Local Guide of Betws-y-Coed/North Wales
Whether you are home, planning your trip or are already in North Wales and trying to find out how best to structure your holiday; here at Fairhaven Stay we want to make your travels as easy as possible. This is why we have created this page to share with you the best of North Wales activities, shops and tourist attractions. We have tried to give the most inclusive guide for all tastes and ways of life so that no customer is left unsatisfied. Hope this helps!
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Nestled within the breathtaking scenery of Snowdonia National Park, Betws-y-Coed is a picturesque village with a history as captivating as its surroundings. Its name, meaning “Prayer House in the Woods” in Welsh, hints at its origins as a monastic settlement. The village grew around a 6th-century religious site, later formalized with the establishment of St. Michael’s Church in the 14th century, which remains one of the oldest surviving structures in the area. For centuries, Betws-y-Coed was a remote hamlet known primarily for its spiritual significance and the surrounding natural beauty.
The advent of the railway in the mid-19th century transformed Betws-y-Coed into a bustling tourist destination. In 1868, the arrival of the Conwy Valley Line connected the village to major cities, drawing Victorian travelers seeking respite in its serene landscapes. This era also saw the construction of iconic bridges, inns, and the now-famous Swallow Falls as a tourist attraction. Today, Betws-y-Coed retains its charm as a hub for outdoor enthusiasts and culture seekers, blending its rich heritage with modern amenities. Visitors can still see echoes of its past in the historic buildings, traditional crafts, and the enduring connection to the dramatic beauty of Snowdonia.
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Shops:
Londis & Post office -a family-run convenience store for your everyday groceries. Their best facilities include cash withdrawal and mail postage at the post office, hot food in the morning and other day to day essentials (Post cards also available).
Anna Davies - shop offering clothing, footwear and homewares
Alpkit - mountaineering and climbing gear
Judges - Mother and son run store selling all local souvenirs, toys and accessories.
Beics Betws - Providing electric and mountain bikes for hire
Restaurants:
Abbasi’s - Authentic Indian restaurant made from locally sourced ingredients (10% discount on meals during your stay with us)
Caffi Siabod - only 4.9 miles away in Capel Curig, it has everything you may want and need for breakfast and lunch (10% discount on meals during your stay with us)
Y Stablau - Outdoor/ indoor pub food and bar
Hangin’ Pizzeria - Handmade wood fired pizza
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Walks and treks:
Snowdon - With 6 main hiking routes to the summit the hike takes between 6-8 hours. Each trek is of different length and difficulty.
Staying in the summer month? Sherpa’r Wyddfa is a great way to travel around Eryri. This bus service organised by the local Conwy Council is designed to stop at various locations close to amazing walks including Snowdon! Click here for their website and here for their bus timetables
Llyn Elsi - Starting from behind St Mary’s Church. The trail is a total 4.2 mile round walk.
Swallow Falls - Area of outstanding Natural Beauty where the river Llugwy flows through a narrow chasm creating a spectacular waterfall
Fitness:
Betws-Y-Coed Golf Club - Beautiful 9-hole course based in the heart of Betws with a beautiful mountain setting
Marin Trail - Red rated mountain biking trail in the depth of the Gwydir Forest. Trail length is 15.5 miles long.
Stations Fitness - Swimming pool, jacuzzi, steam room, sauna and gym located in the Waterloo Hotel
Activities:
Zip World Fforest - one of four zip world locations in North Wales. It includes thrilling, adrenaline-fueled rides and experiences.
Go below - Underground caving and mine exploration trip in the national park.
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Betws-y-Coed offers several convenient parking options for visitors:
1. Pont- Y- Pair Car Park: Located centrally, this car park has 54 spaces, including 7 for disabled users. Charges range from £1.70 for an hour to £7.20 for 24 hours. It is an ideal spot for accessing local shops and trails.
2. Station Road Car Park: Near Betws-y-Coed railway station, this car park provides 75 spaces, including accessible parking, and is managed by Conwy Council. It’s a good option for those arriving by train or planning to explore nearby attractions.
3. Cae Llan Car Park: Another central option, close to amenities and scenic spots in the village.
Parking availability can vary during peak times, so arriving early is recommended. These car parks are all within walking distance of Fairhaven Stay. Click the names of each spot of view their location and distance from the accommodation.
Click here to view a map of all the locations in the surrounding area.
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All the following institutions are places or worship for Christian’s, Muslims and Jews in the North Wales area:
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*Please click the names of the places you would like further information on. This will display their telephone number, address and directions from us.
