Betws y Coed is a great base, centrally located to discover everything Snowdonia has to offer, from a range of exciting activities and beautiful attractions.
Photos of the area can be seen here
Adventures
Zip world Fforest – Betws y Coed
Places of Historical Interest
St Michaels Church – Betws y Coed
Zip world – Penrhyn Quarry, Bethesda
Conwy Castle
Built for Edward I, by Master James of St George, the castle is amongst the finest surviving medieval fortifications in Britain.
Zipworld Llechwedd Slate Caverns
The Slate Caverns includes an experience for almost everyone, from Titan, the first 4 person zip line in Europe to the unique, all weather underground adventures that are Bounce Below and Zip World Caverns.
Caernarfon Castle
King Edward I created what is surely one of the most impressive of Wales’s castles. Worthy of World Heritage status no less!
Surf Snowdonia
Surf Snowdonia – a world-first inland surf lagoon and the only guaranteed surf break in the UK. You’ll find us in the heart of beautiful North Wales, set against a backdrop of the forests and mountains of Snowdonia. Their awesome technology delivers a variety of wave profiles, so absolute beginners can surf safely alongside the pros. Their expert surf tuition and reliable waves make this the ideal, family-friendly training arena.
Portmeirion Village
Portmeirion was created by the architect Clough Williams-Ellis from 1925 to 1976. He wanted to show how a naturally beautiful site could be developed without spoiling it.
Railways
Welsh Highland Railway
Harlech Castle
The English monarch Edward I built Harlech in the late 13th century to fulfil this very role. It was one of the most formidable of his 'iron ring' of fortresses designed to contain the Welsh in their mountain fastness.
Llanberis Steam Railway
Steam engines take you on a five-mile return journey alongside Lake Padarn, right in the heart of Snowdonia.
The journey takes you past the 13th century Dolbadarn Castle, across possibly Britain’s shortest river and past Llanberis’ twin lakes. From Llanberis the train runs non-stop through the Padarn Country Park, joining the 1845 slate railway route to run along the shores of Lake Padarn to Penllyn, and giving stunning views of Snowdon, the highest peak in England and Wales.
Bodnant Gardens
A world-famous garden home to National Collections and Champion Trees
Snowdon Mountain Railway
Walking
Llyn Elsi
Llyn Elsi is a scenic mountain lake that’s barely an hour’s walk from Betws-y-Coed, and that’s taking it easy, on this pleasant circular route. You can also reach the lake by following the Llyn Elsi Trail from near the back of the Royal Oak hotel, or extend this route by walking around the lake in it’s entirety by following the while waymarkers. It would make a decent trail run, but take the Jubilee Path if you don’t like your routes muddy!
Snowdon
Yr Wyddfa* , or Snowdon, (it’s never Mount or Mt Snowdon ) is one of the most popular mountains in the United Kingdom, let alone Snowdonia. Which path should you choose to climb? Here’s a quick rundown of the more popular walking routes up Snowdon
Fairy Glen and Other walks local to Betws y coed
There are many circular walks from Snowdonia’s Betws-y-coed, not surprising considering the number of lakes near Betws-y-coed such as Llyn Elsi and Llyn Parc. Nestling in the Gwydyr Forest, walks are usually either through the trees, a river walk or involve a lake or two. More often than not, you’ll get the lot! With waterfalls such as the Swallow Falls and Conwy Falls, there’s something for everyone.