Betws-Y-Coed Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Betws-Y-Coed showing forest scenes, a house and a river or creek
Swallow Falls which includes a river or creek and forest scenes
Betws-Y-Coed showing forest scenes, a house and a river or creek
Betws-Y-Coed featuring street scenes
Betws-Y-Coed which includes forest scenes and street scenes
Betws–y-Coed literally means ‘the prayer house in the woods’ and thispretty village certainly offers those who seek to be surrounded by naturalbeauty of an almost mystical grandeur exactly what they are looking for. Thevillage is better known as ‘the gateway to Snowdonia’and it certainly offers a triumphant introduction to the joys to come.

Since Victorian times the village has been the mostpopular inland resort of WalesOpens in a new window,thanks to its adoption by painters enamoured of the beautiful surroundings. Therailways heightened its popular appeal and today tourists and holiday makerseasily outnumber locals, and it seems that one in every two buildings is acharming hotel or welcoming guesthouse. Yet this hasn’t in any ways diminishedthe charms of BYC, as you may hear it referred to. It still has that rareability to truly inspire.

If you're looking for somewhere to stay that has analmost Alpine then the small but busy stone village of Betws-y-Coedhas many reasons to command your attention. Its picture postcard beauty isreflected in the river that drifts through it, and the rich verdant greens ofthe Gwydyr Forest provide the ideal backdrop. Walkjust outside the village and you’ll reach the dramatic confluence of threerivers and their respective valleys: theLlugwy, the Conwy andthe Lledr.

Rivers andBridges

One of the many joys of visiting Betws-y-Coedis to wander lazily along the paths of the meandering rivers and to marvel atthe grandiose bridges that span them. Crossing the bridges is like connectingwith the history of the area: the 32 metre Waterloo Bridge was constructed fromiron in the year of the famous battle (1815), whilst the nearby Sapper’s Bridgecommemorates engineers of more recent wars. The 15th Century stonebridge Pont-y-Pair means ‘bridge of the cauldron’ and spans the rapids of theLlugwy. A mile downstream Miner’s Bridge celebrates the strong historicalinfluence that mining has played in this area.

Outdoor Activities

Fringed by forest, and with the SnowdoniaNational Park beckoning in the background, this is an outdoorlover’s paradise. The picturesque LlynElsi reservoir nearby is popular with both walkers and anglers,whilst hillwalking is in plentiful supply in an area that boasts magnificentmountainous terrain. The highest peak nearby, which is also the highest pointin England and Wales, is Snowdon at 3,560 feet, but there are 13 other peaksthat top 3,000 feet to set your sights on too.

Mountain biking, rock climbing, zip-lining,tree-top trails, power-boating, abseiling, abandoned mine exploring and manyother exhilarating pursuits are all available nearby for the thrill seekers,whilst golf, pony treks and canoeing provide slightly gentler alternatives.

For Families

There’s plenty for the kids too in and around Betws-y-Coed.The famous train up Snowdonia is a child-friendly way to conquer the mountain, CastleConwy is just one of many atmospheric ruins to fire theirimagination, kid’s outdoor activities abound in the 17 magical acres of GreenWoodForest Park, and the Welsh Mountain Zoo excites and educates in equal measures.

VisitBetws-y-Coed

Betws-y-Coed is morethan the gateway to Snowdonia. It’s the gateway to a perfect holiday, fullstop.

Waterloo Hotel Lodge

Waterloo Hotel Lodge

3 out of 5
Holyhead Road, Betws-Y-Coed, Wales
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is £120 per night from 31 Jul to 1 Aug
£120
31 Jul - 1 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star spa hotel in Betws-Y-Coed. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (703 reviews)
"Very enjoyable stay"

Reviewed on 15 Jul 2025

Waterloo Hotel Lodge
The Swallow Falls Inn - The Inn Collection Group

The Swallow Falls Inn - The Inn Collection Group

3 out of 5
Holyhead Road, Betws-Y-Coed, Wales
The price is £115 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
£115
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Betws-Y-Coed. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Popular attractions Swallow Falls and Gwydyr ...
9/10 Wonderful! (17 reviews)
"Everything about our stay was good apart from evening meal selection. The menu was limited and there were a number of selections not available."

Reviewed on 9 Jul 2025

The Swallow Falls Inn - The Inn Collection Group
Tyn-y-Coed Hotel

Tyn-y-Coed Hotel

3 out of 5
Capel Curig, Betws-y-coed, Betws-Y-Coed, Wales
The price is £109 per night from 23 Jul to 24 Jul
£109
23 Jul - 24 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Betws-Y-Coed. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (149 reviews)
"Great quiet place"

Reviewed on 19 Jul 2025

Tyn-y-Coed Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Noddfa

Noddfa

3 out of 5
5 John Street Penmachno, Betws-Y-Coed, Wales
Stay at this 3-star cottage in Betws-Y-Coed. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Popular attractions Conwy Falls and Lledr Valley are located ...
Noddfa
2 bedroom accommodation in Betws-y-Coed

2 bedroom accommodation in Betws-y-Coed

Betws-y-Coed
Stay at this cottage in Betws-Y-Coed. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities and Netflix. Popular attractions Zip World Betws-y-Coed and Betws-Y-Coed Golf Club are ...
A beautiful cottage and credit to the owner.
"We were so excited on arrival to the cottage and it didn't disappoint. This is an immaculate ,tastefully decorated living space which has been very well thought out and is a credit to Rachael the owner..everything you need is in this cottage," ,I loved the wood burner"..communication with Rachael ..."

Reviewed on 11 Feb 2020

2 bedroom accommodation in Betws-y-Coed
Seaside Cottage, Dogs Welcome - good walks, by beach & Snowdonia National Park

Seaside Cottage, Dogs Welcome - good walks, by beach & Snowdonia National Park

Llanfairfechan, WLS
Stay at this cottage in Llanfairfechan. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a garden and an in-room coffee maker. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (152 reviews)
"The cottage is small but has everything you need, it is very clean and well stocked with all that is needed, Sue is extremely helpful and lives next to the property so is always on hand, the area is beautiful 1to 2 minute walk to the prom, the village has pubs and shops and takeaways if needed and ..."

Reviewed on 13 Jun 2025

Seaside Cottage, Dogs Welcome - good walks, by beach & Snowdonia National Park
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Betws-Y-Coed

4.6
Top destination
5 - Excellent
58
5 - Excellent 65%
4 - Good
29
4 - Good 33%
3 - Okay
2
3 - Okay 2%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Lovely village had a lovely evening meal at Bistro Betws-y-coed-on the A5

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

The area is beautiful

5/5 - Excellent

Stephen

Lots of good walking, plenty of cafe stops and interesting train station with small restaurants and independent shops.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

A really relaxing place to stay in a great location for waking

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

We didn’t have much time to explore but went out for a meal and we were very impressed with The Hangin Pizza restaurant

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Betws-y-Coed is peaceful and beautiful - loved it.

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