A weekend in Betws-y-Coed

A woodland village at the foot of Snowdonia, with waterfalls and a railway

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Updated October 2026

Betws-y-Coed is a small stone village at the meeting of three rivers, surrounded by the forests of the Gwydir and the mountains of Snowdonia. It has long been a base for walkers and artists, and has outdoor shops, cafes and pubs along its main street.

Waterfalls, a historic bridge and woodland trails are all close to the centre, and the Conwy Valley railway links the village with Llandudno.

Best forWalkers, Families, Dog owners, Wet-weather days

Best time to goSpring to autumn for walking. Waterfalls are at their best after rain, and autumn colours are superb.

Typical budget (2 people, 2 nights)£320–£560, excluding travel

Getting thereChester: About 1 hour 30 minutes by car.

Check prices for a weekend in Betws-y-Coed

Plan your weekend in Betws-y-Coed

Top attractions in Betws-y-Coed

Swallow Falls

A famous waterfall on the Afon Llugwy, a short walk or drive from the village.

Pont-y-Pair

A historic stone bridge over the river in the centre of the village.

The Fairy Glen

A small, wooded gorge with a river and a pretty walk.

Gwydir Forest

Forest trails for walking and cycling, with lakes and viewpoints.

The Conwy Valley Railway

A scenic railway line linking the village with Llandudno Junction.

Best things to do in Betws-y-Coed

Guides to the activities most people plan a weekend around.

Snowdon walk

Snowdon, or Yr Wyddfa, is the highest mountain in Wales at 1,085 metres. Allow 5 to 7 hours.

Snowdon Mountain Railway

The Snowdon Mountain Railway is a rack and pinion railway that climbs from Llanberis for nearly five miles toward the summit of Snowdon. Allow about 2.5 hours return.

Tryfan scramble

Tryfan is a dramatic 915-metre mountain in the Glyderau, famous for its jagged rocky profile and the North Ridge, one of the best-known scrambles in Britain. Allow 5 to 6 hours.

More things to do near Betws-y-Coed

Hot tub lodge in Snowdonia Snowdonia
Zip lining in Snowdonia Penrhyn Quarry, Snowdonia

Best areas to stay in Betws-y-Coed

Betws-y-Coed village

Close to cafes, shops and walks from the door.

Capel Curig

A smaller village higher up in the mountains.

Conwy Valley villages

Quiet stays in the valley.

Best hotels in Betws-y-Coed

Prices for a double room in Betws-y-Coed typically fall around £90–£150 a night in this price band. Guesthouses and B&Bs are usually the best value, while boutique hotels and inns with rooms suit a treat. Read recent guest reviews and use the filters on the booking sites for the things that matter to you.

Compare places to stay in Betws-y-Coed

Prices change daily, so check a few sites. For dog-friendly or quiet stays, use the pet and review filters. These are affiliate links.

Best time to visit Betws-y-Coed

Spring to autumn for walking. Waterfalls are at their best after rain, and autumn colours are superb.

Seasons that suit Betws-y-Coed well: spring, summer, autumn.

Estimated budget for a weekend in Betws-y-Coed

Hotel or B&B, per night for two	£90–£150
Food and drink, per day for two	£55–£85
Activities and extras for the weekend	£30–£90
Estimated total, 2 people, 2 nights, excluding travel	£320–£560

Mid-range destination. These are rough 2026 estimates and vary by season and room type. Add the cost of getting there. For a personalised figure, use the BritBreaks finder.

Getting to Betws-y-Coed

From Chester: About 1 hour 30 minutes by car.
From Liverpool: About 1 hour 45 minutes by car.
From Manchester: About 2 hours 15 minutes by car.

Journey times are rough guides. Check live train and road times before you travel.

A sample weekend in Betws-y-Coed

Friday evening: Arrive, settle in and have dinner in Betws-y-Coed village.
Saturday: Start with Swallow Falls, then Pont-y-Pair. In the afternoon, head to The Fairy Glen.
Sunday: Visit Gwydir Forest or The Conwy Valley Railway, then head home.

Packing list for Betws-y-Coed

Handy things people often forget. These are Amazon links, so prices and availability are set by Amazon.

More kit guides: Walking gear Wet-weather gear Dog travel gear

Good to know

The village is busy on summer weekends, so use the main car parks early.
Weather is often wet, so carry waterproofs.
Trains from Llandudno Junction run on the Conwy Valley line.

Betws-y-Coed weekend FAQs

Is Betws-y-Coed a good base for Snowdonia?

Yes. It is central, has lots of walks from the door and good places to eat.

Can I reach Betws-y-Coed by train?

Yes. Trains run from Llandudno Junction along the Conwy Valley, taking about 30 minutes.

More weekend ideas

Snowdonia (Eryri)Gwynedd

Wales's mountain heartland, with Snowdon at its centre

LlandudnoConwy

A grand Victorian seaside resort beneath the Great Orme

HarlechGwynedd

A castle on a cliff above a golden beach and the Snowdonia mountains

BalaGwynedd

A Welsh-speaking lake town with whitewater rafting and a narrow-gauge railway

Explore more: Best weekend breaks from Manchester and the North West · Best weekend breaks from Birmingham and the Midlands · Best weekend breaks in Wales · Best dog-friendly weekend breaks in the UK

Browse popular weekend activities or use the BritBreaks finder to match a weekend to your budget and travel time.

Last reviewed October 2026. Please check opening times and prices with each attraction before you go. Report an error or share a tip.