BETWS-Y-COED is North Wales' most popular inland resort. It enjoys a superlative setting surrounded by dense woodland and magnificent mountain country. At Betws-y-Coed the River Conwy meets its three tributaries flowing from the west, the Llugwy, the Lledr and the Machno, and the beauty of the area is enhanced by cascading waterfalls, river pools and ancient bridges.
The Snowdonia National Park Visitor Centre is at the Old Stables opposite the Royal Oak Hotel. There you can get maps of interesting walks in the area, and an exhibition, The visitors' centre features displays of old crafts in the summer. Nearby is an interesting motor museum featuring a unique collection of vintage and thoroughbred cars. At the railway station is the Conwy Valley Railway Museum with exhibits There is also a miniature railway for children to ride on and a shop and buffet coach restaurant. The 14th century church of St Michael's is one of the oldest in Wales and has much of interest - look out for performances by Welsh choirs on Sundays in St Mary's Church. Of exceptional interest are the many bridges in the area. Pont-y-Pair (the bridge of the cauldron), built in 1468, is buffeted by foaming water after heavy rain. A number of signposted walks in the surrounding countryside start near this bridge. A few miles away is the Miner's Bridge, on the road to Capel Curig, where the miners crossed the river on a steep ladder to their work A mile further on are the famous Swallow Falls, where the Llugwy river hurls itself into a spectacular chasm. Thomas Telford's iron Waterloo Bridge, which carries the A5 across the River Conwy, bears the cast iron inscription "This arch was constructed in the same year the battle of Waterloo was fought".