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Some villages instantly make you slow down. Beddgelert was one of those places. After a full day exploring Anglesey the day before, we pointed the car in the opposite direction and headed into the heart of Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park. We had already enjoyed an unexpected stop at the beautiful Llyn y Dywarchen, where mirror-like reflections on the lake convinced us that some of the best discoveries are never planned. Beddgelert continued that feeling.
Originally, we had simply intended to stop for lunch. Instead, we spent several enjoyable hours wandering through pretty streets, browsing independent shops, enjoying excellent coffee and award-winning ice cream, and taking in some of the most picturesque river and mountain scenery we found during our entire holiday.
It quickly became one of our favourite villages in North Wales.
Arriving in Beddgelert
Parking couldn’t have been easier.
We parked beside the Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways, just a short walk from Beddgelert Station, placing us right in the centre of the village.
The steam trains were not running while we were there, although the beautifully restored station immediately hinted at Beddgelert’s railway heritage. We made a mental note to return another time and experience one of the famous journeys through the mountains.
Our walk naturally began at the Tourist Information Centre.
We weren’t looking for directions.
Like many visitors, we found ourselves browsing the excellent selection of locally made gifts, guidebooks, maps and Welsh souvenirs before stepping back outside into the sunshine.
Ice Cream Comes First
Holiday rules apply. Ice cream before lunch is perfectly acceptable.
Our first stop was Hufen Ia Café and Ice Cream Parlour.
The name itself made us smile. In Welsh, hufen iâ simply means “ice cream”, making the café’s name delightfully literal.
Inside, we discovered Glaslyn Artisan Ice Cream, an award-winning local producer offering an irresistible range of ice creams and sorbets.
Choosing a flavour wasn’t easy. But being conscious of the time patrons spend at the counter trying to decide, there is a huge board outside that lists all the different flavours.
The display cabinet was filled with colourful choices, each looking better than the last.
With ice cream in hand, we wandered back outside, soaking up the lively atmosphere that makes Beddgelert feel so welcoming.
A Great Coffee Stop
Just across the road, a few doors down, we spotted Ty Coets Coach House Coffee Shop.
Its cosy interior immediately caught our attention.
Warm wooden furnishings, comfortable seating and the aroma of freshly brewed artisan coffee created exactly the kind of café where you could happily lose an hour.
Alongside speciality coffees, the menu included bagels, homemade cakes and light lunches.
Since our coffee was served in takeaway cups and our Yorkshire Terrier, Ollie, was travelling with us, sitting outside on their picnic bench proved the perfect choice.
Watching village life pass by with good coffee in hand became one of those simple moments that make holidays memorable.
Independent Shops Full of Character
Beddgelert has exactly the sort of independent businesses we enjoy discovering.
Next door stood Emrys House Village Shop, ideal for visitors staying locally and needing groceries or holiday essentials.
Beside it, the Tanronnen Inn offered traditional accommodation and a welcoming village pub.
Across the road, Crib Goch Outdoor Shop reminded us that Beddgelert is a favourite base for walkers and climbers heading into the surrounding mountains.
We promised ourselves we’d return after exploring the riverside.
Following the River
The real magic of Beddgelert reveals itself once you begin walking.
We wandered downhill towards the river, passing colourful flower displays that reflected the care and pride taken by the local community.
Everywhere looked beautifully maintained. Stone cottages overflowed with colourful hanging baskets. Gardens burst into bloom. Even in the middle of a busy spring day, the village retained a wonderfully peaceful atmosphere.
Soon we arrived beside the River Colwyn. The riverside path quickly became one of our favourite parts of the visit.
Riverside Cafés with a View
One place immediately caught our attention. Caffi Colwyn was buzzing with activity.
The menu board outside tempted us with homemade food, cakes and daily specials, while almost every outdoor table was occupied. Visitors enjoyed lunch overlooking the river as ducks drifted downstream.
The café welcomed dogs, making it another excellent stop for visitors travelling with four-legged companions. Even without eating there, it was easy to understand why it proved so popular.
The riverside setting alone was worth the visit.
Browsing Local Crafts
The riverside also brought us to two wonderful independent gift shops. Riverside Gifts offered an excellent selection of Welsh souvenirs, locally produced gifts and handcrafted keepsakes.
Next door, Craft Coed (Beddgelert Woodcraft) displayed beautifully made wooden gifts and traditional craftsmanship. We spent far longer browsing than we had intended.
These are exactly the sort of shops that make villages like Beddgelert feel unique. You never quite know what you’ll discover.
The Beauty of the Rivers
Continuing our walk, we reached the point where the River Colwyn joins the River Glaslyn. A modern steel footbridge provides another wonderful viewpoint across both rivers. Looking upstream, pretty cottages line a small lawn, again decorated with flower trough. Looking downstream, the surrounding mountains frame the village beautifully.
The sound of flowing water accompanies you wherever you walk. Combined with the surrounding woodland and colourful gardens, it creates a wonderfully relaxing setting.
Flower trough and the line of cottages that meets us at the end of the footbridge below.
A Village We Already Want to Revisit
Eventually we crossed the historic stone bridge towards Stryd Smith, passing the Prince Llewelyn Hotel, Waterloo House and Hebog Restaurant, whose riverside seating looked particularly inviting on such a beautiful day.
There was still much more to discover. Beddgelert is famous for the tragic legend of Prince Llywelyn and his faithful hound Gelert.
Nearby walks lead to Gelert’s Grave, while a bronze statue in the village commemorates the famous tale that has attracted visitors for generations.
We decided to save those for another visit. Sometimes leaving something unexplored is the perfect excuse to return. As we headed back towards the car, one thing was certain.
Beddgelert had given us far more than somewhere to stop for lunch. It had become one of the highlights of our Snowdonia adventure.
Wish We Knew Before Visiting
If we visited Beddgelert again, here’s what we’d do differently:
- Allow at least half a day rather than just stopping for lunch.
- Ride the Welsh Highland Railway from Beddgelert Station.
- Walk to Gelert’s Grave, an easy riverside stroll suitable for most visitors.
- Visit the bronze statue of Gelert in the village centre.
- Explore the riverside at both sunrise and sunset for beautiful photography.
- Bring a picnic to enjoy beside the rivers.
- Visit in spring or early summer when the flower displays are at their best.
- If you’re travelling with a dog, you’ll find many cafés, pubs and outdoor seating areas are dog friendly.
This is one village we’ll definitely be returning to.
