
As a country carved by glaciers, Wales is blessed with some of the best Great British waterfalls amidst its hills, mountains and valleys. Some are well-known, whilst others are well-hidden, but all are worth a visit.
A draw to walkers, photographers and bathers alike, the waterfalls in Wales are wreathed in romance, myth and legend. Several of these natural gems have even been featured in notable films.
If you fancy uncovering some of the most spectacular waterfalls in Wales, read on to find some of our favourite cascades that shower great beauty and power. Whether you fancy a picturesque picnic or a hike with a dramatic finale, these top Welsh waterfalls are sure to leave you captivated. And if you’re searching for a cosy cottage in Wales to relax in after your adventures, just click the button below.
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Waterfalls in North Wales
Pistyll Rhaeadr – the tallest one

One of the ‘Seven Wonders of Wales’, Pistyll Rhaeadr tops the list of the most magnificent waterfalls in North Wales. This single-drop beauty is 80 metres in height and can be found nestled among the majestic Berwyn Mountains in Powys. While a captivating sight all-year-round, if you manage to time your visit just right on a frosty winter’s day, you might see the waterfall transformed into a sparkling ice sculpture! And when you need to warm up, you can grab a steaming mug of hot chocolate from the tearoom at the base of the falls.
Stay nearby: Bodweni House, near Bala | Sleeps 8 + 2 dogs
Llanberis Falls – the dramatic one

When it comes to walks in North Wales with waterfalls, you simply can’t beat the route to Llanberis Falls, also known as Ceunant Mawr Waterfall, which translates to ‘the waterfall of the great ravine’. After a bout of heavy rain, the impressive cascade foams and froths its way down a dramatic tree-lined gorge, falling for around 30 metres. The pathway leading to this waterfall starts from the centre of the Llanberis and leads up to the foothills of Snowdon, revealing jaw-dropping views of Llyn Padarn along the way.
Stay nearby: Swn y Nant | Sleeps 6 + 2 dogs
Dyserth Falls – the easy to reach one

Another of the best waterfalls in North Wales is Dyserth Falls, located on the aptly named Waterfalls Road in Dyserth - a village famed for its picture-postcard beauty. Formed by the River Ffyddion tumbling down a vertical drop of 21 metres into a rocky chasm, this deafening cascade is easy to reach from the car park of The New Inn. An artificially made stairway has been created to lead visitors to the top of the falls for some epic views of the valley.
Stay nearby: Ty Nain, near Denbigh | Sleeps 8 + 2 dogs
Cottages in North Wales
Waterfalls in Snowdonia/Eryri
Swallow Falls – the photogenic one

Loved by many as one of the best waterfalls in Snowdonia, Swallow Falls is a series of cascades, considered to be the longest in Wales. Gushing over rugged rocks in an exhilarating rush of unrestrained energy, this natural wonder draws flocks of visitors year-round to experience its mesmerising beauty. Located just west of Betws-y-Coed in the heart of the Snowdonia National Park, it can be reached by a gentle stroll through the forest. If you’re feeling energetic, a steep set of steps lead to multiple viewing platforms to get a really close view of the falls as they pour into the River Llugwy.
Stay nearby: Medieval Farmhouse, near Betws-y-Coed | Sleeps 9 + 2 dogs
Dolgoch Falls – the romantic one

Dolgoch Falls comprises of three lively Snowdonia waterfalls surging down a rocky, wooded ravine into a mysterious deep pool below. It has formed from Nant Dol Goch stream, which flows into Afon Fathew. There are various walks around these beautiful Welsh waterfalls, including a circular tour taking in all three levels. Surrounded by carpets of rare mosses and ferns, this is a wonderful place for a picnic on a sunny day and you can even dip your toes in one of the glittering pools at the top of the falls.
Stay nearby: Meirion House, Abergwynolwyn | Sleeps 4 + 2 dogs
Aber Falls – the family-friendly one

One of the most visited waterfalls near Snowdonia by families, Aber Falls is actually a combination of two waterfalls in Wales, namely Rhaeadr Fawr and Rhaeadr Bach. A clearly marked family-friendly trail winds its way through the breathtaking scenery of the Coedydd National Nature Reserve, in the foothills of the mighty Carneddau Mountains, before reaching the powerful 37-metre drop of the falls. Look out for polecats, stoats and lizards en-route as well as several small Bronze Age settlements, historical standing stones and burial mounds.
Stay nearby: Daffodil House, Bethesda | Sleeps 4 + 1 dog
Cottages in Snowdonia
Waterfalls in Mid Wales
Devil's Bridge Falls – the legendary one

For challenging waterfall walks in Wales, look no further than the circular nature trail which weaves through ancient sessile oak woods, deep down into a misty gorge to reach the dazzling Mynach Falls. This series of waterfalls plunge over a cumulative drop of 90 metres in the heart of Devil’s Bridge. Above the falls you will see three bridges built one on top of the other and according to an old Welsh legend, the first bridge was built here by the devil.
Stay nearby: Pumlumon Penthouse | Sleeps 4
Sgwd Gwladys – the fun one

If you fancy a trip to one of the most atmospheric waterfalls in Mid Wales, then head to Sgwd Gwladys in the Vale of Neath, Glynneath. The 10-metre-high cascade is hidden within a shady woodland amphitheatre and can be discovered via a well-made path along the Elidr Trail, gently following the riverbank from Pontneddfechan village. And the reason why this is one of the best waterfalls in Wales is that you can actually walk behind its curtain of water: a magical experience.
Stay nearby: Parc House, Ystradgynlais | Sleeps 6 + 1 dog
Cottages in Mid Wales
Waterfalls in South Wales
Melincourt Waterfall – the hidden one

Cared for by the Wildlife Trust, Melincourt Waterfall is one of the lesser-known waterfalls in South Wales which means if you’re lucky, you might just have it all to yourself! From the quaint village of Resolven in the heart of the Vale of Neath, you can set out on an adventure to the falls through oak woodland that dazzles in spring when it’s blanketed in bluebells. When you reach the 24-metre single-drop force, take a moment to soak up the magic of this hidden gem that has inspired notable artists such as J.M.W. Turner over the years.
Stay nearby: Ty Hiraeth, near Afan Forest Park | Sleeps 4 + 3 dogs
Aberdulais Falls – the historic one

If you fancy combining a South Wales waterfall walk with a little history, then Aberdulais Falls could be just what you’re looking for. Part of the Aberdulais Tin Works attraction owned by the National Trust, you can uncover how the sheer power of this torrent of water has been the driving force for over 400 years of industrial innovation. In wet weather when the River Dulais is in full spate, this noisy spectacle is a sight to behold. A visitor centre with tearoom offers the perfect place to refuel after your watery escapades.
Stay nearby: Glyn Cottage, Cwmtwrch-Uchaf | Sleeps 6
Cottages in South Wales
Waterfalls in the Brecon Beacons
Sgwd yr Eira – the epic one

Why settle for one waterfall when you can have four? The Four Falls Walk in Ystradfellte takes in some of the most enchanting Brecon Beacons waterfalls, including Sgwd Clun-Gwyn, Sgwd Isaf Clun-Gwyn, Sgwd y Pannwr and Sgwd-yr-Eira. The rewards for this extraordinary Brecon Beacons waterfall walk are a thundering staircase of rapids, lush woodland gorges and a plethora of local wildlife. And when you reach the final waterfall, Sgwd-yr-Eira (Snow Falls), you can cool off with a walk behind the curtain of racing water as it pours over a mossy rock face into the natural plunge pool below.
Stay nearby: Breconview Lodge | Sleeps 8 + 3 dogs
Henrhyd Falls – the famous one

At 27 metres, Henrhyd Falls (Sgwd Henrhyd) is the tallest waterfall in South Wales. This jaw-dropping cascade in the Nant Llech valley is also the famous waterfall that protected the Batcave in ‘Batman – The Dark Knight Rises’. Follow a steep walk from the National Trust-run car park near Coelbren in Neath to reach the falls and see if the cave really exists with a walk behind the icy water. After admiring one of the most iconic Powys waterfalls on our list, take some time to meander down the valley, looking out for woodpeckers, tree creepers, warblers and wrens.
Stay nearby: Ty Hiraeth | Sleeps 4 + 3 dogs
Blaen-y-Glyn Falls – the scenic one

Enveloped by mountains in the heart of the Brecon Beacons National Park is a scenic trail along the River Caerfanell. Trace the tranquil banks of the river and eventually, you will encounter Blaen-y-Glyn Falls. This series of rushing waterfalls make for a wonderful waterfall walk in Wales and can also be combined with trekking the Brecon Beacons Horseshoe which takes in four of the Brecon Beacons’ most magnificent mountains: Fan y Big, Cribyn, Pen y Fan and Corn Du.
Stay nearby: Old Crofftau, Cantref | Sleeps 8 + 2 dogs
Cottages in the Brecon Beacons
A map of the top Wales waterfalls
Stay with us in Wales
Treat yourself to the adventure of a lifetime with a holiday in waterfall country Wales. Bursting with exciting outdoor activities, extraordinary walks, and beautiful landscapes to explore, you’ll never be short of things to do in this epic land. Find out what else you can discover with our guide to Wales, or click the button below to browse of full collection of holiday cottages in Wales.
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