Caernarfon Castle and Swallow Falls: A Perfect Day in North Wales

Some days on a road trip combine history, nature, and great food so perfectly that they become unforgettable. Our day exploring Caernarfon Castle and hiking to Swallow Falls was exactly that. We wandered through one of Wales’ greatest medieval fortresses before trading castle walls for forest trails, rushing waterfalls, and a charming hidden teahouse tucked away in the woods.

A Relaxing Welsh Breakfast

We started the morning the best way possible—with breakfast at a local café. Fresh coffee and a delicious breakfast gave us plenty of energy for the busy day ahead. The slower pace of North Wales made it easy to savor the morning before setting off to explore another of King Edward I’s impressive castles.

Exploring Caernarfon Castle

Our first stop was Caernarfon Castle in Caernarfon, North Wales, is one of the most famous castles in Wales. Like Conwy Castle, it was built by Edward I during his conquest of Wales to strengthen English control over the region. Unlike many medieval castles, however, Caernarfon stands remarkably intact, making it easy to imagine what life may have been like centuries ago.

Rather than taking a guided tour, we explored the castle at our own pace. One of the most enjoyable parts was navigating the maze-like network of towers and staircases, discovering each section of the castle’s impressive ramparts.

Every tower seemed to reward us with another spectacular view. From the top we overlooked the colorful seaside town, the Menai Strait, and the rolling green hills stretching into the distance. The castle’s massive polygonal towers and thick defensive walls showcased just how formidable this fortress must have appeared to anyone approaching by land or sea.

It was easy to spend hours simply wandering through the towers, imagining soldiers keeping watch over the surrounding countryside more than 700 years ago.

Can You Hike from Pont-y-Pair to Swallow Falls?

Yes, you can! The trail from Pont-y-Pair to Swallow Falls is relatively easy to follow and was not very technical, with a mix of dirt paths and some paved areas. It made for an enjoyable way to experience the forests, river, and waterfalls of North Wales on foot.

After exploring Caernarfon Castle, we drove about 45 minutes through the beautiful countryside to Pont-y-Pair in the Snowdonia/Eryri National Park, passing rolling hills, grazing sheep, and glimpses of the mountains of Snowdonia along the way.

From Pont-y-Pair, we began our hike through peaceful woodland, following the Afon Llugwy River toward Swallow Falls. The trail was shaded by towering trees and offered frequent views of the rushing river as it wound through the forest.

One of the highlights was reaching the spectacular Swallow Falls, where multiple cascades tumble dramatically over ancient rock formations. The power of the water combined with the surrounding forest made it one of the most beautiful natural sights we experienced in Wales.

Continuing along the trail, we eventually arrived at one of the day’s most unexpected discoveries.

Tea at The Ugly House

Hidden among the trees sits Ty Hyll, better known as The Ugly House. Despite its unusual name, the tiny stone cottage is incredibly charming.

Little is known about its original history, but today it has been lovingly restored into a cozy tearoom. Inside, visitors can enjoy tea and homemade pastries, while outside, colorful gardens and outdoor seating create the perfect place to relax after a long hike.

We couldn’t resist stopping for afternoon tea and pastries before continuing our adventure. It was one of those unexpected travel moments that often become favorite memories—not because it was famous, but because it was simply peaceful and full of character.

After our break, we retraced our steps back through the forest, completing approximately a 6-mile round-trip hike.

Another Delicious Welsh Dinner

After working up an appetite on the trail, we finished the day with dinner at the Pont Y Pair Inn. Another traditional Welsh meal was the perfect ending to an active day spent exploring castles, forests, and waterfalls.

As the evening came to a close, we made the scenic drive back to our rental in Caernarfon, reflecting on a day that perfectly captured the incredible variety North Wales has to offer. From one of Britain’s finest medieval castles to peaceful woodland trails and hidden tea rooms, it was a day that balanced history, nature, and relaxation beautifully.

From Castle Walls to Forest Trails

North Wales continues to surprise us with how much it packs into a relatively small area. One moment you’re standing atop the towers of a medieval fortress built by kings, and less than an hour later you’re hiking beside waterfalls through quiet forests before enjoying tea in a centuries-old cottage.

If you’re visiting the region, pairing Caernarfon Castle with a hike to Swallow Falls makes for an unforgettable day that showcases both the rich history and stunning natural beauty that make North Wales such a rewarding destination.