Betws-y-Coed in the  Snowdonia National Park

 Your   betws-y-coed guide

If travelling into Wales along the famous A5 highway, your first view of Betws-y-Coed is from the impressive Waterloo Bridge. The bridge was built in 1815, the same year the famous battle of Waterloo was fought. It spans the lovely River Conwy and is the main entrance and exit route to and from the village.

Many of the wonderful hotels and guest houses in betws-y-coed were built during the Victorian era, and their remarkable architecture reflects this. The buildings are marvelous big, strong buildings, filled with character and style.

It's no wonder people flock to betws-y-coed village on weekends! Plus, there's a multitude of leisure activities in the village for visitors to revel in.

For starters, an abundance of climbing and outdoor shops ensure that walkers and climbers are well catered to.

Then there's the station area, a bustling, busy spot with a parade of shops (be sure to visit the Candle Shop where all sorts of candles are made on-site!). There's also a delightful array of craft shops filled with more fabulous items than you could possibly imagine. You'll also find the main entrance to the mainline station, British Rail, and the Sherpa Buses stop in the station area.

And in the centre of the village is St. Mary's Church, which boasts a brand new car park. Stop by on a summer's Sunday evening and listen to delightful concerts provided by local Welsh choirs. And you don't want to miss the magnificent, large (though not as large as California's!) Redwood trees in the church yard.

Next, thanks to the bird's eye view from the Pont y Pair Bridge, you can watch salmon leaping in the swift white water to get upstream. Then you might enjoy taking a leisurely river-side walk through the forest. Ah, could things get any better?

Maybe, because further up the main road, the A5, (after you pass more camping sites and bed and breakfast guest houses), you discover the very famous Swallow Falls. The falls are just off to the right of the hotel. There is a small admission charge, but you can be certain, it's money well spent!

Plus, a bit further along on your right-hand side is "Ty Hyll" the "Ugly House." It was built in 1475 and is now home to the Snowdonia Society. You definitely want it on your must-see list!

Interested in a visit? The Tourism Office provides accommodation information for the area, as well as an excellent short film about Snowdonia, which includes helicopter shots of the mountains. (There is no charge to see the film.)

Whatever your travel plans, you really want to include Betws-y-Coed, this lively, little village. Just be aware, you'll find so many fun, interesting things to see and do, you won't want to leave !

->bed and breakfast accommodation