Alpine Coffee Shop

Snowdonia National Park (Parc Cenedlaethol Eryri)


There's a definite primate theme to this local institution: stuffed monkeys hang from the counter, chimps grin from photos and there's a palm-oil-free policy – meaning you can tuck into your salad, rarebit or wrap, safe in the knowledge that no orangutan has been harmed in the making. Ask about the sausage loyalty card for dogs.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Snowdonia National Park (Parc Cenedlaethol Eryri) attractions

1. Conwy Valley Railway Museum

0.03 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…

2. St Michael's Church

0.05 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. St Mary's Church

0.13 MILES

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

4. Gwydyr Forest

1.38 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

1.96 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

2.49 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

8.39 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

8.75 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…