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Betws-y-Coed Accommodation
14th Century St Michael's Church
The Ugly House (Ty Hyll) - not really so ugly, just kinda funny looking!
The ever popular Swallow Falls
Rocky rivers and waterfalls are a feature of the Betws-y-Coed area
The Motor Museum in the main car park
A convoy of old minis leaving the Motor Museum
The Conwy Valley Railway Museum - activities for the childrenBetws y Coed Tourist Attractions - The Ugly House, Swallow Falls, Fairy Glen
There are several attractions in and around Betws-y-Coed. In the centre of the town is the picturesque Pont y Pair bridge that you can't help but stop at and look at the falls here. They're not the most spectacular, but are easily accessible and there are seating areas and car parks nearby. Also in the town is the impressive 14th century St Michael's Church overlooking the main road through the town.
The main car and coach park for the town has a parade of shops, the train station and the combined Tourist Information Office and National Park Information Centre is on the opposite side of the car park.
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The Ugly House and Swallow Falls
As you head west on the A5 from Betws-y-Coed there are the popular attractions The Ugly House and Swallow Falls.
The Ugly House (Ty Hyll) was rescued from dereliction and is now maintained by the Snowdonia Society. It is the eye-catching house on the corner of the A5 as you head towards Capel Curig. It is actually far from ugly and although its origin is still a mystery, legend has it that it was built as a "Ty Un Nos" or a house built overnight in the 15th century by two outlaw brothers. The motive appears to be that ancient law stated that if a house could be built from sunrise to sunset with walls, a roof and chimney those who built it could claim the freehold. It is apparently built with no mortar! You can visit the house and find out more about its history. It is open seven days a week, from Easter to October. Opening hours are from 9.30am until 5pm. There is a small entry fee for adults although accompanied children, and members of the Snowdonia Society, are free.
Just a little further along the same road is a large layby next to Swallow Falls - apparently one of the region's most visited sites. This is a rocky section of frothing waterfalls on the River Llugwy that is picturesque but no more spectacular than many such falls all over Snowdonia. Access is by a turnstile gate where you have to pay an entrance fee to view the falls from viewing platforms along the way.
More Waterfalls, Fairy Glen
Getting out and around Betws y Coed reveals some lovely walks along the River Conwy, with picturesque gorges and waterfalls. The final gorge section of the River Conwy a few miles above Betws is a fantastic sight. The river here plunges fifty feet over the Conwy Falls into a deep pool. Access is via a turnstile gate where you pay your entrance fee (around here nothing in life is free!) by the Conwy Falls Cafe.
Carrying on alongside some of the toughest white water for kayaking, the river drops down a Victorian fish ladder into Fairy Glen. This is a secluded and photogenic gorge that has often been captured on canvas and celluloid. It is a protected wildlife site and is particularly rich in ferns and lichens, some of which are very rare these days. Some exciting flowering plants occur here like globeflower and early purple orchid and there is a variety of breeding birds associated with the river and woods including dipper, pied flycatcher, redstart, wood warbler and buzzard. Otters have also been seen here. Fairy Glen is not far from Beaver Bridge on the outskirts of Betws y Coed.
Motor and Railway Museums
The Motor Museum, in the main car and coach park in the centre of town, originates from a private collection of the Houghton family. It contains vintage and rare cars, motorbikes and motoring memorabilia that tends to change from time to time but include a 1934 Bugatti Straight 8 and a Model T Ford. Entrance is from the main car and coach Park. Coach parties, car clubs, school trips are welcomed at special rates. Open Easter to October daily 10am to 6pm.
Once again in the Welsh railway tradition, Betws has the small Conwy Valley Railway Museum & Shop. This contains steam train memorabilia, engines and a model of a Welsh slate quarry. Children can take a short ride on a miniature train. You can then have your lunch on an old railway carriage at the Buffet Coach Cafe Restaurant on the other side of the working railway track. The Railway Museum is open Easter to October daily 10.15 am to 5 pm, November to Easter 10.15 am to 5 pm.
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