Located in Snowdonia National Park and founded around a monastery in the late 6th century, the bustling village of Betws-y-Coed is a popular destination for walking holidays in Wales. The town’s history dates back centuries, but its rise came during the Victorian era when it became a destination of choice for those seeking an escape from [...]
Located in Snowdonia National Park and founded around a monastery in the late 6th century, the bustling village of Betws-y-Coed is a popular destination for walking holidays in Wales.
The town’s history dates back centuries, but its rise came during the Victorian era when it became a destination of choice for those seeking an escape from bustling city life.
Situated among the tree-clad hills of the Gwydyr Forest, the alpine-like village is surrounded by lakes and hidden valleys.
It is conveniently close to numerous river walks and mountain trails, many of which are old miners’ routes.
It is also a very attractive village due to its charming architecture, adorned with intricate Victorian detailing.
But, more than that, the quaint village has lots of facilities like cute cafés, some incredible boutiques, art galleries and tourist attractions all contributing to the village’s unique and artistic charm.
Read More: 8 Best Things To See and Do in South Wales For A Dreamy Vacation
How to Spend a Perfect Day Visiting Betws-y-Coed in Northern Wales
Last year, during our 16-day road trip through Scotland and England, we stopped to absorb the magical alpine feel of Betws-y-Coed.
Enchanted by the village’s dramatic waterfalls, scenic river walks and picture-postcard setting, we ended up spending a whole day in the area, discovering there’s plenty to see and do.
Here’s how you can make the most of your visit.
Stop By the Conwy Valley Railway Museum
There’s no better place for railway enthusiasts and families looking for a fun day out than the delightful Conwy Valley Railway Museum.
The museum is a celebration of rail history, and here you can find a collection of vintage railway memorabilia, interactive displays and an opportunity for a memorable day out.
You can also enjoy one of the top attractions and hop on the miniature train for an 8-minute trip that passes by miniature villages, bridges and tunnels.
The museum’s shop stocks an extensive range of model trains, tracks, and accessories. Once you’ve finished exploring the museum, you can relax at the café, which offers a variety of refreshments and treats.
Read More: Why North Wales is the Perfect Destination for a Unique Summer Trip: A Must-Read Guide
Check out the Ty Hyll ‘The Ugly House’ Tearoom
For a quaint rustic setting and friendly service, stop by the 15th-century Ugly House, filled with history and mystery!
Despite its unfortunate name, the independently run tearoom is surrounded by a wildlife garden and woodland and is quite charming.
The tearoom actually looks straight out of a children’s story book and plays to Wales’s notoriety for a good legend.
To this day, its construction is unknown; therefore, an array of wild theories of thieves and a hasty overnight build attempt to explain its rather unique appearance.
Some records account for a shepherd, John Roberts, who lived here with his wife until around 1928, and after that, the home belonged to Edward and Lillian Riley.
Today, the Ugly House is a cosy tearoom and an educational resource where you can learn about the wildlife, gardens, and ecosystems of Snowdonia National Park.
- Opening hours: Daily 10.30am – 4.30pm from March through to October
- Parking: There’s a small free car park on site.
Read More: The UK Travel Guide: The Most Enchanting Villages in the Cotswolds You Should Visit
Capture the Thumbling Swallow Falls
Set in tranquil surroundings, Swallow Falls is within easy reach of the village and is one of the top-visited places in North Wales.
Locally known as Rhaeadr Ewynnol, the waterfall is split apart by the rocky river bed, and there are multiple viewpoints from which you can take in the tumbling falls.
The 42-metre cascade has several drops as the water flows through a craggy limestone gorge before reaching the gorge’s bottom.
We visited the falls in the summer, after there had been a few days of heavy rains. The water was gushing through the gorge, and it was fantastic to watch.
*Fun Fact – the falls were gifted to the public in 1913 by the 2nd Lord Ancaster
- Getting to the falls: Swallow Falls is located on the A5 Betws road to Capel Curig in Snowdonia National Park
- Admission fee: £2 at the time of publishing, which contributes towards maintaining the wooden steps and platforms
Read More: 10+ Crucial Things You Need To Know Before Visiting Marrakech For The First Time
Stand on the Pont-y-Pair Bridge, built in 1468
One of the town’s main attractions is the delightful five-arched Pont-y-Pair bridge.
The name Pont-y-Pair translates in English to the ‘Bridge of the Cauldron’ due to its fierce waterfall that bubbles underneath its arches.
But it is not just a bridge, it is a cornerstone of history and one of the most iconic settings in North Wales.
Originally built in the 1500s by Hywel Saer Maen, its purpose was to provide a means for packhorses to cross over the Afon Llugwy River.
Nowadays, you’ll find the tourists strolling up and down the picturesque stone bridge, taking in the serene views and the tumbling waterfall.
If you visit the bridge at the right time, you’ll be able to catch a glimpse of wildlife that makes a home here, such as salmon and herons.
*Good to know – The bridge is narrow and has access for both cars and walkers, so care must be taken to keep out of the way of vehicle traffic.
Read More: The Dolomites: Your Guide To Visiting Val Gardena Valley in Northeastern Italy
Take a Stroll to the Miners Bridge
Located in the north of the village, where the Romans are believed to have crossed the Afon Llugwy river, is Miners Bridge, which gets its name from the miners who crossed the river to reach the quarries of the Gwydyr Forest.
The original bridge was destroyed and washed away a few years ago during Storm Ciara. A new one was built shortly after, and the replacement was lifted by a giant crane in February 2022.
The bridge can be easily reached from the heart of the town, and you don’t need to be super fit or be an experienced hiker; you just need to enjoy the Great Outdoors and be willing to explore.
To reach the bridge, you need to follow the trail along the Afon Llugwy. It starts with a wonderful elevated wooden walkway and later turns into a flat path wide enough to bring a buggy.
The trail winds through a woodland filled with holly, lime and oak trees before giving way to an open field where sheep are grazing.
- How long does it take: the walk to Miners’ can take anything from half an hour to over two hours, depending on how far you want to go.
- Getting there: The bridge is a short walk along the Snowdonia Slate Trail from the centre of the village.
Read More: Seville Travel Guide: 7 Enchanting Things To Do In The Seemingly Timeless City
Have fun at Zip World Forest
Located deep in the wonderful woodlands of the Conwy valley lies Zip World Forest, one of the area’s top attractions. It’s a brilliant attraction for families and thrill seekers alike.
There are many various adventures you can check out. One of the most famous ones is the Fforest Coaster, suitable for ages 3 and over.
You start by strapping into your sledge before riding 1 kilometre through the Zip World Forest. The ride is like a toboggan but runs on secure rails, which makes it a fun all-weather activity.
The best part is that the rider gets to control the brake on each sledge, so you can either go fast for added thrills or you can choose to cruise along to take in the amazing views.
Other adventures include the Skyride giant swing, Europe’s first four-person zip line, tree top nets, Plummet and more.
- Getting there: A470, Betws-y-Coed LL24 0HX
- Opening Times: Zip World Fforest Coaster is usually open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday
Go For A Walk
Betws-y-Coed has to be one of the best locations in the National Park for scenic walks that don’t involve climbing a mountain.
Here you’d be spoilt for choice for long and short beautiful walks starting from Betws-y-Coed as the surrounding Gwydyr Forest is full of trails, old miners’ paths, cycle tracks and long-established forest walks.
When heading out for a hike, always use appropriate clothing and footwear and plan for changing weather conditions.
Some of the best walks to check out:
- Llyn Elsi | A short but fairly steep hike to a picturesque mountain lake, offering views of the surrounding Carneddau Mountains.
- River Walks | From the main bridge, follow a wooden boardwalk along the river. It leads to the Miners’ Bridge, where you can cross over the river and return to the village on the A5 pavement.
- The Snowdonia Way | a 97-mile walking route through North Wales, that goes from Machynlleth in the South to Conwy in the North.
Read more: Discover Wonderful Biarritz: The Top 9 Must-See Tourist Activities In The City
How to get to Betws-y-Coed
Betws-y-Coed can easily be accessed by car. The A5 runs through the village, and the section from Betws-y-Coed to Bethesda is a spectacular drive.
- By Car: If you’re travelling by car, the village is accessible via the A5. Depending on your starting location, you may take different routes, but most people travelling from major cities like Liverpool, Manchester, or Chester will likely travel through the A55 expressway and then connect to the A5
- By train: Betws-y-Coed has its own railway station, making it accessible by train. You can take a train to Betws-y-Coed from various locations in the UK, including Llandudno, Llandudno Junction, and London Euston (though you may need to change trains). The train station is centrally located, making it convenient for exploring Betws-y-Coed on foot.
- By bus: Bus services are available to Betws-y-Coed from nearby towns and cities. You can check with local bus operators for specific routes and schedules. The bus station in Betws-y-Coed is centrally located, making it easy to access the village.
Read More: 10 Incredible Attractions and Places You Have to Visit In Glasgow, Scotland
Be Enchanted by the Magical Fairy Glen
If you are in the mood for a magical adventure, you cannot miss the picturesque Fairy Glen.
It is a truly wonderful place to take some photographs and appreciate views of the tumbling river and enchanting forest.
The Glen is nestled on the outskirts of the village and is steeped in folklore due to the mythical spirits and fairies that are said to live in the tree-lined ravine and gushing waters.
While the secluded beauty spot is a mildly challenging place to get to, given the steep descent via a set of roughly cut steps into the side of the gorge, it is well worth a little scramble over the rocks if you ever find yourself in the area.
- Getting there – Fairy Glen can be easily reached via a short path from the Fairy Glen Hotel beside the A470.
- Entrance fee – A small entrance charge of £1 is payable per person in the honesty box, so make sure you bring some change
*Fun Fact – It is said that fairies and sprites are amongst the toadstools that only appear under the moonlight!
Places to stay in Betws-y-Coed
When it comes to places to stay in and around Betws-y-Coed, you’ll be spoilt for choice!
Betws-y-Coed’s popularity gives you several options for accommodation, with elegant hotels in the heart of the village and idyllic riverside cottages.
*Top tip for booking – try to book directly with accommodation providers as this avoids third-party booking commissions, supports local businesses and benefits the local economy.
- Waterloo Hotel and Lodge | A fantastic hotel with swimming pool & spa and lodge rooms where you can relax in the jacuzzi or try the local beer on the terrace bar area.
- Gwydyr Hotel | With the spacious rooms that are furnished to high standards, the hotel offers free parking and easy access to outdoor activities. There’s also a restaurant on site where guests can savour Welsh sausage, lamb, and seasonal vegetables.
- Pont-y-Pair Inn | Located right on the main street and set in a wonderful Victorian building, Pont-y-Pair Inn is a fantastic choice if you want to experience some of the village’s beautiful views!
- Royal Oak Hotel | Set in a former coaching inn, the hotel oozes character and charm with many individual rooms offering scenic views.
- Swallow Falls Hotel | A traditional coaching inn located just two miles from the Alpine-esque village of Betws-y-coed, it is a wonderful place to spend a night or two
Read More: 6 Reasons Why You Should Travel By Train At Least Once In Your Lifetime
Where to Grab a Bite at Betws-y-Coed
Betws-y-Coed is full of many wonderful places to eat and drink, and whether you’ve been on a leisurely stroll or climbed the highest mountain, there are many great places where you can fuel up.
Many cafes, traditional pubs and quality restaurants make dishes that are made with products sourced from local farmers wherever possible, creating a wonderful eating experience.
- The Grill Room at the Royal Oak Hotel offers menus which fully embrace modern Welsh cooking using locally sourced seasonal produce in new & innovative ways.
- Hangin’ Pizzeria offers casual dining and a great selection of wood-fired pizzas and salads.
- Y Stablau restaurant serves five bean chilis and beef burgers
Read More: Slovenia Travel Guide: 9 Incredible Things To See And Do At The Beautiful Lake Bled
… … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … …
Now, over to you!
Have you been to Betws-y-Coed? Let us know in the comments!
Let us know if you are planning a visit to Betws-y-Coed and have travel-related questions!
Subscribe For The Latest In Travel Inspiration
Subscribe to our monthly email newsletter to stay up to date with all our outdoor adventures
Enter your email below to receive updates
You can also find Our Crossings on Facebook and on Instagram
.jpg)
