Snowdonia national park is an area of outstanding natural beauty, and thats my personal opinion despite the same line modestly appearing on several road signs on the way in. Betws y Coed lies snuggled at the base of several grand snow capped mountains including Mount Snowdon itself, and needless to say the views on a clear day are breathtaking.
Betws y Coed is very easy to get to, although the main access point is via the A55 which trails along the North Wales coast. It’s quite aptly named really, with it quite literally being an ‘Ass’ unless you pick your time of travel wisely. My tip for this run is to travel early, don’t wait for some nice weather and then travel. Also, avoid peak times during bank holidays as the roads simply can’t handle it.
Betws-y-Coed railway station and the attached row of shops, ice cream parlours and cafe serve as the main gathering point for the crowds at peak times. Opposite is a large green with picnic tables, as Theo demonstrates in this laid back pic, aswell as some adequate public toilets. The station itself encloses a miniature steam railway which runs around landscaped gardens, through a small wood, and past some old railway carriages which have been turned into a restaurant, a home, and even an impressively large model railway exhibit. Kids will love the novelty of travelling in the carriages behind the miniature steam train, although it has broad appeal for young and old alike.
Our main problem was finding a a quiet spot to change our little ones nappy, and having to resort to a bench in the grave yard surrounding St. Michael’s church was an interesting experience.
I don’t know why I always come across crazy people on my day trips, and this trip was no different. Upon exiting the station I saw a man being ‘attacked’ by a single bee, and although in the middle of an area crowded with young children and elderly people sat enjoying tea and scones, he proceeded to fight back by swinging his carrier bag around his head. His family stood back in disbelief whilst the pottery souvenirs contained within promptly ripped through the bag and smashed to bits several feet away, thankfully without injuring anyone. You couldn’t make it up, he was in fact so embarrased he just dumped whatever was left in the bag and scurried away!
Anyway, back to the facts. If you get yourself back on the main road, you can reach the famous Swallow Falls in just a few minutes. This is one of Wales largest waterfalls and although paid entry is required, the money has gone towards landscaping the area with a series of steps and overhanging vantage points offering beautiful up close views of the waterfall. Well worth a quick detour, and certainly one of the trips highlights for me. The main pic at the top of this post shows me posing in front of the waterfall 
If I was to return I’d try and fit in a walk through the mountains. It had been on our agenda but we ran out of time due to not researching it properly before we went. I’ve since found out the area is filled with some fantastic trails for all abilities though so don’t let that put you off. The locals are very friendly so you can always ask.