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

45 minutes to 1 hour (approximately)
Offered in: English and 1 more

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.

What's Included

Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it
Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
App for Android and iOS
Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour
Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start
Smartphone and headphones
Personal expenses for attractions not included during the tour
Food and drink
Transportation

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

This tour starts at the railway station, Station Rd, Betws-y-Coed LL24 0AE, United Kingdom. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.

End point

Itinerary

Duration: 45 minutes to 1 hour (approximately)
  • (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.

    Admission ticket free
  • 1
    St. Michael's Old Church

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

    5 minutes Admission ticket free
  • (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.

    Admission ticket free
  • (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.

    Admission ticket free
  • (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.

    Admission ticket free
  • (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.

    Admission ticket free
  • (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.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

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

    Admission ticket free
  • (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.

    Admission ticket free
  • 2

    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.

    5 minutes Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • 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
Supplied by VoiceMap Audio Tours

Tags

Private Sightseeing Tours
Audio Guides
Cultural Tours
Historical Tours
Walking Tours
New Product
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

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

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