterfalls that pass through a dramatic rocky gorge. It is part of the Dyfi Forest and Eryri National Park, located in Mid Wales near the village of Abergynolwyn, approximately seven miles from Dolgellau. The popular Talyllyn Railway steam train ends its journey here, at the start of the walking trail, giving visitors the chance to ride an iconic train and explore a beautiful woodland in one trip.
There are three main paths of varying lengths, the longest being four miles. This is the one I recommend, as it takes you through the remains of the Bryn-Eglwys Slate Quarry, with ruins, abandoned tracks, listening posts, and information panels to enrich your experience. And if you are looking for a bit more adventure, there is a secret waterfall to discover.
Photographers will love the opportunities the cascading waterfalls provide, and this is where I have captured some of my favourite autumn landscape images in Wales, with vibrant red leaves contrasting against dark rocks and fast-flowing water.
I have written an extensive guide on Nant Gwernol that you can read, and if you subscribe to our newsletter, you can also download a free, mobile-friendly PDF.
5. Bwlch Nant yr Arian
See Bwlch Nant yr Arian on
Google Maps | Apple Maps
Public transport
- X47 bus (Aberystwyth-Llanidloes) can stop by the visitor centre on request
other info
- The café, shop and visitor centre are not operating.
- toilets and accessible trails available
Bwlch Nant yr Arian is a natural park and forest located nine miles east of Aberystwyth, high in the hills, where you can admire Cardigan Bay to the west and the Cambrian Mountains on the opposite side.
There are three walking trails, the longest being 2.5 miles (around two hours to complete), which take you through a mix of woodland and panoramic views, while the shortest circles the lake. The autumn light and colours make the site especially beautiful in the afternoon as the sun begins to set. The highlight, however, is witnessing the daily red kite feeding, when hundreds of birds gather to snatch pieces of meat. There are hides available if you want to observe or photograph them more closely (see my guide to photographing red kites in Wales).
Like Coed y Brenin, this is also a popular spot for mountain biking, with various trails and a skills park. And just like the location near Dolgellau, Bwlch Nant yr Arian is going through a precarious phase, as Natural Resources Wales is seeking partners to take over the visitor centre and cafés, which remain closed at present. However, there is a free car park, a vending machine, and toilets, as well as two playgrounds and plenty of picnic tables.
6. Hafod Estate
See Hafod Estate on
Google Maps | Apple Maps
Public transport
- no bus stopping near the estate
other info
- free entry, car park, toilets, picnic area
- Accessible footpaths from the parking area to picnic site and flower garden
The Hafod Estate lies in the wild and peaceful countryside of mid-Wales and is considered one of the finest examples of an 18th-century ‘picturesque-style’ landscape. Once the flourishing home of the benevolent Johnes family, it was described as a ‘paradise on earth’ by those who lived there. Although the original mansion no longer stands, its ruins can still be seen as you stroll through woodlands and fields.
There are five waymarked trails to explore at Hafod (totalling around eight miles), with varying terrains and levels of difficulty. These will lead you past cascading waterfalls, bridges, mossy glades and rocky gorges. The estate also features several gardens.
If you’re lucky, you may spot wildlife along the river, including otters, kingfishers, wagtails and dippers. Hafod is also a Site of Special Scientific Interest thanks to its biodiversity, hosting a wide range of waxcap fungi, lichens, ferns, mosses and other fungi.
There is a car park and toilets on site, but no other amenities, so it’s best to bring a picnic!
7. Elan Valley
See Elan Valley on
Google Maps | Apple Maps
Public transport
- buses to nearest town (rhayader), then continue via taxi or car
other info
- £3 all-day parking in all designated car parks
The Elan Valley in rural Mid Wales is known for its large Victorian dams and reservoirs, as well as the abundant nature that surrounds them. There are plenty of walking and cycling routes for all abilities, but it also offers stunning scenic drives as you travel from one dam to the next (there are five in total). Note that the roads are narrow, so you may occasionally need to stop to let another vehicle through.
Some of the walking and cycling routes pass through extensive woodlands, while others follow the water’s edge or climb higher for scenic views of the valley. The autumn colours in the trees are particularly beautiful, and on calm days the reservoirs can produce striking reflections. Do note that during the autumn season, the dams are not flowing.
The visitor centre is a good starting point to learn more about the routes available. It is open from 9am to 5pm (10am to 4pm in November), and the café serves hot lunches. You can also hire bikes here. If you are keen to explore the whole area, it might be worth staying for a night or two in one of the valley’s properties, which also support the conservation work carried out on the estate. You will find more information on the Elan Valley website.
8. Wye Valley
See Wye Valley on
Google Maps | Apple Maps
Public transport
- many local buses available, more information here
other info
- many free car parks near walking locations
The Wye Valley takes its name from the River Wye, the fourth-longest river in the UK. It lies in the south-east of Wales and stretches along the Welsh–English border, with the river as its centrepiece. It is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (also known as a National Landscape) and, in addition to its scenic value, the area is recognised for its wildlife, archaeology, and industrial heritage.
The valley features broad meadows to the north in Herefordshire. As you move further south, past Ross-on-Wye, more dramatic scenery unfolds with limestone gorges, sheer cliffs, and dense native woodlands. This diverse landscape bursts into warm colours in autumn, as millions of trees turn deep gold, vibrant yellow, and rich red. Iconic spots include Symonds Yat Rock, which offers stunning views over the golden treetops and the winding river, and Tintern Abbey with its romantic riverside setting and vibrant woodland backdrop.
There are many ways to experience the Wye Valley. On foot, you can explore a wide range of short and long trails — or even walk the entire Wye Valley Walk, which follows the river for 136 miles through hills and valleys. Another wonderful way to enjoy the autumn atmosphere is on the water: you can hire a canoe and explore independently, or join a guided canoe trip with one of the local providers. There are also plenty of places to stay along the river. Check the Wye Valley website to know more.
For those who prefer to travel by car, the scenic drive winds through sweeping countryside, along riverbanks, and into the heart of the Forest of Dean’s ancient woodland. It passes some of the Forest and Wye Valley’s most breathtaking autumn viewpoints — perfect for a stroll, a photo stop, or simply a quiet moment to relax and enjoy the scenery. See the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley website to find out more.
9. Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal
See Canal Visitor Centre on
Google Maps | Apple Maps
Public transport
- buses to brecon, abergavenny, pontypool and cwmbran. check traveline.cymru to plan your trip.
other info
- boat trip prices go from £9 to £15 (adult), £5 to £10 (child)
I’ve described some of the best places where you can walk, canoe or take a scenic drive, but what about a boat trip along one of Wales’s most beautiful canals? If that sounds appealing, then you should head to the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal (Mon & Brec for short). A true hidden gem, this peaceful waterway stretches for 36 miles and takes you through the Welsh countryside, following the line of the Usk Valley through the Brecon Beacons National Park.
Boat tours are available from the Goytre Wharf & Canal Visitor Centre and from the Brecon Basin. Along the canal there are plenty of activities and things to see, from charming towns and villages to a World Heritage Site with industrial landmarks such as the Big Pit Mining Museum, as well as an abundance of wildlife, including buzzards, red kites and herons.
If you are a boater, you can hire your own vessel, or alternatively rent a canoe. There are also walks and cycling routes along the canal, and many pubs and cafés where you can stop for a snack or drink. It sounds like the perfect autumn day out or weekend getaway!
Note about the boat trips: They normally run at weekends (Saturday and Sunday), once or twice a day during the autumn season, up until the end of October. Trips are subject to staff availability (some are run by volunteers) and to weather conditions, so it is highly recommended to enquire in advance to avoid disappointment. The trips from Goytre Wharf are operated by the Monmouthshire, Brecon & Abergavenny Canals Trust, while those from Brecon Basin are managed by Dragonfly Cruises.
10. Castell Coch, Cardiff
See Castell Coch on
Google Maps | Apple Maps
Public transport
- nearest train station is taffs well (30-min walk to the castle)
- bus 132 (cardiff-maerdy) stops in Tongwynlais, from there it’s a 15-min walk to the castle
other info
- £10 entry (adult), family tickets and child tickets available
- parts of the castle are under RESTORATION work
- the café inside the castle is closed until further notice
Castell Coch (meaning Red Castle in Welsh) is located near Cardiff, nestled in the ancient woodland of Fforest Fawr. With its towers rising above the treetops, it offers one of the most fairy-tale views in the country. One of the best vantage points is from the Iron Bridge between Morganstown and Tongwynlais (see it on Google Maps).
There are three trails you can follow through the forest, and in addition to enchanting trees you’ll also come across wood-carved sculptures and old mining caves. Just around the corner from the castle is the Forest Stoves and Fires Café, where you can enjoy homemade meals and a warm seat by the fire.
The castle itself is well worth a visit, with its lavishly decorated interiors and rich furnishings making it a dazzling vision of the Victorian era.
