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.
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.
- 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.
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.
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.
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
A distinguished 17th-century hall set in 200 acres of parkland, with spectacular views of Snowdonia.
Rooms from £151 a night.
Dogs
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.
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
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.