This picturesque place in North Wales is a hotspot for hikers and bikers, with spectacular waterfalls including Swallow Falls and traditional cosy pubs
Enveloped by forests, mountains, trails, rivers and cascading waterfalls, this village is a picture-perfect haven in Wales just begging to be discovered.
Betws-y-Coed is recognised by keen hikers and cyclists as a prime location for adventures, and with good cause, as it caters for every kind of outdoor pursuit imaginable.
Combine this with its rich history, evident in its delightful heritage buildings, and the area is teeming with life and tales waiting to be shared.
In Conwy, the village lies within easy reach of the eastern edge of Snowdonia, meaning tourists frequently pass through.
What’s more, the North Wales destination is positioned near the meeting point of both the River Conwy and the River Llugwy, resulting in a wealth of stunning water features in and around the area.
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Waterfalls
There are three waterfalls close to Betws-y-Coed, and Swallow Falls is the most visited by far. It’s ranked as the top attraction near the village, located roughly two miles away, and for good reason: its multi-tiered waterfall along the river is truly spectacular.
In fact, one recent visitor declared on TripAdvisor it’s the finest waterfall in the whole of Europe. They wrote: “First off, these are the best waterfalls in Europe.
Second, the waterfalls are very beautiful. Third, they have nice rocks. Lastly, this is the thing to see in Betws-y-Coed.”
Unlike many impressive waterfalls, this one doesn’t demand a lengthy and treacherous trek.
The principal viewing point is reached via turnstiles opposite a hotel car park, where admission costs approximately £2 – a fee which goes directly towards preserving the site’s natural splendour.
Another breathtaking waterfall nearby is Fairy Glen, steeped in mythical folklore and legend. It’s frequently described as a “magical” destination in reviews and can be enjoyed from as little as 50p entry fee.
One visitor wrote: “This place is magical. Tucked away, but with good defined paths – it was beautiful. The riverside walk along was equally beautiful with rapids and whirlpools, and then tranquillity. Well maintained, a real treasure.”
Historic railway
The Conwy Valley Railway Museum is a wonderful attraction for railway enthusiasts and those simply seeking an enjoyable family day out, particularly for the popular train ride.
The miniature railway allows guests to meander through the picturesque grounds, spotting miniature villages, tunnels and bridges along the way, with plenty of hidden gems to discover – ideal for keeping youngsters entertained.
Inside, the museum houses an extensive collection of vintage railway memorabilia, giving visitors the opportunity to browse old tickets, timetables, equipment and workers’ uniforms. Together, these exhibits paint a vivid portrait of the ‘golden age’ of rail travel throughout the UK.
One delighted visitor said: “Amazing experience, fairly priced, staff were amazing and helpful, best for families with young children. The train ride lasted about 8 minutes but was perfect for young children.”
Pubs
At the heart of the village, visitors are spoilt for choice when it comes to dining, with everything from cafés to fish and chips, a pizzeria and highly-rated restaurants, but it’s the traditional pubs that truly stand out.
A well-loved fixture in the area is the striking stable pub and bar, Y Stablau, boasting an abundance of outdoor seating ideal for the summer months and a consistently vibrant atmosphere. A guest noted: “Good selection of food on the menu with large portions.
“The outside seating area is beautiful with a lovely atmosphere. It was very busy when we arrived, but don’t let that put you off. There were lots of staff on hand to help, and they were very friendly. You won’t be disappointed.”
For a somewhat more traditional ambience, Ty Gwyn Hotel Restaurant serves not only as a retreat for tourists in the area but also as a cosy dining destination, offering wholesome, satisfying meals. Similarly, there’s the Royal Oak Hotel and Pont Y Pair Inn, which sit alongside the village’s famously picturesque bridge.
Built around 1500, the bridge was originally designed for packhorses to enable people to cross the river, and remains a prominent landmark in the village to this day.
It’s a stunning sight, framed by large rocks as the river rushes beneath it at considerable speed, and diners can soak up the view from the pub and hotel.
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