Vagabond

Snowdonia National Park (Parc Cenedlaethol Eryri)


On the slopes below a forested crag, from which spills its own 'private' waterfall, the Vagabond is Betws' best hostel – and the only one within the town proper. It's a simple set-up, with freshly decorated six- to eight-bed dorms, two family rooms, shared bathrooms and an appealing bar (4.30pm to 11pm), kitchen and common room. Evening meals are £8.50 to £10.50.

The obligatory £25 weekend rate includes a cooked breakfast.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Snowdonia National Park (Parc Cenedlaethol Eryri) attractions

1. St Mary's Church

0.24 MILES

Built in 1873, when the old Parish Church of St Michael could no longer cope with the devout Victorian tourists flocking to Betws.

2. St Michael's Church

0.31 MILES

The name Betws is thought to be derived from 'bead house', meaning a place of prayer (y coed – in the woods). It's likely that 14th-century St Michael's…

3. Conwy Valley Railway Museum

0.33 MILES

If you're the sort who's fascinated by dioramas and model train sets, this tiny museum is for you. In which case the model shop you have to pass through…

4. Gwydyr Forest

1.2 MILES

The 28-sq-mile Gwydyr Forest, planted since the 1920s with oak, beech and larch, encircles Betws-y-Coed and is scattered with the remnants of lead and…

5. Swallow Falls

2.09 MILES

Betws-y-Coed's main natural tourist draw is located 2 miles west of town, alongside the A5 on the River Llugwy. It's a beautiful spot, with the 42m…

6. Ugly House

2.57 MILES

The Ugly House isn't actually ugly at all. This unusual cottage is constructed from huge boulders and is home to a characterful tearoom and, upstairs, the…

7. Llechwedd Slate Caverns

8.16 MILES

Blaenau's main attraction takes you into the bowels of a Victorian slate mine. You descend the UK's steepest mining cable railway into the 1846 network of…

8. Cellb

8.51 MILES

Recently opened in the Edwardian-era police station (hence 'Cell B'), this multifunction centre hosts everything from yoga to live bands to screenings in…