Step into a fairy-tale village inside Snowdonia National Park and surround yourself with mountains, forests, rivers and waterfalls.
Nestled in the beautiful Conwy Valley, the quaint village of Betws-y-Coed is surrounded by gorgeous Welsh scenery. Spend some time here and enjoy the leafy glades, tumbling cascades and tranquil woodlands.
Explore the cobbled streets and charming town center. Visit small local galleries and shop for souvenirs or enjoy a local dish of cawl (lamb stew) in a local pub.
To see the best of the area, visit the scenery surrounding the village. One of the most popular attractions is Fairy Glen, a slender ravine which offers a mesmerizing display of small waterfalls fed by the Conwy River. From here stroll along the woodland paths to Swallow Falls. This spectacular waterfall tumbles across dark boulders before splashing into an inky pool.
Another local favorite is Gwydyr Forest, a 20-minute drive south of town. Take a leisurely stroll, ride along the bike paths or visit Gwydyr Stables and go on horseback. One attractive option is the pub ride. Follow this route to combine horse riding and drinking the best local ales.
Several operators offer more thrilling activities. Try kayaking, whitewater rafting or caving to visit the old slate mines. Ask at the tourist information center for a list of service providers.
For something a little more relaxing, enjoy fishing in the Llyn Elsi Reservoir. Purchase a ticket from Pendyffryn Stores and try to land one of the fine trout stocked in the reservoir.
Back in town, learn about the history of the local trains at Conwy Valley Railway Museum. Let children have fun riding the miniature steam railway and the bumper cars. The village’s oldest building is the 14th-century St. Michael’s Church. It houses a stone effigy of Gruffydd ap Dafydd Goch, grandnephew of the last native prince of Wales.
Reach Betws-y-Coed easily by train or drive less than 40 minutes from Bangor. Buses do travel here but can be unpredictable, so be sure to plan ahead. For accommodations, select from many hotels, inns and smaller settings.
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