Betws-y-Coed is Britain’s first artists’ colony, nestled at the entrance to Snowdonia National Park. On this self-guided walking tour, you’ll stroll down this village’s charming streets, riverside paths, and historic bridges to find out how this woodland paradise inspired generations of landscape painters.
The tour starts at the historic Betws-y-Coed Railway Station. As you explore this picturesque settlement – meaning “prayer house in the woods“ – you’ll find out how painter David Cox established Britain’s first art colony here in 1844, forever changing the Welsh village’s fortunes. Other landscape artists, unable to travel to Europe during the Napoleonic Wars, soon discovered its dramatic beauty and, as railways brought Victorian tourists, the once-peaceful artist haven evolved into the gateway to Snowdonia we know today.
We'll pass by the Conwy Valley Railway Museum, with its rich history. However, entry to the Museum itself is not included in this tour.
We'll pass by the beautiful historic St Michael's Old Church.
We'll also pass by the The Courthouse, adding to the historic charm of the neighbourhood. However, entry to is not included in this tour.
You will make your own way to the meeting points
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