STEPPING off the train into Betws‑y‑Coed feels like entering a different pace of life — a village where forests, waterfalls and centuries‑old bridges sit just moments apart.
From the thunder of Swallow Falls to the calm of the village green, I discovered why this small Conwy Valley gem leaves such a lasting impression.
It's the perfect place to enjoy nature during the Easter break.
Betws-y-Coed is a small village nestled in the Conwy hills on the border of Eryri, and it's unlike anything I've seen before.
The village has a booming outdoor activities and trekking trade, which became apparent from all the walkers heading into the hills and gorges.
When you arrive in Betws-y-Coed, you are greeted by a beautiful railway station, a stone structure which was originally built to transport dressed slate from the Blaenau Ffestiniog quarries to Deganwy harbour.
The place was already packed, particularly with couples looking for a country walk.
You are welcome to trek or bus the two miles from the station to the famous Swallow Falls, which is the highest continuous waterfall in Wales.
Originally named Rhaeadr Ewynnol, which means “foaming waterfall” in Welsh, entry to the area costs just £2, which goes towards its preservation.
Swallow Falls offers tranquillity and calm, yet the thunderous crashing of the water reminds you of the raw power of nature.
Here, there are walkways which allow you to view the waterfall from all angles, including right by the bed of the waterfall and up high by old, crooked trees.
About equidistant from the waterfall and the village lies the Miners Bridge, a wooden structure used by, you guessed it, miners to cross the River Llugwy on their way to the lead mines nearby.
Here, a small waterfall trickles all day and you can walk up the slippery steps to a vast area of the Gwydir Forest and continue on set hiking trails, including along the river.
Further down towards the centre of the village is Pont-y-Pair, surely the most Instagram-able place in Betws-y-Coed - the bridge was filled with people taking pictures, selfies or simply just resting on the side taking in the breath-taking views.
The famous old bridge dates back to around 1500, and is surrounded by shops, eateries and pubs.
Betws-y-Coed is home to the Conwy Valley Railway Museum, with a shop that features everything a train enthusiast could want - model railway sets, some costing hundreds of pounds, and other railway memorabilia.
The site also has two exhibition halls, each £2 for entry, but these were sadly closed due to work going on at the site - there are, however, some older trains on show at the adjacent station.
At the centre of the village, its popular green brings everything together.
Facing the green is St Mary's Church, a Grade II listed Anglican parish church, designed in the Norman style, built to replace the earlier 14th century St Michael's Old Church.
Its interior is stunning, and includes stained-glass icons dedicated to people from the village and celebrating Christian saints such as Saint Michael the Archangel and Saint Edmund.
A reredos, a large altarpiece or screen, depicts the Passion of Christ, and a baptismal font of black and burgundy marble greets you upon entry.
The village is a hub of independent retail - some chains do feature - and quaint gift shops, pubs, and bed and breakfasts make up a large part of the activity.
For those who have not been, Betws-y-Coed is a hidden gem which may fly under the radar due to its close proximity to Eryri.
The easy going nature of the village, and the beautiful forests, rivers and hills that surround it, make this little paradise well-worth a visit.
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