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Things to do in Betws y Coed

The bustling village of Betws-y-Coed, located among the tree clad hills of the Gwydyr Forest in the Snowdonia National Park has been a popular destination since Victorian times.

Gwydyr Forest is a forest of lakes with many walking paths and trails throughout, many of which are old miners routes. There are many remains through the forest of the former mines.

The beauty of the area is enhanced by cascading waterfalls including the famous Swallow Falls that sits on the Afon Llugwy which Lord Ancaster gifted to the council in 1913! There are also Conwy Falls, the enchanting gorge of the Fair Glen and hill-top lakes such as Elsi, Crafnant and Geirionydd.

The oldest building in Betws y Coed is located on the banks of the river Conwy – St Michael’s Church.  The church was built in the 14th century and is home to the stone effigy of Gruffydd ap Dafydd Goch.  The church is open to the public 10am-5pm Easter – October. 

Pont y Pair Bridge was originally built around 1500, before Thomas Telford built the Conwy suspension bridge, the Pont y Pair Bridge became an important bridge, as people were diverted to cross the river Conwy here. The bridge is still a main crossing point for traffic. There is also the Waterloo bridge, built in 1815 by Thomas Telford. The bridge is grade 1 listed as an example of early iron technology.