Swallow Falls Inn sits just outside the village, right by the waterfall. It’s had a big refurb recently, and you can tell. The place feels modern but still cosy, and it’s properly dog-friendly. It works well as a base if you want to walk in Betws-y-Coed or head out into Snowdonia.
Swallow Falls Inn
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Dog-friendly Hotels in Betws-y-Coed North Wales
Swallow Falls Inn is part of the Inn Collection Group and does dog-friendly well. Ivan could join us in most parts of the pub, whether we were having a drink or dinner. It makes things much easier when you’re travelling with a dog. We also ended up chatting to other guests and picked up some good tips on places to visit. At night, it’s blissfully quiet here. No village noise, just the river and the woods.
Our Room at The Swallows
We stayed in a Double Bedroom was outside the main pub building. The room itself was small but efficiently designed, with everything you need for a short stay: a large double bed, desk area, and an en-suite bathroom stocked with toiletries.
There was also complimentary Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, and tea and coffee-making facilities. It was clean and modern (apart from one broken lamp) and clearly designed as somewhere cosy to return to after a day on the trails.
There’s more here than just hotel rooms, too. The site also includes a scenic 30-pitch campsite and a row of camping pods. Each pod comes with a proper bed, heating, lighting and storage, offering a comfortable “glamping” option for those who like a bit of outdoor adventure without sacrificing too many home comforts.
That said, there are a few small tweaks that would make the stay even better for dog owners and walkers – especially in winter. Our February visit meant wet coats and muddy shoes were inevitable, so a few hooks on the back of the door would have been useful for hanging damp jackets rather than stuffing them into the wardrobe with dry clothes. A rubber mat inside the room for muddy boots would also help protect the carpet. Many dog-friendly places now provide old towels for drying dogs and a small mat for food and water bowls, which would have been a thoughtful addition here, too.
Where is Swallow Falls Inn?
One thing I’ll admit was my own booking mistake: I hadn’t realised the inn is about a 40-minute walk into the centre of Betws-y-Coed. Of course, that means you have to do the same walk back. Luckily, we had dry (ish) weather during our stay because trudging back in the pouring rain wouldn’t have been much fun. On the plus side, there’s a bus stop right outside the inn with hourly services, and dogs are welcome on board. It made it easy to get into the village.
Bed and Breakfast in North Wales
Breakfast was included in our rate, and the experience was a bit of a mixed bag. On the first morning, it was excellent. I had Eggs Benedict with smoked salmon (adding mushrooms and spinach), while Mike went for a full English. Everything was beautifully presented and tasted fantastic.
Unfortunately, the second morning wasn’t quite the same. My dish still tasted good, but looked, frankly, like it had been thrown on the plate. Mike’s full English was more disappointing – he had to ask for the missing sausage, the scrambled eggs were rubbery, the bacon was burnt, the mushrooms and tomato looked a little sad, and the single hash brown was rock hard (there were three the previous morning). It was a shame to finish the stay on that note, especially after such a strong start the day before.
Booking The Swallow Falls Inn
You’ll love Swallow Falls Inn, especially if you’ve enjoyed our other reviews like:
- Looe Bay Holiday Park
- Nancecliff Holiday Cottage in Looe
- Ship & Castle Hotel in St Mawes
- The 18 Bucklands in Bideford
- Cliffden Hotel in Teignmouth
- Tiverton Hotel & Lounge
- Bell Inn Broadway in Illminster
- The Ashleigh in Bournemouth
- Stannylands in Wilmslow
Would we go again? Yes. But we’ve done everything we wanted to in Betws-y-Coed now. Prices change, but for reference, we paid £163.80 for two nights with breakfast in February 2026, plus £30 for the dog. That was a Black Friday deal. Check current prices and availability here:
📍 Holyhead Road, Betws-y-Coed LL24 0DW
///capers.screaming.tilts
Things To Do In Betws-y-Coed
One of the biggest reasons to stay here is how close you are to the incredible scenery around Betws-y-Coed. Known as the gateway to Snowdonia National Park, the village is surrounded by forests, rivers and waterfalls, making it ideal for exploring with a dog. The famous Swallow Falls are just across the road from the inn, where the River Llugwy crashes dramatically through a rocky gorge to create one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Wales.
If you’re visiting with a four-legged companion, there are loads of scenic walks to choose from – from gentle riverside strolls around the village to longer woodland routes through Gwydir Forest. The riverside paths following the River Llugwy and River Conwy are especially good for dogs and offer easy, scenic walks without steep climbs.
If you’re planning a trip, I’ve put together a full guide covering waterfalls, woodland walks and dog-friendly attractions here: Things To Do In Betws-y-Coed With Dogs.
BookBeat – Soundtrack Your Dog Walks
If you love turning a simple dog walk into a mini adventure, BookBeat is the perfect companion. This audiobook app gives you access to over a million stories – from gripping thrillers to feel-good novels – all ready to stream straight to your phone.
Even better, there’s a 30-day free trial, so you can give it a proper go with no pressure. And if BookBeat isn’t the right fit for you? No problem at all – you can cancel your subscription whenever you like, making it a totally stress-free way to soundtrack your dog walks.
Betws-y-Coed Places To Eat with Dogs
Betws-y-Coed is also brilliant when it comes to eating out with your dog. Many of the pubs and cafés welcome dogs inside, so you don’t have to worry about leaving them behind or sitting outside in the cold after a long walk. It’s the kind of village where muddy boots and wagging tails are completely normal.
Favourites include Y Stablau, right in the centre, known for its relaxed atmosphere, generous portions and warm welcome for dogs inside and out, and Pont-y-Pair Inn, a traditional pub close to the river that’s perfect after a woodland or waterfall walk. You’ll also find laid-back spots like Hangin’ Pizzeria and creative dining at Olif.
If you want the full lowdown on where to eat after a day of exploring the forests and waterfalls, check out my guide to the best dog-friendly pubs and restaurants here: Dog Friendly Pubs in Betws-y-Coed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Swallow Falls Hotel open?
Yes, the Swallow Falls Inn is open year-round. The property recently underwent a £1 million refurbishment as part of the Inn Collection Group and now offers modern rooms, camping pods, a campsite, and a dog-friendly pub and restaurant.
Where are Swallow Falls?
Swallow Falls is located just outside the village of Betws-y-Coed in North Wales. The dramatic waterfall on the River Llugwy, along the A5, is one of the most visited natural attractions in the area.
Is Swallow Falls real?
Yes. Swallow Falls is a real natural waterfall formed by the River Llugwy cascading through a narrow rocky gorge. The series of waterfalls and rapids creates one of the most impressive sights in North Wales.
Who owns Swallow Falls Hotel?
The Swallow Falls Inn is owned and operated by the Inn Collection Group, a hospitality brand known for its dog-friendly inns located in scenic destinations across the UK.
Is there a place called Swallow Falls?
Yes. Swallow Falls is one of the most famous waterfalls in Wales and is a popular stop for visitors exploring Snowdonia National Park.
Is Swallow Falls open today?
Swallow Falls is usually open daily throughout the year. There is a small entry fee via a turnstile to access the viewing platforms, and opening hours may vary slightly depending on weather or seasonal conditions.
Can dogs visit Swallow Falls?
Yes, dogs are welcome at Swallow Falls as long as they are kept on a lead. The viewing paths and walkways are dog-friendly, making it a popular stop for visitors exploring Snowdonia National Park with their pets.
How long does it take to visit Swallow Falls?
Most visitors spend around 20–30 minutes exploring the viewing platforms at Swallow Falls. However, if you combine it with nearby riverside walks or woodland trails, you could easily spend an hour or more in the area.
Can you swim at Swallow Falls?
Swimming is not recommended at Swallow Falls. The powerful currents and rocky gorge created by the River Llugwy make the water dangerous, especially after rainfall when the flow increases dramatically. It’s best enjoyed safely from the viewing platforms and riverside paths.
Can you walk from Betws-y-Coed to Swallow Falls?
Yes, you can walk from Betws-y-Coed to Swallow Falls. The route is around 2 miles (3.2 km) along the A5 and nearby footpaths and usually takes about 35–45 minutes. It’s a scenic walk along the River Llugwy, though parts are on the roadside, so take care. Many visitors also choose to take the bus back into the village, which conveniently stops near the waterfall entrance.
Where is Betws-y-Coed?
Betws-y-Coed is a picturesque village in North Wales, often referred to as the gateway to Snowdonia National Park. It sits at the meeting point of several rivers and is surrounded by forests, mountains, and scenic walking trails.
Is Betws-y-Coed worth visiting?
Yes, absolutely. Betws-y-Coed is one of the most popular villages in North Wales thanks to its beautiful scenery, easy access to waterfalls and woodland walks, and its selection of cafés, pubs, and outdoor shops.
Is Betws-y-Coed dog-friendly?
Yes. Betws-y-Coed is very dog-friendly. Many pubs, cafés, shops and walking trails welcome dogs, making it a great base for exploring Snowdonia National Park with your four-legged companion.
What is Betws-y-Coed famous for?
Betws-y-Coed is famous for its natural scenery, including waterfalls, rivers and forests. It’s also well known as a hub for outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking and exploring nearby attractions like Swallow Falls.
Why is Betws-y-Coed famous?
The village became popular with Victorian travellers and artists, drawn to its dramatic landscapes. Today, Betws-y-Coed remains a major gateway into Snowdonia National Park.
What is the best waterfall to visit in Betws-y-Coed?
The most famous waterfall near Betws-y-Coed is Swallow Falls, known for its wide cascading tiers and dramatic gorge setting. Another popular spot is Conwy Falls, located a short drive from the village and surrounded by woodland walks.
What does Betws-y-Coed mean in English?
The Welsh name Betws-y-Coed roughly translates to “Prayer House in the Woods” or “Chapel in the Forest,” reflecting the village’s historic church setting surrounded by woodland.
How far is Betws-y-Coed from Conwy?
Betws-y-Coed is about 16 miles (26 km) from Conwy. The drive usually takes around 30 minutes through scenic countryside.
What to do in Betws-y-Coed?
Visitors can explore waterfalls like Swallow Falls, walk through forests such as Gwydir Forest Park, enjoy riverside strolls, visit local craft shops, or relax in dog-friendly pubs and cafés.
How far is Betws-y-Coed from Snowdon?
Betws-y-Coed is around 20 miles (32 km) from Snowdon, the highest mountain in Wales. Depending on the route, the drive takes roughly 40–50 minutes.
Is Betws-y-Coed good for walking?
Yes, Betws-y-Coed is one of the best walking destinations in North Wales. There are routes for all abilities, including riverside strolls, woodland trails in Gwydir Forest Park, and more challenging hikes deeper into Snowdonia National Park.
How many days do you need in Betws-y-Coed?
A weekend is usually enough to explore the village, visit Swallow Falls, enjoy a few walks, and try some of the dog-friendly pubs and cafés. However, if you plan to explore more of Snowdonia National Park, you could easily stay longer.
Are there dog-friendly hotels in Betws-y-Coed?
Yes, several hotels and inns in Betws-y-Coed welcome dogs. One popular option is the Swallow Falls Inn, which allows dogs in many areas of the pub and offers easy access to nearby walks and waterfalls.
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