Betws-y-Coed — meaning "prayer house in the forest" in Welsh, the gateway village of Snowdonia National Park. At the confluence of three rivers (Conwy, Llugwy and Lledr), with thundering waterfalls, ancient stone bridges spanning the waters, and verdant forests, 19th-century Romantic painters flocked here to paint, calling it "the Switzerland of Wales." From the village, you can walk to Wales' highest waterfall Swallow Falls, the deep-blue Fairy Glen, the labyrinthine Gwydir Forest and the miniature steam railway — a shared paradise for hikers, painters, train enthusiasts and nature lovers.
From the thundering roar of Swallow Falls to the serene mystery of Fairy Glen, from the lush green trails of Gwydir Forest to the miniature steam railway at Conwy Valley Railway Museum — in the "heart of the Welsh forest," rediscover the purest greenery and tranquillity
Start from the village centre in the early morning and head west along the A5 road for 1.5 miles to reach Wales' most famous waterfall — Swallow Falls. The River Llugwy cascades over layered volcanic rock, thundering like a stampede when water levels are high, with spray spreading tens of metres. On the way back, drop by Ty Hyll (The Ugly House) — a mysterious stone cottage built from massive boulders, now home to the Snowdonia Society, where the Honey Pot Tearoom serves unforgettable Welsh cakes and local honey. In the afternoon, venture deep into Gwydir Forest Park, following the Llyn Elsi trail up to a serene alpine lake — a 2-3 hour round trip accompanied by the sound of pine trees and ferns covering the rocks. Later, visit the Conwy Valley Railway Museum right next to the train station, ride the 7.25-inch gauge miniature steam train around the landscaped garden (about 8 minutes), and explore the 1910 Pullman carriage and intricate model railway dioramas. In the evening, walk to the southern end of the village to Fairy Glen (Ffos Noddyn), where the River Conwy is squeezed into a narrow gorge — moss-covered rocks, deep blue pools, a place where legends say fairies dwell. On the way back, cross the Pont-y-Pair five-arched stone bridge — a Grade II* listed building constructed around 1468, with rapids rushing through the arches, the most iconic postcard scene of Betws-y-Coed.
A Welsh cake specialist shop on Station Road, founded in 2013 by two friends Jennie and Jo. BBC Wales weather presenter Derek Brockway is a devoted fan (visiting three times in one weekend). All cakes are freshly baked on a traditional iron griddle, with flavours ranging from classic cinnamon, chocolate, cherry almond to Welsh Rarebit cheese flavour — selling up to 1,600 cakes per day in peak season. Paired with Illy coffee or a cup of traditional Welsh tea, they provide the perfect energy boost before or after a hike. Featured on BBC Radio Wales' Jamie and Louise show. Budget £4-8 per person.
Located inside the mysterious stone cottage Ty Hyll ("The Ugly House") off the A5 road, run by the Snowdonia Society with volunteers tending the bee-friendly garden and surrounding woodlands. The tearoom's signature items are "secret recipe" Welsh Rarebit toast, homemade quiche, Scotch eggs and daily-changing seasonal soups. The dessert counter always features Victoria sponge cake, coffee walnut cake, gluten-free chocolate orange cake, plus the signature Bara Brith and griddle Welsh cakes. The garden and woodland are open year-round; the tearoom closes annually from November to March. Budget £6-12 per person.
The grill restaurant inside Betws-y-Coed's oldest hotel (originating in the 17th century), championing modern Welsh cooking philosophy — local seasonal ingredients combined with innovative techniques. The signature dish is Dry Aged Steak cooked in a Josper charcoal oven, with a rich buttery and nutty aroma. The menu also features seasonal creations using Conwy River salmon, Welsh lamb and local vegetables. The restaurant has a warming fireplace and low wooden beams, full of the rustic charm of a North Welsh country inn. Budget £20-35 per person.
An award-winning restaurant located within the Craig-Y-Dderwen Riverside Hotel on the banks of the River Conwy, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering views of the babbling river and forested hillside. The menu centres on Welsh local ingredients — Conwy River trout, Snowdonia lamb, Anglesey sea salt — with refined yet unpretentious cooking. Recommended starters include Conwy smoked trout, mains feature slow-cooked Welsh lamb shoulder with root vegetables, and desserts offer a Welsh cheese platter with homemade oat biscuits. The Sunday Roast is also highly praised. Budget £18-30 per person.