Local Area
Betws-y-coed, Eryri and North Wales
What to do in and around Betws-y-coed
Known as “The Gateway to Snowdonia (Eryri)”, Betws-y-coed is widely recognised as North Wales’ most popular inland tourist destination.
The village itself is immensely popular for its “Alpine-esque” feel, and Victorian architecture as seen in so many of the local hotels, pubs, cafes, and shops. For outdoor adventure enthusiasts the multitude of outdoor gear stores are worth the visit alone!
Perhaps Betws-y-coed’s greatest allure, however, lies in its magnificent natural beauty, with stunningly beautiful forests, valleys, lakes, rivers and waterfalls drawing thousands of worldwide visitors year after year. The Ty Gwyn enjoys the perfect location from which to base your visit.
Take a look at our guide, below, to get a taste of what you can do and see whilst visiting the area.
Adventure Central
Led primarily by the rise of the Zip World franchise, a surge in the number of adventure attractions in the North Wales region over the past decade, has led to the region becoming acknowledged as a thrill seekers paradise! The original Zip World park which now boasts attractions such as the “Fforest Coaster”, “Sky Ride” and “Plummet”, is within easy walking distance from the Ty Gwyn Hotel, whilst other Zip World locations, one boasting the world’s fastest zip line and another Europe’s longest zip zone, are both less than half an hour’s drive away from the Ty Gwyn.
Just a short 5-minute drive up the A5 from the Ty Gwyn, you will find the headquarters of Go Below Underground Adventures. This unique subterranean experience combines thrilling adventure with local history, as you explore the disused slate mines above Cwm Penmachno through a range of experiences of varying length. Prepare to climb, abseil, zipline and boat your way through this historical underground utopia.
Another short drive to the village of Dolgarrog offers the opportunity of many similar activities in the indoor environment of Adventure Parc. With a ninja warrior-type course, climbing walls, a soft play area for the little ones and much more, this offers fun for all the family.
Mountain Biking
Betws-y-coed and the surrounding area has long been recognised as a “goto” for MTB enthusiasts, enjoying a reputation which continues to grow and thrive. The highly reputable “Marin” and “Penmachno” trails are amongst the best of their kind in the British Isles, and both sit on the doorstep of the Ty Gwyn Coaching Inn.
In addition, Antur Stiniog’s downhill park (a short drive from the Ty Gwyn) offers graded runs suitable for challenging riders of all abilities from beginners to professionals. Also within driving distance is Coed y Brenin which was the UK’s first ever dedicated mountain bike trail centre and continues to be very highly acclaimed.
Golf
For visitors who may wish to take things at a somewhat slower pace, Betws-y-coed Golf Club offers a truly hidden gem with its 9-hole parkland layout offering one of the most scenic settings imaginable to enjoy a round.
Nicknamed “The Jewel of the Nines” the course itself sits between the banks of the rivers Conwy and Llugwy, both of which can come into play, and offers a true test for golfers of all abilities. With its immaculately maintained putting surfaces, tree lined fairways and heavily bunkered greens the challenge lies in concentrating on your game without being distracted by the surroundings!
Visitors are warmly welcomed with green fees readily available throughout the year. Martin will be happy to help in organising a tee time for you if you wish.
“An Abundance of Glorious Scenery”
“Perhaps in the whole world there is no region more picturesquely beautiful than Snowdonia, a region of mountains, lakes, cateracts and groves, in which Nature shows herself in her most grand and beautiful forms.”
George Borrow’s quote from his book “Wild Wales”, published way back in the 1860s, perfectly summarises the natural beauty of the local region stretching from stunning beaches to rugged mountain peaks.
As the gateway to the Eryri National Park, Betws-y-coed is perfectly located for those wishing to explore the untempered beauty and stunning views which surround us. An abundance of mountain walks are on the doorstep, with Wales highest peak Yr Wyddfa, and the Glyderau and Carneddau mountain ranges all within easy reaching distance.
The North Wales coastline also offers some of the most beautiful beaches in the UK, perfect for those warm, sunny, summer days.
Castles, Gardens, Railways and more
It is a widely known fact that Wales boasts more castles per head than any other country in the world, and North Wales boasts some of the most spectacular of them all. Famous castles at Caernarfon, Conwy and Harlech are all within a half hour’s drive from the Ty Gwyn, whilst smaller castles such as Dolwyddelan and Dolbadarn are equally worthy of a visit and provide an interesting insight into Welsh history.
For steam train enthusiasts the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways are a must-see, whilst a day out at the infamous Bodnant Gardens will appeal to die-hard horticulturists and families alike.
Within a half-hour drive of the Ty Gwyn, the tourist village of Portmeirion provides something totally unique and the opportunity to take in the setting for 1960s TV show “The Prisoner”.

Useful Links
Below are a selection of links to places and attractions that are all within a short distance of the Ty Gwyn Coaching Inn…..
You’ll hike high, breathe deep and remember why you started travelling
“ Imagine thunderous rivers, glacial mountain ranges and ancient forests folded into 823 glorious square miles (2132 sq km) of national park. Welcome to Snowdonia National Park (Parc Cenedlaethol Eryri), the mountainous core of Cymru (Wales), beloved by thrill seekers and hardcore hikers. “
– Lonely Planet (June 2025) –






