Betws-y-Coed is a town in north Wales - its name is the Welsh for the "chapel in the woods". It lies within the Snowdonia National Park at the point of confluence between the river Conwy and its three tributaries, the Llugwy, the Lledr and the Machno.
Betws-y-Coed emerged as a small village that developed around the crossroads of a number of the tracks that ran through the thickly wooded Conwy valley. It was "discovered" by the Victorians and the 19th century was a time when artists flocked to the area attracted by the picturesque scenery. Much of Betws was therefore built in Victorian times, as it developed as an inland tourist resort, the main attractions being the many cascading waterfalls in the area - the popular Swallow Falls, the Conwy Falls and the so called Fairy Glen - all set against the backdrop of the Snowdonia mountain range.
The town continues to make its living from the tourist trade and modern Betws consists of a string of small hotels and teashops interspersed with the usual tourist shops.
Note: The correct spelling is Betws-y-Coed, but "Bettws" with two ts is sometimes used.
Table of References
- http://www.gazetteer-wales.co.uk/
- http://www.genuki.org.uk/big/wal/
- http://www.betws-y-coed.com/
- http://www.croeso-betws.org.uk/