This is the official web-site for the Betws-y-Coed & District Tourism Association providing accommodation in the Betws-y-Coed area of Snowdonia.
Where Conwy dreams in secret nook.
by Dave Newbould
The Betws-y-Coed area of North Wales has some of the best mountain biking trails in the UK!
Snowdonia is quickly becoming known as an area ideally situated and resourced for mountain biking.
A unique golfing experience in snowdonia!
North Wales offers you a world of golfing opportunities. With easy access via the A55 Expressway which links to the main UK motorways and airports, you'll be surprised at just how quickly you could be playing on some of Europe's most fabulous courses. Take your pick from our great mix of 28 challenging courses.
SWALLOW FALLS (RHAEADR EWYNNOL)
If you are tired by life, come to the Betws-y-Coed, you will be breathless just standing still
Betws-y-Coed was founded around a monastery in the late sixth century, and grew very slowly with the development of the local lead mining industry. In 1815, the Waterloo Bridge built by Thomas Telford to carry A5 road across the River Conwy and through the village brought considerable transport-related development. The village became a major coaching centre between Corwen (to the east) and Capel Curig (to the west) on the Irish Mail route from London to Holyhead, which led to the improvement of the roads south to Blaenau Ffestiniog and north to Llanrwst and Conwy.
A three day walk around the base of Snowdon
There is presently no formal route around the highest mountain in Wales and England, but the route does exist on the ground.
A two or three day walk around the most famous mountain in the United Kingdom passing through three very different but equally beautiful valleys. Wonderful views, great walking and a wealth of history and lore all make for probably the biggest 'missed opportunity' in the Welsh tourism product.
THE ROYAL CAMBRIAN ACADEMY
In the second half of the 19th Century, North Wales was home to the first Artists' colony in Britain. It emerged from the summer sojourns of the artist David Cox at Betws y Coed between 1844 and 1856 and by 1881, the Conwy Valley was famous as both a home and resort for a large number of artists.
Born out of a need for association with other artists,a desire for the cross-fertilisation of ideas and a gallery in which to display their work, a group of local artists met to consider the idea of " A Cambrian Academy of Art ".
By January 1882, the thirtyone founding members had been accepted and three months later, thanks to the influence of Mr Gladstone who obtained the patronage of Queen Victoria, "The Royal Cambrian Academy of Art " was born.
Mountain Biking in the Gwydyr Forest Betws-y-Coed
Gwydyr Forest is right on the doorstep of Betws-y- Coed, the undisputed outdoor capital of North Wales. Situated in the heart of the breathtaking scenery of the Snowdonia national park yet less than an hour from English motorways.
Attractions of North Wales and Snowdonia
North Wales is small. But our list of attractions is big. You can visit the locals at Conwy RSPB Nature Reserve, or the not-so-locals at Pili Palas.
Betws y Coed Snowdonia North Wales