North Wales is known for both its thriving Welsh-language culture and its stunning natural beauty. And the famous national park Eryri / Snowdonia, home of Wales’ highest mountain Yr Wyddfa / Snowdon, is something of a jewel in its crown.
There are plenty of interesting places to stay in Eryri, and beautiful sights to see throughout the park. One popular ‘base camp’ from which to explore is Betws-y-Coed, a gorgeous village that feels much more lively than you’d expect for somewhere with a population of only 500 people. There’s lots to eat, do, and see, with wonderful beauty spots easily in reach whether you want to stick close to the town or venture further afield.
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Photo Credits
Photos of Llanberis and Zip World Fforest, Mwnt are from the Wales Asset database. © Hawlfraint y Goron / © Crown copyright (2022) Cymru Wales.
All the other remaining photos are property of Mathieu Gasquet / We Travel Wales.
1. See the Stunning Swallow Falls
I have to start off with the incredible Swallow Falls, a sight that you simply can’t miss when visiting Betws-y-Coed. The Falls are a large waterfall system about 10 minutes drive from the town, where the river Llugwy splits into multiple little foaming shoots of water, set among thick and vibrant trees on both sides.
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If accessibility allows, do make sure to take the walk from the town, as it’s a really pleasant route with many smaller beauty spots along the way. It isn’t very strenuous, apart from a few muddy patches and some slippery rocks. Start at the Pont-y-Pair Bridge and enter the woodland, following the Blue Trail (Riverside Walk) until you reach the Miner’s Bridge on your left. Cross the bridge, go up the steps, and turn right to continue following the river for most of the way. For the final 15 minutes, you walk along the A5 on the pavement.
Most people choose to view the falls from the south side of the river, for which you’ll have to go through a gate and pay £2 per person (cash or card). However, if you continue the walk described in the previous paragraph, you can circle back along the path to the north. The terrain is easy, and you’ll be able to see the falls without paying, although the view is more distant and less direct.
INFO about swallow falls
- There is a pay-and-display car park opposite the entrance to the falls, by the Swallow Falls Inn. You can also park in the large lay-by along the road just before the entrance, if there is space.
- S1 and T10 buses stop near the falls.
- The circular walk to the falls and back to Betws-y-Coed will take approx. 2 hours, depending on your pace.
- Swallow Falls are open all year round, 24 hours a day.
- Disabled access, however, is available only between April and late October, from 10am to 3pm. The falls are accessed through automatic turnstiles, but there is a door in the middle which can be opened to allow a wheelchair or pushchair through, though only when staff are on site. Do note that you can only stay on the upper level, as access to the lower level is via a series of steps.
2. Discover the Conwy Valley Railway Museum
Fittingly, Conwy Valley Railway Museum is situated right next to Betws-y-Coed’s very pretty railway station – which is a lovely part of the village full of unique cafés and gift shops. For any train nut, adult or child, it’s a must-visit. There’s lots of memorabilia like old uniforms and even vintage railway timetables, and many of the displays are interactive which is fun too. There is a huge amount on offer at their gift shop, which sells a wide range of model trains as well as accessories for them.
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The highlight of visiting the Railway Museum is taking a ride on their miniature railway. The Museum sits in a very pretty little garden which the ride will take you through, dotted with cute little ponds, tunnels, and miniature village replicas. Your little one will also enjoy driving the cute Toby tram engine replica (from Thomas the Tank Engine series) on their own, along a short track that runs beside the old static train carriages. These carriages once served food and drinks, but they have been closed for renovation for several years now.
INFO about Conwy Valley Railway Museum
- The museum is usually open from Wednesdays to Sundays, 10am to 4.30pm. As their website is not updated regularly, it’s best to give them a call beforehand to double check.
- A ride on the miniature train costs £2.50, while museum entry and a ride on Toby cost £2.
3. Hike Around Llyn Elsi
North Wales is particularly well-known for its shimmering lakes. The closest to Betws-y-Coed is Llyn Elsi, a reservoir set in the Gwydir Forest which supplies water to the village. It’s also known for being a good fishing spot, if that’s your thing. Get in touch with the Betws-y-Coed Anglers Club for booking details and rules to ensure you fish responsibly and sustainably.
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Llyn Elsi can be reached via a well-marked circular path from the village, which starts just behind St Mary’s Church (be warned: the beginning is steep) and ambles alongside a pleasant stream before looping round the lake. The whole route would probably take around two and a half hours for most people, but it’s well worth the time it takes. You can gaze out at both the Carneddau and Glyderau mountains, enjoy the serenity of the Gwydir Forest around you, and simply admire the reservoir itself. Swimming is also on the table, though give how cold it can get, perhaps only for the very brave!
Llyn Elsi is not the only Gwydir Forest walk you mustn’t miss while you’re in Betws-y-Coed. Plenty of the other walks on this list will also take you through the woodland, and if you just can’t get enough of these enchanting woods, you can find more ideas on the Natural Resources Wales website.
4. Visit Tŷ Hyll
What if I told you that amongst all the beauty and charm of Betws-y-Coed, one of its most popular destinations is in fact known for being ugly?
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Of course it’s not really ugly at all. Tŷ Hyll does mean ugly house in Welsh, but it actually refers to a very cute and unique-looking landmark just a little bit further on from the village than Swallow Falls (and along the circular walk described in the first chapter). It’s a tiny cottage of indeterminate origins which has now been converted into a tearoom, a really nice place to sit and have a cuppa and a natter after viewing the falls. Outside is a lovely little garden looked after by volunteers.
Tŷ Hyll is an example of a style of small stone cottage common throughout much of rural Wales, especially Eryri / Snowdonia. Popular folklore states that these are ‘tai unnos’ (one-night houses), built because of a supposed common law tradition that if you could build a house in a night on common land, you became fully entitled to that house. Whether that’s how Tŷ Hyll was truly built or not we’ll likely never know, but it’s a great story!
INFO about Tŷ Hyll
- There is a small car park next to the café.
- S1 and T10 buses stop next to the café.
- It is open seven days a week, from 10am to 4.30pm.
- Please note that there are a few steps at the entrance to the building.
5. Enjoy the Bustling Town Centre
For such a small village, Betws-y-Coed feels incredibly busy and vibrant. Of course, this is partly because of the huge tourist presence, but it’s also because there’s simply so much going on in terms of culture, food, and shopping. The gift shops sell all manner of things from your classic touristy trinkets to awesome locally produced foodstuffs and beer. The winding streets of the town centre are a great spot for a lazy afternoon amble, where there’s something about the style of the buildings which feels almost Alpine.
Of course, a large part of what contributes to that feeling is that Betws-y-Coed is chock-a-block with equipment shops for hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities, which can honestly be a real lifesaver! Have a browse, maybe pick up some new gear, and then enjoy a rest on the village green, doing some people-watching and simply soaking in the village’s lovely atmosphere. I’d also really recommend visiting the village’s oldest building, St Michael’s Old Church.
6. Walk to Conwy Falls and Fairy Glen
If you thought Swallow Falls was the only waterfall worth seeing in Betws-y-Coed, I’m afraid you’re going to have to think again. In fact, there’s a great signpost near the railway station which pokes fun at the village’s being known for its proximity to so many streams and falls, letting you know what direction to head in for Swallow Falls, what direction to head in for Conwy Falls… and what direction to head in for Niagara Falls!
Conwy Falls is not quite as iconic or as overwhelming as Swallow Falls, but it’s elegant and beautiful all the same, and often much less busy. You’ll only need to walk an hour from the village centre to reach it. Alternatively, it’s only a ten-minute drive to the car park and café by the falls.
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On your way from Betws-y-Coed to the Falls, do make sure to stop off at Fairy Glen. Though not a waterfall, the Fairy Glen is a water feature with a whimsical beauty that can’t be captured until you see it in real life. Before the River Conwy plunges downward at the falls, it makes its way through a ravine, creating a magical, secluded section of stream where it’s very easy to believe in fairies. It’s a very popular spot for photographers wanting to take that iconic shot you see very often on social media.
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You can walk to both locations from Betws-y-Coed and back, which will take around two hours, not including stops. Alternatively, you can park at either Conwy Falls or Fairy Glen and walk to the sites via the footpath. Please note that the Fairy Glen car park is small.
INFO about conwy falls and fairy glen
- Entry to Conwy Falls is £2.00 (card or cash, no change given), though an automatic turnstile.
- The car park is free and there are public toilets below the café.
- Bus 19 (llandudno-Cwm Penmachno) stops by the café and car park.
- Access to Fairy Glen is via an honesty box (£1.00, cash only)
- There is a small car park near the access gate (£1.00, cash only)
- Both sites have picnic tables at certain points.
- The trails to both locations are unsuitable for people with mobility issues.
- Fairy Glen is very rocky and accessed via a series of uneven steps; the rocks can be quite slippery when wet.
7. Embrace Outdoor Adventure
Are these gentle strolls and beginner hikes seeming all a little too tame for you? Don’t let that stop you visiting Betws-y-Coed. In fact, this picturesque destination is known for its opportunities for adventure sports.
Zip World are a company offering loads of thrill-seeking activities in spots throughout Eryri / Snowdonia, and one of their sites, Zip World Fforest, is only a five minute drive from Betws-y-Coed. Zip World Fforest is particularly known for their ‘forest roller coaster’ on which you can zoom through the woodland, but there’s also a ‘zip safari’ for climbing and zip-lining, with smaller courses set up for children.
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Another option for those who want to get really extreme is caving. Go Below offer a series of guided adventures – involving abseiling, zip-lining, climbing, and boating – through lakes and caverns under the ground beneath the town.
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INFO about zip world and go below
- Ticket prices at Zip World vary depending on the activities; see the official website for details.
- The Forest park is open all year round, except on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
- There is a car park on site, though fees apply.
- On site, you’ll also find a restaurant and luxury accommodation in the Forest Lodges, which include a hot tub.
- Go Below is located next to the Conwy Falls Café and car park. Please note that they operate at two locations, the other being in Tanygrisiau near Blaenau Ffestiniog. The experience currently offered at the Conwy Falls site is called the Go Below Challenge Trip.
- It is open all year round, except on Christmas Day.
- Booking is advised, especially if you plan to stay overnight.
- Minimum age requirements apply depending on the trip chosen; see the website for full details.
- Bus 19 takes you near both sites.
8. Learn the History of Castell Dolwyddelan
Wales is known for being full of castles, so it should come as no surprise that one popular destination near Betws-y-Coed is Castell Dolwyddelan, the still-impressive remains of a thirteenth century stronghold.
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The castle was built by a Welsh prince named Llywelyn (no, not that Llywelyn) who ruled over Gwynedd, a huge area of North-West Wales, between 1201 and 1240. Though it has been in ruins for a long time, partial restorations were made by the aristocracy in the early 1800s, meaning that the site today is an interesting mixture of architecture from different time periods.
It would be a long walk along the road to get from Betws-y-Coed to Castell Dolwyddelan, but it’s only a fifteen minute drive, and there are nice walks around the area of the castle itself, and one of them will lead you to a small but pretty waterfall.
INFO about Castell Dolwyddelan
- The interior can be visited only on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, from early April to late September.
- The pathway via the farmhouse to the castle crosses private property and can be accessed on foot only. The trail is not suitable for wheelchairs or mobility scooters.
- There is no dedicated parking; your only option is the lay-by along the A470, about 500 m from where the trail begins.
9. Travel further into Eryri…
On its own merits – even if you never go further than a couple of miles out from the town centre – Betws-y-Coed is a great place to visit. It’s pretty, busy, and fun. But it’s also such a popular destination because it’s a great place to stay when exploring more of Eryri National Park. The Snowdon Sherpa bus system mean it’s really easy to travel around the park, and of course it’s generally even easier if you have a car.
What to do? If you fancy heading a bit further south, you could try summitting Cadair Idris, a great spot for hiking and wild camping. It’s said that if you spend a night sleeping on Cadair Idris, in the morning you’ll either wake up a poet, or you’ll wake up mad. It’s about an hour’s drive from Betws-y-Coed to the Dôl Idris Car Park.
It’s not all mountains, either, because if you head west to the coast, you’ll be able to spend some time at one of Wales’ most famous and beautiful seaside attractions, Harlech Beach, and explore one of the most impressive castles in Wales, which is also a World Heritage Site.
Plus, Betws-y-Coed isn’t the only great village in the area. You should certainly check out Beddgelert (see our dedicated article) if you have the time, which is also very picturesque and has a tragic but interesting backstory. Then there’s Llanberis, known for its absolutely breath-taking glacial lake, Llyn Padarn. Llanberis is also a very popular starting point, if you’re intending to truly test yourself…
10. …and climb Wales’ highest mountain!
If you tell people you’re staying in Eryri, nine times out of ten they’re going to respond by asking if you’re planning on climbing Yr Wyddfa / Snowdon. No surprises there – outside of the Scottish Highlands, this is Britain’s highest mountain, and it’s also home to an incredible array of rare wildlife. It’s a great challenge to climb it and so worthwhile for the wonderful views you’ll experience.
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It will take you about half an hour to drive from Betws-y-Coed to Llanberis, which is where many people start their climb as it’s considered the least strenuous route. But it is also very easy to travel on the bus – for this route are frequent, cheap, and take about fifty minutes. The Llanberis path up the mountain is 4.2 miles and will take about four hours to get to the top. If you’re not a beginner hiker and would like to take a less busy route, there are five others to pick from, the most strenuous being the Watkin Path.
One thing that makes Yr Wyddfa / Snowdon unique is that you don’t have to walk to get up the mountain – you can take the train! This is a charming experience in and of itself, and a great option to get to the top if hiking is not accessible for you or it’s simply not your favourite thing. Plus, getting the train is a very good back up plan for the way down if the way up took longer than you expected…
INFO about Yr Wyddfa / Snowdon
- There are several designated car parks and shuttle services to take you to the start of the hike up Yr Wyddfa. Some must be booked in advance; see the Eryri website for details.
- The Snowdon Mountain Railway is open daily from late March to late October. Booking is highly recommended – more information can be found in our article on narrow-gauge railways in Wales.
- The summit café and visitor centre are open from April to October.
Where To Stay and Eat Around Betws-y-Coed
There are a lot of guesthouses and B&Bs in and near Betws-y-Coed, so you won’t have trouble finding somewhere to stay. Do try to book directly with a provider as this is how to best support the local economy! And of course, camping is another great option for the truly outdoorsy among us; Cwmlanerch camp site is a short walk from the village centre and has camping and glamping options. Or, if you don’t mind being a bit further out, The Crown Inn, a twenty minute drive east into Conwy, has a great campsite that blends the feel of wild camping with some of the amenities of a campsite. The Visit Betws-y-Coed website is a good starting point.
In terms of places to eat, you don’t have to go far to be flooded with options. If you’re just looking for a quick bite, the Alpine Coffee Shop in the railway station is very cute and has a USP of supporting the conservation of great apes; it’s a very good choice to refuel after a hike or to grab a coffee. For dinner out, there’s no way you can get away without trying Olif, a tapas restaurant fusing Welsh and Spanish cuisines. The Royal Oak hotel also serves excellent meals.
Extra Information
The Conwy Valley Line train runs from Llandudno on the north coast to Betws-y-Coed. You can plan your trip on Transport for Wales.
The S1 (Caernarfon), T10 (Bangor–Corwen) and 19 (Llandudno) buses also serve the town. You can see the latest information and timetables on traveline.cymru.
The Snowdon Sherpa bus network will take you to popular locations within Snowdonia National Park and also connects to towns such as Porthmadog, Caernarfon and Bangor.
Taxi services are primarily based in Llanberis but can serve Betws-y-Coed if booked in advance, including PR Taxis and Snowdonia Taxi Ltd.
