Not sure where to start? These ready-made plans show how to get the most from Betws-y-Coed, whether you have a day, a weekend or just need something to do when the rain sets in.
Explore the Betws-y-Coed guide: Home | Things to Do | Waterfalls | Walks | Adventure | Snowdon from Betws | Where to Stay | Eat and Drink | Getting Here | Itineraries
The perfect day in Betws-y-Coed
- 9.30am: coffee and a pastry in the village, then call at the Eryri National Park Information Centre for maps.
- 10am: walk the Afon Llugwy riverside path from Pont-y-Pair to the Miners’ Bridge.
- 11.30am: carry on to Swallow Falls (£2 entry).
- 1pm: lunch at the Swallow Falls Inn or the Tŷ Hyll tearoom.
- 2.30pm: back in the village, see Waterloo Bridge and St Michael’s Church.
- 4pm: drive or walk to Conwy Falls for the view and a cuppa.
- 7pm: dinner and a pint of local ale at the Royal Oak or the Pont-y-Pair Inn.
A weekend break
Day one: forest and lakes
Climb to Llyn Elsi in the morning for the best view in the area, then spend the afternoon at the waterfalls. In the evening, eat at one of the village’s historic hotels.
Day two: castles and valleys
Head north to Gwydir Castle and the market town of Llanrwst, then on to Trefriw Woollen Mills and the lakes of Llyn Crafnant and Llyn Geirionydd. Or go south to Dolwyddelan Castle, Tŷ Mawr Wybrnant and Machno Falls. If you have the energy, take the S1 bus to Pen-y-Pass for a day on Yr Wyddfa instead. See Snowdon from Betws-y-Coed.
A family day out
- Morning at Zip World Betws-y-Coed: the Fforest Coaster and the Treetop Nets are big favourites (book ahead).
- Picnic by the river on the Coed Tan Dinas boardwalk trail.
- Watch the rapids at Pont-y-Pair and spot the trains at the Conwy Valley Railway Museum (check opening days).
- Ice cream in the village and an early tea.
A rainy day
- See the waterfalls at their most dramatic. Swallow Falls and Conwy Falls are both short walks from parking.
- Watch the looms at Trefriw Woollen Mills.
- Tea and the honeybee exhibition at Tŷ Hyll.
- Explore Gwydir Castle’s Tudor rooms.
- Browse the village’s outdoor shops and galleries.
- Head to the coast for Conwy Castle or Llandudno, both well under an hour away.
A car-free visit
Take the Conwy Valley line from Llandudno Junction to Betws-y-Coed. Walk the waymarked trails and waterfalls from the village, take the S1 bus to Pen-y-Pass for Snowdon or to Capel Curig for the lakes, and the T10 west to the Ogwen Valley. Use the 1bws day ticket for unlimited bus travel. See Getting Here.
Seasonal highlights
- Spring: bluebells in the woods and the Laburnum Arch at Bodnant Garden in late May.
- Summer: long evenings, monthly artisan markets at Y Stablau and the high peaks at their most accessible.
- Autumn: forest colour, roaring waterfalls and the Cambrian Rally in October.
- Winter: quiet trails, cosy pubs with open fires and the village pantomime in December.
Guide updated October 2026. Prices and opening times change, so please check with each venue before you travel.