Tŷ Hwll/The Ugly House, Betws y Coed, North Wales

The Ugly House is nestled on the edge of North Wales’ historic coach road between Betws y Coed and Capel Curig. It’s a quirky little tea room with a traditional Welsh cottage interior, an informative “Honeybee Room” and a magical bee-friendly garden.

The Ugly House Betws y Coed

It’s easy to miss The Ugly House tea room as you whizz home along the A5 on the tourist trail from Mount Snowdon but this tiny fairytale cottage really is quite unique. On cooler days, take tea indoors in front of the stove or sit outside, soak up the sunshine and take your refreshments whilst listening to the Tŷ Hyll bees going about their important work.

The Foodie Travel Guide

  • Take Afternoon Tea
  • Visit the bee room and garden
  • Buy local honey
  • Walk to the Swallow Falls

Uncover The Myth of the Ugly House

Some legends say that the house was built in the 15th Century as a shelter for the thieves and robbers who preyed on passing stagecoach travellers. Ugly people who gave the house a fearsome reputation. Others believe the name may simply be a corruption of the name of the nearby River Llugwy or that it was named because of the huge, rough hewn boulders from which it is built. “Hyll” can also mean rough or crude, as well as ugly, in Welsh.

 

Brick bee houses

 

 

Learn About The Conwy Valley Bees

Beekeeping has long been important in this area especially since the Conwy Honey Fair was authorised by King Edward I in the nearby town’s Royal Charter over 700 years ago. This charter allowed beekeepers to peddle their wares within the walls of the town for one day every year on September 13th and the tradition continues today. The Tŷ Hyll queen bees are bred from strong local colonies and brought to the Ugly House in small hives.

 

Yellow and purple flowers in the bee-friendly garden at The Ugly House

 

Visit The Honeybee Room

In the house’s Honeybee Room, you can find out about the fascinating life of Britain’s precious honeybees that have been part of our culture and heritage for thousands of years. Learn how to make sure the bees keep buzzing in your garden and buy seeds and plants to encourage them to stay.

 

 Kind words are like honey graphic
 the flower doesn't dream of the bee quote 

Tips

  • The tearoom shop has a small selection of local honey. Visit the nearby Bodnant Welsh Food Centre for a wider choice. It’s also home to the National Bee-Keeping Centre
  • Take the short walk from the house along the river to the top of the magnificent Swallow Falls
  • The Tŷ Hwll gardens are open all year round but the tearoom closes completely in December and January

Where to Stay in North Wales 

Bodysgallen Hall Llandudno North Wales

Bodysgallen Hall

Llandudno, North Wales

A distinguished 17th-century hall set in 200 acres of parkland, with spectacular views of Snowdonia.

Rooms from £151 a night.


Dogs

Fox terrier, Mr Hendricks, expert on dog friendly days out in North Wales

They tell me that they welcome assistance dogs in all areas of the house and grounds. A bowl of water can be provided on request.

Mr Hendricks


How to Find The Ugly House at Betws-Y-Coed

 

The Ugly House Tea Rooms, Tŷ Hyll, Betws-y-Coed, North Wales LL24 0DS

Website: www.theuglyhouse.co.uk


Explore 

Find more Foodie Things To Do in North Wales. Discover more Gourmet Gardens.

The Foodie Travel Guide

The Foodie Travel Guide

Sally is the founder and editor of The Foodie Travel Guide. She travels around the UK and beyond in search of the best foodie days out, tasting experiences and delicious places to stay. She loves a glass of English sparkling wine, afternoon tea with friends and escaping London for gastronomic adventures.