At a glance
The Conwy Valley running south from the medieval walled town of Conwy to Betws-y-Coed at Snowdonia’s edge.
About Vale of Conwy
The Vale of Conwy is the broad, fertile valley of the River Conwy running 17 miles south from the walled town of Conwy on the coast to Betws-y-Coed where the river meets the Llugwy. The valley is a designated AONB.
The valley’s best-known attraction is Bodnant Garden, given to the National Trust in 1949 — 80 acres including the famous laburnum arch.
South of Bodnant, Llanrwst sits on a 17th-century three-arch stone bridge, with the celebrated Tu Hwnt ir Bont 15th-century stone tearoom completely engulfed in scarlet Virginia creeper through October. Further south at Trefriw, the Trefriw Wells were a Roman bathing site.
Top things to do
Best base towns
- Llanrwst —
- Trefriw —
- Betws-y-Coed —
Getting there
From Manchester / Liverpool
M56 → A55 westbound → exit Junction 19 → A470 south. The A470 is the spine of the valley.
From the Snowdonia side
Betws-y-Coed sits at the head of the valley. Llanrwst is 4 miles north on the A470.
By train
Conwy Valley Line: Llandudno Junction → Blaenau Ffestiniog. ~1 hour end-to-end.
Hidden gems
- Llanbedr-y-Cennin
- Single-pub hamlet on the valley’s east side.
- Maenan Abbey
- Cistercian abbey ruins (now hotel grounds).
- Fairy Glen, Penmachno
- Free woodland gorge five minutes south of the Conwy Falls.
Frequently asked questions
The Vale of Conwy is best known for Bodnant Garden (NT, 80 acres, laburnum arch in late May), the 17th-century Tu Hwnt ir Bont stone tearoom at Llanrwst, Trefriw Wells (a Roman spa), and the Conwy Valley Railway.
The Conwy Valley Line runs 27 miles from Llandudno Junction to Blaenau Ffestiniog, taking approximately 1 hour end-to-end. Operated by Transport for Wales.
Mid-May to early June, peaking in the last ten days of May. Adult admission £14.50 (NT members free).
Yes — it is a working tearoom owned by the National Trust, open daily for cream teas and lunches. The Virginia creeper turns scarlet from late September.
Yes — particularly for younger children. Bodnant has wide paths. The Conwy Falls Café has a salmon-leap viewing area. Fairy Glen near Penmachno is a free woodland gorge.