At a glance
Zip World Fforest (LL26 0PN) is in the Gwydir Forest near Betws-y-Coed — the most family-friendly Zip World venue with the Fforest Coaster (1.6km alpine coaster), Treetop Nets and forest zip lines. From ~£25 per activity. Book online at zipworld.co.uk. 2 miles from Betws-y-Coed rail station (Conwy Valley Railway). Advance booking essential in summer.
About Zip World Fforest
Zip World has developed three distinct North Wales adventure venues, each with its own character. Zip World Fforest — set in the Gwydir Forest near Betws-y-Coed — is the most accessible for families, offering activities at a more moderate scale than the extreme experiences at Penrhyn Quarry (Velocity) or underground at Llechwedd (Bounce Below). The forest setting makes it particularly pleasant: the surrounding trees, the dappled light and the woodland atmosphere are part of the experience rather than a backdrop to it.
The Fforest Coaster is the headline attraction — a twin-tracked, gravity-powered alpine coaster on a 1.6 km track that threads between the trees at speed, with riders controlling their pace via a hand brake. It is a gentler introduction to Zip World's world than the Penrhyn zip line but no less enjoyable. The Treetop Nets — a vast network of floating nets suspended between trees — provides a different kind of thrill, combining balance, agility and a significant altitude above the forest floor with a lower terror threshold than zip lining.
The Gwydir Forest setting has its own appeal for those who want to combine the activities with walking. NRW trails run through the forest from the car park area, connecting to Llyn Crafnant and Llyn Geirionydd further up the valley.
Find it on the map
Frequently asked questions
Zip World Fforest offers several activities in the Gwydir Forest near Betws-y-Coed. The Fforest Coaster is a twin-tracked gravity alpine coaster through the forest — a seated toboggan ride on a 1.6km track. Treetop Nets is a giant floating net experience above the forest floor, suitable for families and younger visitors. Forest zip lines are also available. Check the Zip World website for current activities, age requirements and prices as the offer can change seasonally.
Zip World Fforest is generally the most family-friendly of the Zip World North Wales venues. The Fforest Coaster has a minimum age (usually 3 years with an adult, or 7+ independently) and minimum height requirements. Treetop Nets can be used by children from a young age. The forest setting is less intimidating than the quarry and mountain venues. Check the Zip World website for current age, height and weight requirements before booking.
Zip World has three main North Wales venues with different characters. Zip World Velocity (Penrhyn Quarry, Bethesda) features the world's fastest zip line and extreme thrills. Zip World Bounce Below (Llechwedd, Blaenau Ffestiniog) is an underground trampoline experience in slate caverns. Zip World Fforest (Betws-y-Coed) is the most family-friendly — surface-level forest activities with a focus on the Fforest Coaster and treetop experiences rather than extreme height or speed.
Yes — advance booking via the Zip World website is strongly recommended, particularly during school holidays, weekends and the main summer season. Walk-up places may be available on quieter days but cannot be guaranteed. Booking online also tends to offer better pricing than on-the-day rates.
Betws-y-Coed is 2 miles from the venue — a full village with cafés, pubs, outdoor gear shops and the Conwy Valley Railway station. Swallow Falls and Conwy Falls are 2–3 miles away. The Gwydir Forest itself has excellent walking and mountain biking trails accessible from the car park. Llyn Crafnant (5 miles) and Llyn Geirionydd (6 miles) are nearby lake destinations.