The Conwy Valley at golden hour, from the Gelli Newydd estate
The area · Conwy Valley · Eryri

The Conwy ValleyEight places worth planning a day around.

An ancient glacial valley, carved between the mountains and the sea.

Rivers run clear through oak woodland and open pasture. Betws-y-Coed and the falls of the Conwy are five miles south; the medieval walled town and castle of Conwy are twelve miles north. Everything worth doing in this part of the world is within an hour — most of it is on your doorstep.

These are the places the owners recommend without hesitation — the trips they'd plan their own week around. Distances given are from Gelli Newydd.

Getting here

How to find us.

Gelli Newydd sits above the village of Trefriw in the Conwy Valley, inside Eryri — surrounded by open farmland, with the valley and river below and the mountains behind.

By car
Around 30 minutes from Llandudno via the A470. Two hours from Manchester via the M56 and A55. Around two hours from Liverpool. Four hours from London via the M6 and A55. Nearest petrol station: Llanrwst, 3 miles.
By train
Llanrwst station is 3 miles away on the scenic Conwy Valley line, with services from Llandudno Junction. Llandudno Junction has direct trains from Manchester Piccadilly and Chester. Taxis available from Llanrwst.
By air
Manchester Airport is approximately 1 hour 45 minutes by car. Liverpool Airport around 1 hour 50 minutes. Birmingham Airport approximately 2 hours 30 minutes.
The River Conwy at Betws-y-Coed
5 miles

Betws-y-Coed

The gateway to Snowdonia. Waterfalls at Swallow Falls, independent outdoor shops, cafés and pubs on the Conwy river. A ten-minute drive south.

The inland surf lagoon at Surf Snowdonia
8 miles

Surf Snowdonia

The world's first inland surfing lagoon, set against the mountains above Conwy. Consistent waves for beginners and intermediates; lessons available.

Zip World — adventure activities in Snowdonia
5 miles · Zip World Fforest

Zip World

Tree-top adventures, a giant swing and a forest coaster at Zip World Fforest in Betws-y-Coed (5 miles). Velocity 2 — the fastest zip line in Europe — at Zip World Penrhyn Quarry, half an hour up the coast.

Conwy Castle — the UNESCO World Heritage medieval town on the estuary
12 miles

Conwy Castle

A UNESCO World Heritage medieval walled town on the estuary, with one of the finest castles in Wales. Worth an afternoon — quieter out of peak season.

Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) — the highest peak in Wales
15 miles

Snowdon

The highest peak in Wales. Walk the Pyg Track or Llanberis Path (5–6 hours), or take the Snowdon Mountain Railway from Llanberis. Unmissable on a clear day.

Llyn Crafnant — glacial mountain lake above Trefriw
Local

Llyn Crafnant

A glacial lake in the hills above Trefriw, reached by a 10km loop from the estate gate — see the walks page. One of the best half-days in the Conwy Valley.

Trefriw Woollen Mills — a working Victorian mill in the village
Local

Trefriw Woollen Mills

A working Victorian mill producing tapestry and tweed in the village below the estate. Walk down or drive five minutes. The mill shop is worth a browse.

Fairy Falls — the Trefriw waterfall, two minutes from the estate
2 min walk

Fairy Falls

The Trefriw waterfall — across the road from the estate gate and a two-minute stroll down. A short loop on the village side too if you want to make a circuit.

By the clock

What's how far from the door.

02 min walkFairy FallsAcross the road
10 min driveZip World FforestForest coaster & tree-top adventures
10 min driveSurf SnowdoniaInland surf lagoon
15 min driveConwy coastCastles & beaches
20 min driveBetws-y-CoedForest park & market town
More from Gelli Newydd

The rest of the estate.

Walks from the estate
Walks
Three from the door · GPX provided
Cycling routes from the estate
Cycling
Coast and mountain routes · Heated bike store
The four cottages at Gelli Newydd
The cottages
Four cottages · Twenty-two acres

Make a week of it.

Direct booking with the owners. We'll send a guide pack with our favourites once you've confirmed your dates.

Email to book →