Welcome to Snowdonia
Follow our drive Conwy – Llandudno – Betws-y-Coed
Leaving South West Wales of Aberswywth, we drove approximately two hours towards North Wales, where we visited a historic medieval walled town called Conwy, close to the popular seaside resort of Llandudno.
Conwy and Betws-y-Coed make an excellent gateway for exploring Snowdonia National Park, the stunning Welsh coast and is considered the most scenic area of Great Britain.
Explore Snowdonia National Park
Snowdonia National Park is one of the oldest parks in Wales, with almost 1000 square miles of unspoilt beauty. You can take a mountain railway to the top to reach Mount Snowdon for its incredible views. And if you have time and feel adventurous, head over to Cader Idris and go Ziplining at one of the world’s fastest lines.
Places of Interest
Conwy Castle
The 13th-century Conwy Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the main attractions in Conwy. There are many rooms inside the castle to explore, and if you climb a steep, winding staircase to the top, you can admire breathtaking views of the mountains of Snowdonia and River Conwy.
Conwy Quay
Conwy Quay is perfect for strolling and enjoying the fresh coastal air with its beautiful panoramic views of the estuary and castle. Alternatively, you could take a boat ride or enjoy the delicious Conwy mussels only found at the Conwy Quay.
The Smallest House in Great Britain
While at the Quay, take a stroll to the end, where you will see a row of cottages and a tiny red house claimed as ‘The smallest house in Great Britain’. It is six feet wide and ten feet tall, once home to a fisherman who was 6’3″ tall.
There is a lady dressed in a Welsh dress allowing you access into the house for £1.50. You can go inside the property to take a look. There is a small ladder that you can climb up to see the bedroom. All the furnishings are still intact, dating back to the 1900 and make you wonder how such a tall person could have lived in such a small house!
Conwy Town
Conwy Town is one of Britain’s best-preserved medieval towns with well-preserved ancient walls. With its quaint medieval cobbled streets to stroll through and cosy coffee shops accessed by thick stone archways, this has to be the prettiest town you will visit.
Conwy Suspension Bridge
Built by Thomas Telford in 1826, the Conwy Suspension Bridge is one of the earliest road suspension bridges ever built and designed to blend in with the medieval look of the castle. It was once the gateway to Conwy, but currently, the bridge is only open for pedestrians and cyclists.
Llandudno
Llandudno is a coastal seaside town in north Wales. It’s known for North Shore Beach and 19th-century Llandudno Pier, stretching 2,295 feet (700 m) over the sea. Llandudno Pier is the longest in Wales.
Llandudno Pier
Stretching out into the Irish Sea, Llandudno Pier is the longest pier in Wales and a true Victorian classic. With its charming promenade, traditional shops, and seaside views, it captures the nostalgic spirit of a classic British coastal escape.
Take a gentle stroll along the pier, enjoy the fresh sea air, and soak in the panoramic views of Llandudno’s bay and surrounding hills.
The Great Orme Tramway (Welsh: Y Gogarth)
The Great Orme Tramway, opened in 1902, is a unique cable-hauled tramway in Wales, offering a scenic journey from Llandudno to the summit of the Great Orme.
Running from late March to October, the tram climbs steeply past charming cottages and gardens, stopping midway before continuing to the top. From the summit, you’re rewarded with sweeping views across the Irish Sea and the surrounding Welsh landscape.
Betws-y-Coed
Betws-y-Coed is one of the most bustling mountain villages in North Wales, with cafes, a church, pubs, hotels, museums, spectacular waterfalls, forest walks and quaint Victorian houses. The area has a natural Alpine feel because of the surrounding forest, and a stroll down High Street touches your senses of yesteryear.
Swallow Falls (Welsh: Rhaeadr Ewynnol)
Swallow Falls is a 42-metre cascade that sits within the Conwy County Borough, just a few miles from Betws-y-Coed village. Although it’s not the tallest cascade in the country, it’s incredibly dramatic in its wild setting, and there is a lot to see while you’re here!
Fairy Glen (Welsh: Ffos Anoddun)
The Fairy Glen is a hidden gorge along the River Conwy, offering a magical, fairytale-like escape surrounded by nature.
Located near Betws-y-Coed, it’s accessed via a short walk through private land, with a small honesty-box entry fee. Once there, you’ll find peaceful woodland, flowing river views, and a tranquil atmosphere that feels far removed from everyday.
Where to Stay
We stayed at the Hilton Garden Snowdonia, part of the award-winning Adventure Parc Snowdonia known for outdoor pursuits offering over ten different activities ranging from surf sessions to indoor high ropes and skateboarding.
But from countryside manors to luxury retreats, we recommend using Booking.com for accommodation options.
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