Best places in Wales to see autumn leaves

High in the Cambrian Mountains, Bwlch Nant yr Arian near Aberystwyth is a nature lover’s paradise, ideal for capturing spectacular autumnal views and exploring a number of walking and cycling routes. You can watch red kites at the daily feeding sessions, either from a distance at the visitor centre or close-up down by the centre’s lake. For colourful panoramic views, take the uphill trail marked with a red footprint. 

In the heart of Mid Wales, Cwm Elan (Elan Valley) is a spectacular area abundant with wildlife and nature that comes alive with colour in the autumn months. Take a walk around one of the dams and reservoirs of the Cwm Elan to admire the striking colours of the trees and watery vistas. The Elan Valley Visitor Centre has a wealth of information on local walks, seasonal activities, an exhibition space and a play area. 

Read more: Walking routes in the Cwm Elan, Mid Wales

As a National Landscape (formerly Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty), the Wye Valley is awash with photo opportunities of autumn foliage and sweeping views. Abaty Tyndyrn's (Tintern Abbey’s) monastic ruins are a sight to behold in the autumn, with trees on the surrounding hills tinted red and orange. For an impressive lookout, head to Kymin Tower, an 18th-century round house and naval tower where you can observe gorgeous views of Trefynwy (Monmouth) and the Wye Valley. Serious hiking buffs should consider walking a section of the 136-mile Wye Valley Walk to explore the rich colours of the wooded ravines, limestone gorges and rugged moorland slopes.

Start your day with a bracing walk to Swallow Falls on the River Llugwy, near Betws-y-Coed, for dramatic waterfalls and beautiful scenic viewpoints to enjoy the autumn colours.

If you’re looking for a crisp walk through crunchy leaves, Coed y Brenin will let you do so amongst the sights and sounds of the woodland in autumn. Close to Dolgellau and Trawsfynydd, this world-class mountain biking spot is a haven for soaking up the season with family walks, gentle cycling, waterfalls, an all-access trail and a visitor centre. The views from the café alone are worth a trip, with excellent vistas of the trees in a myriad of colours. You can dine on one of the café’s sustainable venison burgers, made using the on-site fallow deer. 

A delight for foliage fans and families alike, the autumnal Bodnant Gardens feature a fiery show of Japanese acers and incredible views towards the Eryri (Snowdonia) mountains from the terraces, framed by the patchwork of colour and texture of surrounding plants and trees. The Dell at Bodnant is a tranquil little haven with peaceful walks and a waterfall, ideal for an autumn stroll. The shrub borders and Chapel Park are also great places to peep at the kaleidoscope of autumn colour. Finish off with a seasonal bowl of warming soup at one of the site’s tearooms.

A must-see for autumn in Carmarthenshire, Aberglasney’s gardens are a sea of colour, with bright red and orange Nyssa and Cornus plants as well as the white-flowered bugbane. With woodland walks, ancient yew tree tunnels and a Tearoom showcasing local produce, it has all the ingredients for a bracing autumn day out.

When the mountains start to curl up for winter, the scenery of the Bannau Brycheiniog can be at its most dramatic. There are a handful of great stops to admire the fall foliage. Take a hike and bag some memento snaps at Craig Cerrig Gleisiad a Fan Frynych, Llyn y Fan Fach or Llanthony Priory (which is sandwiched between the autumn-hued hills of Twmpa and Hay Bluff). For a peaceful autumn stroll, head to the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal to see migrating birds heading to warmer climes, sun-dappled leafy trails, chugging canal barges and cosy pubs.

Standing proudly above a terraced garden and rambling estate, the medieval fortress of Powis Castle and Gardens provides an arresting autumn scene for day-trippers and autumn visitors. The red hues of the castle echo the riot of autumn colour in the terraces and gardens beneath, with shrubby salvias, fuchsias, rambling red vines and maples bursting with red and gold. The surrounding woodland glows under the autumn sun, with crisp golden leaves carpeting the ground and dusky light offering great photo opportunities.