Things to do near Betws-y-Coed
There are many excellent Snowdonia attractions for visitors to explore whilst
staying in Betws-y-Coed. The Peak of Mount Snowdon (there is a train!), Castles
galore and wonderful Steam Railways are just a few of the attractions that are within a short distance from Betws-y-Coed.
If you are looking for something active, then you may wish to hop on a bike
and tour one of the many Mountain Bike Trails such as the nearby Marin, Penmachno or Coed-y-Brenin Trails. Bring your own equipment or hire
a bike from the nearby specialist Betws-y-Coed bike hire shop or one of the Outdoor
shops.
Alternatively, take a hike in the mountains or perhaps take a riverside or forest
walk in Betws-y-Coed itself. Betws-y-Coed has beautiful walks to places like Swallow Falls, Lake Elsi and Fairy Glen. With most walks starting from the centre of Betws-y-Coed, there
is no need to drive anywhere before setting off.
Below is a summary of just some of the things to do in Snowdonia whilst you stay in Betws-y-Coed.
Each attraction is followed by the distance from Pont-y-Pair (Bridge of the Foaming Cauldron - circa 1468) bridge in Betws-y-Coed,
the general direction and the approximate driving time to the venue:
Railways of Snowdonia and North Wales
- Conwy Valley
Railway, Betws-y-Coed (1 mile N - 5 minutes)
The Conwy Valley line is part of the National Rail Network and provides the connecting
service to Betws-y-Coed from the North Wales Coast Line at Llandudno Junction.
- Snowdon
Mountain Railway, Llanberis (15 miles W - 30 minutes)
Visit the peak of Mount Snowdon, the highest Mountain in England and Wales. Travel
on the unique railway that has been operating for well over 100 years.
- Welsh Highland Railway,
Caernarfon (28 miles W - 45 minutes)
Snowdonia's newest railway operates on 25 miles of track between Caernarfon and
Porthmadog via Rhyd Ddu, a village on the slopes of Snowdon.
- Ffestiniog
Railway, Blaenau Ffestiniog (12 miles SW - 20 minutes)
A historic 13.5 mile train ride from the slate-quarrying town of Blaenau Ffestiniog
to the harbour of Porthmadog. Travel through tranquil pastures and magnificent forests,
past lakes and waterfalls, clinging to the side of the mountain and even through
it.
- Bala
Lake Railway, Bala (34 miles SE - 50 minutes)
A delightful 9-mile return journey alongside Bala Lake (Llyn Tegid), through the
beautiful and natural Snowdonia National Park.
- Llanberis
Lake Railway, Llanberis (15 miles W - 30 minutes)
Starting from Llanberis at the foot of Mount Snowdon you can take a delightfully
relaxed steam train ride along the shores of Padarn Lake, the largest of the two
lakes in Llanberis. The complete 60 minute journey takes offers magnificent views
of Snowdon and the surrounding high peaks that are not accessible by road.
- Talyllyn Railway,
Tywyn (50 miles S - 1 hour 20 minutes)
This is actually Mid Wales rather than North Wales, however the journey from Betws-y-Coed
to Tywyn is through some beautiful scenery and can be combined visits to other attractions
on the way such as Harlech Castle. The narrow-gauge steam train itself runs from
Tywyn to Abergynolwyn and Nant Gwernol passing the delightful passes the delightful
Dolgoch Falls.
- The Cambrian
Railway (50 miles S - 1 hour 5 minutes)
Again this train journey start in Mid Wales, running from the small Welsh market
town of Machynlleth and Porthmadog every day, Monday to Friday and on to Pwllheli
on a Wednesday and Friday only.
Castles of Snowdonia and North Wales
Museums & Mines of Snowdonia and North Wales
Snowdonia Activities
- Gwydyr
Stables Riding & Trekking Stables (5 miles S - 15 minutes)
Enjoy breathtaking views of the Snowdonia National Park on Horseback. Gwydir Stables
(formerly Ty Coch) cater for individuals as well as groups and for any level of
Rider, including those who have never been on horseback before.
- Tree Top Adventures,
Betws-y-Coed (5 miles NW - 10 minutes)
A great experience and something special to remember! Travelling from Tree to Tree
at 50 feet above Ground Level, this really should get your adrenalin going. This
is one of the most popular Betws-y-Coed outdoor activities whether travelling alone,
as a couple or with the whole family. Please check safety restrictions before making
your booking. Advance booking recommended.
- Quad
Biking & Rally Karting, Corwen (15 miles E - 25 minutes)
- Ropes &
Ladders, Llanberis (15 miles W - 30 minutes)
- Walking Betws-y-Coed
Other Snowdonia Attractions
- Gwydir Castle
(5 miles N - 10 minutes)
One of the finest Tudor houses in Wales is situated by the nearby town of Llanrwst
and on the same road as Bryn Afon Guest House. Gwydir Castle is a stunning 16th
Century property with a wealth of history having been the ancestral home of the
powerful Wynn baronets, descended from the Kings and Princes of Gwynedd and one
of the most significant families in Wales during the Tudor and Stuart periods.
- Bodnant
Garden, Tal y Cafn (15 miles N - 20 minutes)
Like gardens? Love Bodnant! 80 Acres of some of the most beautiful gardens in the
United Kingdom. The gardens consist of the Upper Gardens surrounding Bodnant Hall
and the lower gardens otherwise known as the ‘Dell'. Terraced Gardens, informal
lawns shaded by trees and wild gardens offer an interesting mix of beautiful plants
from all over the world. Both Amateur and Professional gardeners will enjoy a tour
around the stunning Bodnant Garden. Members of the National Trust and fellows of
the Royal Horticultural Society are admitted free on presentation of a valid membership
card.
-
Electric Mountain / Dinorwig (15 miles W - 30 minutes)
Take an hour long tour of Dinorwig Power Station and experience the awe of Electric
Mountain. This imaginative engineering and environmental project is home to the
largest man-made cavern in Europe, housing six powerful generating units and miles
of underground tunnels. Always a popular choice so you may wish to book ahead. Top
Tip – Being an indoor experience in North Wales, this is something to do in Snowdonia
when it’s raining! So book ahead and arrive early, especially if wet weather is
likely!
- Trefriw Woollen
Mills, Trefriw (7 miles N - 15 minutes)
The Carding engines, spinning mules, doubling machine, warping mill and Dobcross
looms used to process fleece to fabirc are all on display at this free exhibition
of old and new machinery. Demonstrations of Hand Spinning take place in the summer
and you may even get the opportunity to try weaving yourself on small hand looms.
It's free so if the machinery, history and processes don't do it for you then check
out the final products in the well-stocked shop.
- Portmeirion
Village (20 miles SW - 40 minutes)
- Plas Mawr Elizabethan Town House, Conwy (18 miles N - 25 minutes)
- Lloyd George Museum, Llanystumdwy (30 miles SW - 50 minutes)
- Gwynedd Museum, Bangor (20 miles NW - 40 minutes)
- Inigo Slate
Works, Y Groeslon, nr Caernarfon (30 miles W - 50 minutes)
- King
Arthur's Labyrinth, Machynlleth (45 miles S - 1 hour)
- Parc Glynllifon, Caernarfon (30 miles W - 50 minutes)
-
Aberconwy House (Oldest Town House), Conwy (20 miles N - 25 minutes)
- Ewe-phoria Sheepdog Centre, Corwen (15 miles E - 25 minutes)