Top 20 Things To Do In Betws-y-Coed, Wales

Sharadha
Contributing Writer
Updated
| 8 min read
things to do in betws y coed

Nestled in the Conwy Valley of Wales, Betws-y-Coed is a historic village community that is known for its age-old scenic bridges, River Conwy and its scenic views, railroads, and more. The village name means “prayerhouse-in-the-woods” in Welsh and Betws-y-Coed houses the historic St. Michael’s Church from the 14th century. Did you know? The yew trees in this church date back to five centuries. Check out Snowdonia National Park that was built in the Victorian era aimed at the protection of the local flora and fauna. A visit to this stunning village will leave you with so many cherishable memories for life. Check out our list of things to do in Betws-y-Coed, UK.

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1. Discover the picturesque Betws-y-Coed railway station

Betws-y-coed - geograph.org.uk - 41489
Source: Photo by user alan fairweather used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Like those dreamy railway stations where the prince charming proposes the heroine in the movies, the Betws-y-Coed railway station with its green hues and historic architecture is a picturesque sight for the visitors of the village. The railway station looks exceptionally stunning during the winters with its clock post. With the Conwy Valley in the backdrop, the railway station is a treat to eyes from every point of view. This historic railway station started service in the year 1868 and is still in great shape after 150 years.

Betws-y-Coed railway station

Address: Station Road, Betws-y-Coed, Conwy LL24 0AE, UK

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2. Explore Rhaeadr Y Graig Lwyd for a true tourist experience

Conwy Falls after heavy rain
Source: Photo by user Steve Foster used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Popularly called Swallow Falls among tourists, this foaming waterfall Rhaeadr Y Graig Lwyd is one of the most popular attractions in Betws-y-Coed. Explore this beautiful scenery and enjoy a chilling dip during your visit to Betws-y-Coed. This will be a great place to explore for hiking lovers. The waterfalls is also used for the generation of electricity by the government. Get awestruck by the breathtaking views of the water piercing through the rocks amidst the chilly lush green forests of Betws-Y-Coed.

Rhaeadr Y Graig Lwyd

Address: A5, Betws-y-Coed LL24 0PN, UK

Website: Rhaeadr Y Graig Lwyd

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3. Walk through the historic Sappers Suspension Bridge


Betws-y-Coed is a place for experiencing romantic movie-like scenarios in reality. One such spot in this beautiful little town is Sappers Suspension Bridge. Located behind the Old Church, Sappers Suspension Bridge is a true historic marvel and a must-see spot in Betws-y-Coed. Experience the thrill of walking past water on a wobbly bridge enjoying the breathtaking views on either sides. Check out the farms and sheep pastures as you walk across this amazing bridge. Believe me when I tell you it is not going to be as easy as a cakewalk, but very much worth the thrill.

Sappers Suspension Bridge

Address: 0AL, Old Church Rd, Betws-y-Coed, United Kingdom

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4. Let your kids have fun at Conwy Valley Railway Museum & Model Shop

Conwy-valley-railway-museum
Source: Photo by user Tudor Williams used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Conwy Valley Railway Museum & Model Shop is a place of fun for kids. Check out their amazing collection of tiny railway models that you can get for your kids to build and play. They will enjoy the train rides, automobile model shop exhibits, and the interactive sessions on the history of railroads in the Conwy Valley. You can check out the other different automobile models such as the cable cars, DI cast vehicles, corgi aircrafts, and wooden boat kits at the museum. There are also numerous books and magazines related to trains and engines at the Conwy Valley Railway Museum. Go on an educational tour around the museum on the miniature train. Try spotting wild rabbits by the pond on the museum’s perfectly landscaped grounds.

Conwy Valley Railway Museum & Model Shop

Address: The Old Goods Yard, Betws-y-Coed LL24 0AL, UK

Website: Conwy Valley Railway Museum & Model Shop

Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)

Price: 2 - 15 EUR (3 - 17 USD)

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5. Support local artists at Galeri Betws-y-Coed


Check out the stunning collection of handmade jewellery, traditional Welsh crafts, contemporary ceramic artifacts, clothing, footwear, and much more at Galeri Betws-y-Coed created by local artists. The gallery also has exhibits of paintings, drawings, prints, sculptures, and mixed media by the local artists. It is the place to be for art enthusiasts. This is a great place to go souvenir shopping in Betws-y-Coed. They have ceramic artifacts and other handmade products in the gift shop at affordable prices for everyone. Another interesting aspect that attracts numerous people to Galeri Betws-y-Coed is the clothing section. Shop to your heart’s content at this unique place.

Galeri Betws-y-Coed

Address: Holyhead Road, Betws-y-Coed, Conwy, LL24 0BW.

Website: Galeri Betws-y-Coed

Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)

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6. Book thrilling rides with Zip World Fforest

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Posted by Zip World on Tuesday, September 15, 2020

Zip World Fforest is the destination for all adventure lovers in Betws-y-Coed. Go on an exhilarating Zip Safari or thrill yourself with a Sky Ride, try tree hopping, and much more with the help of expert professionals and state-of-the-art amenities at Zip World Fforest. This is a place of guaranteed family fun and a perfect escape into the woods. They offer individual, group, and corporate activity packages with great offers on their website. You can also gift an adventurous experience to your loved ones by getting them a Zip World Fforest gift voucher. Some of the interesting rides at the Zip World Fforest are Plummet 2, Skyride, Tree Hoppers, Treetop Nets, Zip Safari and the thrilling Fforest Coaster.

Zip World Fforest

Address: A470, Betws-y-Coed LL24 0HX, UK

Website: Zip World Fforest

Opening hours: 8:30am - 5pm (daily)

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7. Play a round of golf at Betws-y-Coed Golf Club

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Posted by Clwb Golff Betws-Y-Coed Golf Club on Saturday, October 20, 2018

Betws-y-Coed Golf Club was built in the year 1977. This pristine golf club is located at the foothills of the Snowdonia mountains at the heart of North Wales. This is a nine-hole golf course, with the most idyllic views that has earned this place the name “the jewel of the nines”. The Betws-y-Coed Golf Club houses a club house next to the River Conwy. Relax at the club veranda, watch golf players tee-off at the nine holes, and enjoy the calm and breezy ambiance.

Betws-y-Coed Golf Club

Address: Old Church Rd, Betws-y-Coed LL24 0AL, UK

Website: Betws-y-Coed Golf Club

Opening hours: 8am - 6pm (daily)

Price: 20 EUR (22 USD)

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8. Gather information from Snowdonia National Park Information Centre

Coed Felin blwm
Source: Photo by user Hogyn Lleol used under PUBLIC DOMAIN

Snowdonia National Park comprises of a unique landscapes, nine mountain ranges, steep river gorges, green valleys, woodlands, waterfalls and much more. The park is bordered by a 23-mile (37 km) coastline of sandy beaches and estuaries. Check out Snowdonia National Information Center to know all the information about the landscapes and ecosystem of the park.

Snowdonia National Park Information Centre

Address: Royal Oak Stables, Betws-y-Coed LL24 0AH, UK

Website: Snowdonia National Park Information Centre

Opening hours: 9:30am - 5pm (daily)

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9. Offer prayers at Saint Mary’s Church

St Mary's Church, Betws-y-Coed
Source: Photo by user Eirian Evans used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Saint Mary’s Church is a n Anglican Parish Church that was built in the year 1870. The Church still holds the ancient rubble stone and sandstone architecture of the traditional Norman era. On the inside the church has arcades with pointed arches. The church is a storehouse of ancient art and sculptures. Stop by and offer your prayers at this centuries-old church.

Saint Mary’s Church

Address: Holyhead Rd, Betws-y-Coed LL24 0AA, UK

Website: Saint Mary’s Church

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10. Soak in the natural beauty at Fairy Glen/Ffos Anoddun


One of the most beautiful sights in Betws-y-coed, Fairy Glen or Ffos Anoddun is a stream of water on a rocky gorge with an astounding appearance. It is believed that Fairy Glen houses the good spirits and hence the name. This white water stream amidst the rocky gorge is a beauty worth seeing at least once in a lifetime and indeed a great place to click beautiful pictures.

Fairy Glen/Ffos Anoddun

Address: A5, Betws-y-Coed LL24 0HF, UK

Website: Fairy Glen/Ffos Anoddun

Price: 50 EU p (1 USD)

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11. Interact with the locals at Bistro Betws-y-Coed


Bistro Betws-y-Coed is a popular local restaurant that serves delicious traditional Welsh dishes. This is a traditional family-run restaurant in a historic building with a pleasant ambience. It is one of the best places to try the local delicacies. However, they also serve other modern cuisines as well. Check out their great collection of Welsh beers and ciders. This is a great place for a peaceful wine and dine experience.

Bistro Betws-y-Coed

Address: Holyhead Rd, Betws-y-Coed LL24 0AY, UK

Website: Bistro Betws-y-Coed

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 6:30pm - 9pm; Sat - Sun: 11:30am - 9:30pm

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12. Enjoy the nightlife at Stables Bar - Y Stablau

things to do in betws y coed | enjoy the nightlife at stables bar - y stablau
Source: instagram

Stables Bar - Y Stablau has both indoor and outdoor dining facilities. It is a perfect place to enjoy the nightlife in Betws-y-Coed. The place has a welcoming ambience with a tasteful setting. They serve the best local brews, handcrafted cocktails, ciders, and much more. This restaurant cum bar has a specially crafted dinner menu that will go perfectly well with their drink selections. You can also check out their options for conducting events and going on exploratory tours around the village.

Stables Bar - Y Stablau

Address: Holyhead Rd, Betws-y-Coed LL24 0AY, UK

Website: Stables Bar - Y Stablau

Opening hours: 11:30am - 11pm (daily)

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13. Rent boots or camping equipment from Cotswold Outdoor Betws-y-Coed

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account


Are you some one who loves to be in the outdoors? Cotswold Outdoor is a place where you can pick the best suitable travel gear for rent in Betws-y-Coed for cheap prices. You can rent boots, hiking packets, camping equipment like tents, biking gear, and much more at this amazing place for active outdoor experiences. If you are planning to venture into the Snowdonia mountains and the scenic hiking trails around Betws-y-Coed, getting the right hiking gear is a must. At Cotswold Outdoor you can also buy your own outdoor gear from their huge outlet collections.

Cotswold Outdoor Betws-y-Coed

Address: Holyhead Rd, Betws-y-Coed LL24 0AY, UK

Website: Cotswold Outdoor Betws-y-Coed

Opening hours: 9am - 5:30pm (daily)

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14. Visit the vintage St. Michael’s Church

Eglwys Fihangel Betws-y-Coed
Source: Photo by user myself used under PUBLIC DOMAIN

St. Michael’s Church is located within the Snowdonia National Park and is one of the oldest churches in the village. This 14th-century church is located on the banks of River Conwy and was replaced by the St. Mary’s Church in the 1870s. The church has gone through numerous restoration processes in the last couple of decades and is now a historic destination visited by many tourists.

St Michael’s Church

Address: Ffordd Hen Eglwys, Snowdonia National Park, Betws-y-Coed LL24 0AL, Wales

Website: St. Michael’s Church

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15. Discover scenic beauty at Pont-y-Pair Bridge

Pont-y-pair Bridge
Source: Photo by user Clintheacock66 used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Betws-y-Coed is a village of scenic river gorges and bridges that go just above it. One such beautiful bridge is the Pont-y-Pair bridge that offers the best river views on either sides. The bridge is not only an architectural marvel but is also said to have been built in the 1500s. The bridge has five segmental arches that sits above the River Llugwy. It is both a natural and a human-made scenery worth visiting.

Pont-y-Pair Bridge

Address: 0BN, B5106, Betws-y-Coed, United Kingdom

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16. Explore the best natural walking sites in the Snowdonia Mountains

Snowdonia - panoramio (11)
Source: Photo by user Tanya Dedyukhina used under CC BY 3.0

As mentioned earlier, the Snowdonia National Park comprises of fifteen peaks, mountain ranges, and other diverse landscape that are waiting to be explored. If you are a fan of walking and hiking check out the trains in these mountain ranges and explore the best creations of mother nature. The mountains have an altitude of over 300 ft (91.4 m) and is a great spot to test your endurance levels. This is also great place to go on long nature walks.

Snowdonia Mountains

Address: Snowdonia, Wales

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17. Treat your eyes to the best view at Conwy Valley

The Conwy Valley - geograph.org.uk - 586956
Source: Photo by user Mike Searle used under CC BY-SA 2.0

When you are is Betws-y-coed it is important to catch hold of the stunning views of the Conwy Valley. Watch the breathtaking white waters of River Conwy flowing through the valley. Check out the amazing river gorges, water falls, the thick cover of forests, mountain ranges, and much more at the valley. Go on a nature walk enjoying the scenic views of the valley. Remember to bring your camera to snap a few photos as you trek through the landscape.

Conwy Valley

Address: Conwy, Gwynedd, Wales

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18. Drive through the scenic roads east of Betws-y-Coed


As you drive through the bendy roads east of Betws-y-Coed, check out the amazing scenic views of green landscapes and river gorges of the country. Enjoy the wonderful feeling of the chilly wind on your face as you drive through the valley. Experience the joy of being one with nature as you drive through the poetic backdrops of this part of Betws-y-Coed.

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19. Go mountain climbing or gorge walking with North Wales Active

things to do in betws y coed | go mountain climbing or gorge walking with north wales active
Source: instagram

North Wales Active is an organization that has been conducting hiking and trekking activities in the Welsh region for the last 10 years. They conduct numerous outdoor activities such as mountain climbing, gorge walking, coasteering, rock climbing, and much more. You can also check out their team building activities for some group fun. Conquer the Betws-y-Coed outdoors with the help of this amazing outdoor adventure activity provider.

North Wales Active

Address: Bryn Y Gwynt, Holyhead Rd, Betws-y-Coed LL24 0BN, UK

Website: North Wales Active

Opening hours: 8am - 7pm (daily)

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20. Discover blue lakes and lofty caverns through Go Below Underground Adventures

things to do in betws y coed | discover blue lakes and lofty caverns through go below underground adventures
Source: instagram

Go Below Underground Adventures is a place for adrenaline-pumping activities in Betws-y-Coed. They have the Go Below, Hero Xtreme, and Ultimate Xtreme challenges specially crafted to suit visitors’ lust for adventure. Go zip lining into the lofty caverns, go boating across a lake, climb on a shaft, scale a waterfall, and try many more daring adventures with Go Below Underground Adventures on the blue lakes, waterfalls, and rocky gorges of Betws-y-Coed. Explore Betws-y-Coed like no one with this adventures provider.

Go Below Underground Adventures

Address: Conwy Falls Forest Park Pentrefoelas Rd, Betws-y-Coed LL24 0PN, United Kingdom

Website: Go Below Underground Adventures

Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)

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A land of adventures and scenic beauty awaits you

Betws-y-Coed is a land of stunning natural beauty and rich Welsh history. Its perfect location in the Conwy Valley makes it a great place for adventures, exploratory tours, as well as romantic getaways. It is a place where travellers who come alone, as a couple, or as a family will have something or the other interesting and unique to witness. Explore this wonderland filled with nature’s wonders. Fall in love with this stunning little Welsh town as it leaves you speechless with its stunning, scenic views.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Sharadha is a happy 'paw'rent to beautiful GSDs - Max n Tuffey. At times, when she is not too busy pampering her furry kids, she is trying her best to stay fit, write and travel. She loves...Read more

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Where To Stay In Betws-y-Coed, Wales - Updated 2024