The Gateway to Snowdonia Village: A Self-Guided Walking Tour

Betws-y-Coed is Britain’s first artists’ colony, nestled at the entrance to Snowdonia National Park. On this self-guided walking tour, you’ll stroll down this village’s charming streets, riverside paths, and historic bridges to find out how this woodland paradise inspired generations of landscape painters. The tour starts at the historic Betws-y-Coed Railway Station. As you explore this picturesque settlement – meaning “prayer house in the woods“ – you’ll find out how painter David Cox established Britain’s first art colony here in 1844, forever changing the Welsh village’s fortunes. Other landscape artists, unable to travel to Europe during the Napoleonic Wars, soon discovered its dramatic beauty and, as railways brought Victorian tourists, the once-peaceful artist haven evolved into the gateway to Snowdonia we know today.

1. 1

   Conwy Valley Railway Museum & Model Shop

   Pass by

   We'll pass by the Conwy Valley Railway Museum, with its rich history. However, entry to the Museum itself is not included in this tour.

2. 2

   St. Michael's Old Church

   5 min

   We'll pass by the beautiful historic St Michael's Old Church.

3. 3

   Stop 3

   Pass by

   We'll also pass by the The Courthouse, adding to the historic charm of the neighbourhood. However, entry to is not included in this tour.

4. 4

   Stop 4

   Pass by

   We'll also pass by the Artworks 2 Celf, a quirky local arts shop. However, entry to the shop itself is not included in this tour.

5. 5

   Stop 5

   Pass by

   Passing by the Saint Mary’s Church, you'll witness another architectural gem of the village. Please note that entry to the church is not included in this tour.

6. 6

   Stop 6

   Pass by

   We'll also pass by the Royal Oak Hotel, with its storied past. However, entry to the hotel itself is not included in this tour.

7. 7

   Stop 7

   Pass by

   We'll also pass by Anna Davies (Betws-y-Coed) Ltd, a lovely local institution. However, entry to the shop itself is not included in this tour.

8. 8

   Stop 8

   Pass by

   We'll also pass over the Pont-y-Pair Bridge, a beautiful historic bridge.

9. 9

   Stop 9

   Pass by

   We'll also pass by the Betws-y-Coed Memorial Hall, with its unique stone architecture. However, entry is not included in this tour.

10. 10

    Stop 10

    5 min

    We'll end the tour at the Betws y Coed Tourist Information Centre. However, entry to the Centre itself is not included in this tour.

• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• The total tour time includes walking the route and passing by the attractions

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.