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Betws-y-Coed is located in Snowdonia National Park and is a popular place to stay for walking holidays in Wales. Cushioned by hills filled with conifer trees, the alpine-like village is conveniently close to numerous river walks and mountain trails.
The attractive village is primarily built out of grey stone, and the small shopping streets are weatherproofed by canopies with festoon bulbs which is great for year-round visits.
Places to stay in Betws-y-Coed
Betws-y-Coed’s popularity gives you several options for accommodation with elegant hotels in the heart of the village and idyllic riverside cottages, including;
Places to eat near Betws-y-Coed
Tu Hwnt i’r Bont
One of Wales’s most photographed places is situated in the nearby village of Llanrwst. Covered in ivy, Tu Hwnt i’r Bont tea room is awash in colour most of the year, transforming from a vibrant spring green to a fiery red in the autumn. The tea room menu includes plenty of Welsh classics like bara brith and bakestones.
Related: A day trip to Portmeirion, the pretty Italian-style village
Ty Hyll ‘The Ugly House’
Ty Hyll tea room looks straight out of a children’s story book and plays to Wales’s notoriety for a good legend. It’s construction is unknown, and theories of thieves and a hasty overnight build attempt to explain its unconventional appearance.
Inside you can relax fireside and enjoy soups, scones and homemade specials like scotch eggs and chutney.
Things to do in Betws-y-Coed
Photo moment at Swallow Falls
Split apart by the rocky river bed, the water at Swallow Falls tumbles dramatically down the valley towards Betws-y-Coed. Visitors can park roadside near the Swallow Falls hotel and pay a small admission fee (£2 near time of publishing) to access multiple viewpoints of this wonderful work of nature.
Hike Snowdon Mountain Range
Snowdon is the highest peak in England and Wales and Betws-y-Coed is only around 16 away by road to the Snowdon Mountain Railway station. If you want to explore North Wales by train or public transport, the Snowdon Sherpa Bus leaves the village to take you within reach of the summit.
Enjoy a scenic train ride
You can sit back and enjoy the views using the national rail service by booking tickets from Betws-y-Coed to Blaenau Ffestiniog, or through Conwy’s stunning valley to the coastal town of Llandudno.
For one of the most scenic train journeys in Wales, step aboard the Ffestiniog & Highland Railway in Blaenau Ffestiniog and take in the sights from a traditional carriage, pulled along by a chugging steam locomotive.
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Hair raising fun at Zip World
Home to the fastest zip line in the world and other daring pursuits, Zip World is a top destination in Wales for thrill-seekers and adventurers. At ‘Bounce Below’ you can jump your way around an underground cave, or whip through the local woodland on ‘Fforest Coaster‘.