Betws-y-Coed in North Wales is like a slice of the Alps, with its alpine-style architecture, beautiful waterfalls and lush woodlands – yet it’s a lot less crowded than the likes of Switzerland
Wales is renowned for its picturesque villages, but did you know there’s a quaint village in North Wales that could easily pass as a slice of the Alps? Nestled amidst rugged mountains, serene lakes, and verdant woodlands, the stunning Betws-y-Coed exudes an unmistakable alpine charm with its delightful stone structures and bridges.
For those who’ve had the fortune to explore the Alps, Betws-y-Coed serves as the UK’s equivalent, boasting landscapes reminiscent of idyllic Swiss locales like Montreux or Interlaken. In addition to its enchanting Victorian architecture, Betws-y-Coed also hosts Swallow Falls at Ty’n Llwyn – often celebrated as North Wales’ most scenic spot, complete with a backdrop that could easily double as a Swiss alpine postcard.
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But it’s not just the vistas that are captivating; the falls are steeped in local folklore, adding an extra layer of allure to this already magical destination.
At this location, the River Conwy converges with three tributaries – the Llugwy, Lledr, and Machno – flowing in from the west, resulting in a dramatic blend of waterfalls, rapids, and deep, enigmatic pools. The natural splendour is truly hypnotic, reports Wales Online.
A leisurely stroll through the forest will lead you to the Etheral Falls, where you’ll discover deep, mysterious pools, wild rapids, and cascading waterfalls.
For those seeking an alpine experience without the hustle, Visit Wales advises a leisurely walk along the north bank for superb dramatic views in serenity.
Should you be tempted by Wales’s own rendition of the Sound of Music backdrop, here’s the lowdown on what to expect. Delving into Betws-y-Coed’s Victorian heritage, this idyllic village serves as the entryway to Eryri National Park (Snowdonia), with roots tracing to the 14th century’s St. Michael’s Church – aptly named “prayerhouse-in-the-woods”. Here, ancient yew trees testify to over half a millennium of history.
St Michael’s Church was the linchpin of Betws-y-Coed until the expansion of the village led to the grander St Mary’s Church assuming prominence in 1873. Adding to the architectural ensemble, the local railway station opened in 1869 – all masterminded by Owen Gethin Jones, who etched his name into local lore.
The advent of road and rail infrastructure heralded a cultural Renaissance; artists, literati, and dreamers were drawn to its invigorating air and lush vistas. This magnetic allure soon established Betws-y-Coed as Britain’s inaugural artists’ colony, teeming with creativity.
By the time the Victorian era reached its stride, Betws-y-Coed had flourished into an upscale retreat that attracted the affluent and those searching for pastoral repose.
Opulent hotels arose offering quaint horse-drawn excursions across the picturesque locale. Zooming ahead to the 1930s, steam trains would whisk away the weary industrial workers from Lancashire straight into the welcoming arms of Betws-y-Coed’s majestic charm.
The Trefriw Spa was a major attraction, drawing in crowds of visitors. The quaint sight of paddle steamers docking at Trefriw Quay added to the village’s allure until the onset of World War II in 1939 brought everything to a standstill.
What to do in Betws-y-Coed
Betws is the epicentre of all things Eryri, boasting a plethora of nearby activities such as waterfall walks, canyoning, hiking and ziplining.
Gwydir Forest Park, which almost envelops Betws-y-Coed, presents a magical blend of tranquil mountain lakes, woodland paths carpeted with vibrant bluebells, and waterfalls cascading through the untamed Welsh terrain.
With numerous trails in the vicinity, it’s worth downloading the convenient AllTrails app to find your ideal path.
Embark on the two-mile Swallow Falls walk to witness the falls in their full glory. This often muddy trail meanders through woodland leading to a viewpoint overlooking the waterfall – this side of the river offers an excellent vantage point, so be sure to bring your camera.
For adrenaline junkies, Zip World provides a family-friendly adventure centre nestled within beautiful woodland. Here, you can board the UK’s only alpine coaster for an unforgettable journey as you twist and zoom at 25mph through the trees.
The rugged glacial valleys and craggy canyons surrounding Betws-y-Coed are perfect for outdoor adventures in invigorating waters.
For those craving a burst of excitement, canyoning and gorge walking are the ultimate experiences in this area. With Seren Ventures, you can navigate waterlogged gorges, rappel down vertical cliffs, and zip line over rivers for that much-needed jolt of thrill.
Where to eat in Betws-y-Coed
Following an action-packed day in Betws-y-Coed, it’s either a hearty dinner or a colossal cake you’ll be hankering after, and this quaint Alpine-style village doesn’t disappoint with its array of dining options.
Pizza enthusiasts should head straight to Hangin’ Pizzeria for authentically Italian pizzas dressed with imaginative toppings.
Y Stablau welcomes both humans and their four-legged friends and is an ideal place for local brews, wholesome meals featuring Welsh ingredients, and a tailored cocktail menu – just the ticket to relax after a day filled with hiking or gorge walking.
Looking for something a bit more upscale? B&B Olif boasts its own tapas bar, where Spanish small plates meet Welsh culinary traditions, resulting in a fantastic selection of dishes brimming with local Welsh produce.
For those with a sweet tooth, the beloved Alpine Coffee Shop serves up delightful homemade cakes and coffee in a charming setting. They’ve even got a loyalty card offering “sausages for dogs,” so your furry companion isn’t left out.
And if you don’t mind a short drive (roughly 20 minutes from Betws-y-Coed), The Old Stag in Llangernyw is an essential pit stop. Nestled beneath a 4,500 year old yew tree, this traditional country pub is the epitome of snug and inviting.
Constructed in 1640 as a farm, it’s now brimming with quirky artefacts from centuries past. There’s nothing quite like settling into one of its cosy seats beside a crackling fire with a delightful Welsh ale.
Where to stay in Betws-y-Coed
With so much to see and do in the charming village of Betws-y-Coed, it’s impossible to fit everything into just one day. So why not extend your visit?
Trust me, taking the time to explore all that this picturesque village has to offer is well worth it. For an unconventional lodging experience, consider checking into The Courthouse. Once serving as the village’s police station, it now offers soft, comfortable beds instead of cold, hard benches.
If you’re after something quieter and more rural, Pengwern Country House is located just a mile out of town. Constructed from stunning Welsh stone and slate, it overlooks the verdant Lledr Valley.
For those seeking a more private escape, there’s The Studio – a charming, self-contained hideaway perfect for couples. It features a log burner for those snug nights in, so bring your partner and savour the solitude!
If you prefer accommodation with a bit more activity, make your way to Pont-y-Pair Inn. This family-run, traditional inn boasts 10 luxury en-suite bedrooms and is surrounded by countless hiking and biking trails.
The diverse events here are always entertaining, ranging from karaoke to live music – ideal for a vibrant evening after a day filled with adventure.
