Betws-y-Coed
Conwy LL24
The Victorian village of Betws-y-Coed is a breath of fresh air in more ways than one. Aside from the fact that the air is literally fresh as can be here, it has a certain Alpine charm that you don't often get this side of Europe, with dramatic mountainous backdrops, outdoor sports shops and the added plus of cosy "throw another log on the fire" style pubs. Set in the Snowdonia National Park, the village is popularly appreciated as base camp for all sorts of outdoor activities, including the mighty Snowdon ascent itself. If you do have time to explore Betws, make sure you check out the famous Swallow Falls, which can be accessed easily off the main street and cost a quid to get in. There's also the Conwy Falls, just off the road towards Pentrefoelas, and Thomas Telford's iron Waterloo Bridge – built in 1815, it famously bears the cast iron inscription 'This arch was constructed in the same year the battle of Waterloo was fought". You can't miss it, as the bridge now forms part of the A5.
