Top Attractions and Things to Do in Betws-y-Coed

Conwy Valley Railway Museum

Adjacent to the main station, the Conwy Valley Railway Museum is a must for railway-lovers.

Look at the range of rail memorabilia and interactive railway models or take the miniature railway for an 8–10-minute trip around the impressive grounds. The trains are available most days, and if you come in the summer, you might even have a steam engine pulling the train!

With a shop and café on-site, the museum is also dog-friendly (including the train itself).

Find out more about the Conwy Valley Railway Museum.

Zip World Betws-y-Coed

Enjoy a range of thrilling and challenging activities at Zip World Betws-y-Coed!

• Experience the Fforest Coaster – the UK’s first and longest alpine coaster – as you race through stunning Welsh woodland at up to 25mph.
• Conquer zip lines, balance beams, suspended stepping stones and more on the Zip Safari.
• Plummet 100ft through trapdoors before dropping to a freefall.
• Buckle up on the Skyride and prepare to be hoisted 24m in the air on a giant 5-seater swing.
• Bounce to your heart’s content on the Treetop Nets.
• Let the kids loose on the Tree Hoppers mini adventure course or the Tiny Trek.

Find out more about Zip World Betws-y-Coed.

Fairy Glen

Hidden away two miles from the village is the Fairy Glen Gorge in Gwydir Forest.

Mythical spirits are said to live in the narrow ravine and tumbling waters. This magical and picturesque stop on the River Conwy is the perfect place for photos and a rocky scramble.

Swallow & Conwy Falls

One of Wales’ most visited attractions, Swallow Falls is located where the River Llugwy flows through a narrow chasm, creating a spectacular 42m waterfall.

Park right near the entrance and take the steps to the viewpoints or take the 2.5-hour Swallow Falls trail to see the falls from a higher viewpoint which offers a better view.

Conwy Falls is set within a deep gorge along the River Conwy and framed by ancient woodland. Follow the natural pathways into the gorge and experience stunning views of the dramatic 15m waterfall.

Take the public path from the car park down to the waterfalls.

Gwydir Castle

Regarded as one of the finest Tudor houses in Wales, Gwydir Castle is situated in the beautiful Conwy Valley and set within a Grade I listed 10-acre garden.

By 1994, the house and garden had fallen into dereliction. The restoration has taken over 20 years to complete and is still an ongoing work in progress.

Discover the beautiful sites such as the Dutch Garden Terraces and the Solar Tower.

Find out more about Gwydir Castle.

Gwydyr Stables & Trekking Centre

Established in 1973, the Gwydyr Stables at Ty Coch Farm is 4 miles from Betws-y-Coed and offers horse riding, pony trekking, and extended day trail rides.

With over 30 horses ranging in size and ability, there is also en-suite Bed & Breakfast accommodation available in the farmhouse.

Find out more about Gwydyr Stables.

Tŷ Mawr Wybrnant

This traditional 16^th-century farmhouse was the birthplace of Bishop William Morgan, the first translator of the Bible into Welsh.

Now a pet-friendly National Trust property, Wybrnant is a quiet and remote place which holds great significance to the history and culture of Wales. See how the Welsh lived over the centuries and enjoy the views of the surrounding countryside.

An original copy of the 1588 Welsh Bible can be seen in the farmhouse when open. The newly revamped Y Llyfrgell library also includes a reading pod where you can discover hundreds of Bibles in various languages.

Find out more about Tŷ Mawr Wybrnant.

Bodnant Gardens

Known for its array of botanical samples from across the world, this world-famous National Trust property is made up of 80 acres.

With its sweeping Italianate terraces, tranquil meadows and woodlands, riverside pathways, and over 250 years of horticultural heritage, Bodnant Garden offers endless discoveries for visitors.

Bring your four-legged friends along for a peaceful day out.

Find out more about Bodnant Gardens.

GYG Karting

Great for kids, experience Red Bull’s number one kart track and one of the largest tracks in the UK with GYG Karting. Whizz around the outdoor track, choose between the 800m and 1,100m circuit, and test your driving skills!

Find out more about GYG Karting.

Llyn Brenig

Catch the possible glimpse of an osprey and explore over 2,500 acres of forest, moorland, and lakes. Discover the outdoors by cycling, walking, fishing, water sports, and sailing.

Great for kids, and dog-friendly, Llyn Brenig offers stunning scenery, fishing licences, bike hire, and an adventure playground for children.

Enjoy a sauna and cold dip with a spot of afternoon tea for some well-deserved relaxation.

Find out more about Llyn Brenig.

Zip World Penrhyn Quarry

What was previously the world’s largest slate quarry is now the home of the world’s fastest zip line – Velocity. Fly 500m above a lake to speeds of 100mph at Zip World Penrhyn Quarry.

Not good with heights? Try the UK’s only mountain cart track, conquer the 400m overhead track, take the Penrhyn Quarry Tour, or the dual zip line experience.

Find out more about Zip World Penrhyn Quarry.

Sygun Copper Mine

Sygun tells the story of Victorian miners and provides a rare opportunity to explore an abandoned copper mine. There are winding tunnels and large colourful chambers with magnificent stalactite and stalagmite formations.

The perfect experience for a rainy day with the kids or pets.

Find out more about Sygun Copper Mine.

Conwy Castle

This magnificent medieval fortress has towered over the town for over 700 years and is exceptionally well preserved. Built by King Edward I and his architect Master James of St George, the castle and walls were built over the course of four years between 1283 and 1287.

You can walk a complete circuit around the battlements and enjoy panoramic views across the mountains and the River Conwy estuary.

Find out more about Conwy Castle.

Snowdon Mountain Railway

A narrow-gauge rack and mountain railway takes you on a journey of a lifetime to the rooftop of Wales. Mount Snowdon, at 1085m, enjoys stunning scenery and awe-inspiring views.

Start your journey at Llanberis Station before ascending through the clouds to one of the world’s greatest panoramas at Hafod Eryri.

Find out more about Snowdon Mountain Railway.

Welsh Mountain Zoo

One of North Wales’s top attractions, high above Colwyn Bay with panoramic views and breathtaking scenery.

Its beautiful gardens are home to over 140 different species. From snow leopards to alligators, meet a wonderful range of animals set against the beautiful scenery of North Wales.

Find out more about Welsh Mountain Zoo.

Caravan Sites in Betws-y-Coed

Morris Leisure’s Riverside Touring Park is a fantastic caravan touring park located in the heart of the Betws-y-Coed village. The award-winning park, featured on Practical Caravan and Practical Motorhome’s Top 100 Sites Guide 2026, is dog-friendly with free Wi-Fi and a range of high-quality facilities.

Looking for a static holiday home in Betws-y-Coed? Their Riverside Holiday Home Park is surrounded by stunning Snowdonia scenery and enjoys a peaceful riverside setting within walking distance of local amenities.

View Morris Leisure’s holiday homes for sale in Betws-y-Coed.

Attraction Distances from Riverside Touring Park

• Conwy Valley Railway Museum – 0.1 miles
• Zip World Fforest – 0.7 miles
• Fairy Glen – 1.8 miles
• Swallow Falls – 2 miles
• Conwy Falls – 2.1 miles
• Gwydir Castle – 2.7 miles
• Gwydyr Stables & Trekking Centre – 2.9 miles
• Tŷ Mawr Wybrnant – 3.1 miles
• Bodnant Gardens – 9.7 miles
• GYG Karting – 9.8 miles
• Llyn Brenig – 11 miles
• Zip World Penrhyn Quarry – 12.1 miles
• Sygun Copper Mine – 12.8 miles
• Conwy Castle – 12.9 miles
• Snowdon Mountain Railway – 13.4 miles
• Welsh Mountain Zoo – 14 miles