Once a spa destination famed for its mineral-rich waters, the North Wales village of Trefriw lies in the valley of the river Crafnant on the edge of beautiful mountainous Snowdonia, and its 823 square miles of pristine national parkland.
The quaint village, set against a backdrop of forested hills and lakes, grew up around the site where the River Crafnant joins the River Conwy and has formed in a pretty crescent shape. The relationship between the River Crafnant and the village of Trefriw is a long, important and much-valued one.
The river has powered industry, especially the woollen mills, and nurtured the growth and prosperity of the village for generations. Trefriw boasts a long heritage of wool production and is well known for its tweeds.
A large part of Trefriw is actually located inside the Snowdonia National Park boundary which bisects the village along its main street. If you choose this area as a base camp for your trip you will never be further than a half-hour drive to the coast or to the mountains.
What Things Can You Do Around Trefriw?
You don’t have to travel far from here to find breathtaking experiences in nature.
Once you’re in Trefriw you are already actually immersed in Wales’s largest national park. Snowdonia, or Eryri as it is also known, encompasses nine mountain ranges, twenty-three miles of coast, eleven thousand hectares of native woodland and just under fifteen hundred miles of routes to explore for yourself.
From awe-inspiring towering peaks to secret pools, waterfalls and crystal clear streams, from rare species of flora and fauna to a rich and ancient culture, language and heritage, there is more to discover here than there are days in a lifetime.
The clear night sky over Snowdonia, without light pollution, is an experience that will leave you with lifelong memories, not to mention the secret other world of nature that emerges in the hours between dusk and dawn. The sheer exhilaration and delight associated with spending time in this wonderful place is reflected by its nearly four million annual visitors, a number that continues to grow year on year.
Less than a few miles south of Trefriw in Betws-y-Coed you can enjoy an adrenaline-fuelled afternoon in the treetops at Zip World Fforest. There are thrills here for all the family to enjoy, from the smallest, aged 3 and over can enjoy a treetop coaster over the woodland, while older kids can test their mettle with treetop nets, zip wires and a range of obstacles and for the bravest of the brave: the greatest challenge – the zip safari – suitable for children aged 9years and up.
A ten-minute drive will bring you to the nostalgic and charming Conwy Valley Railway Museum, where you can enjoy a tour of the grounds aboard a miniature train that runs along a railway track, past little wild rabbits and through a short but dark tunnel that causes much delight among small people. There are also dodgem cars and fun rides to enjoy on-site.
Places to Eat in Trefriw
Whether you’ve been trekking trails in Snowdonia, zipping through the treetops on high wires or learning about the history of railways in Wales, you are bound to have built up an appetite.
The Fairy Falls Hotel in Trefriw is a lovely little country pub named after the local waterfall with the same magical title, which incidentally is also worth a visit and is a mere five-minute walk from here. But first, fill the belly with a lovely traditional home-cooked dinner in the friendly relaxed surroundings of the Fairy Falls Hotel. This country pub has been nominated for both the Pub of the Year in North Wales and the Best Pet Friendly in Wales award. So you know your pooch will be more than welcome here too.
For fantastic food and great service in a beautiful, intimate setting, Chandlers Brasserie in Trefriw is a really great option. This restaurant manages to cater for various dietary requirements to an exceptional standard. If you are looking for good vegan fare you will not be disappointed.
For a nice lunch try out Mary Bellas, a great café in a lovely little spot in the village of Trefriw, offering up good quality traditional fare alongside vegan breakfasts, using fresh local produce where they can.
Places to Stay in Trefriw
The aforementioned Fairy Falls Hotel has a total of just 6 bedrooms so if you miss out on booking here you can check out The Princes Arms Hotel on Llanrwst Road which is a lovely family-run country hotel in a great location. The Brasserie in The Princes Arms also provides excellent traditional meals from locally sourced produce.
The Interesting History of Trefriw
The village of Trefriw is steeped in history, its name itself originating from two old words in Welsh that can be roughly translated into ‘healing town’. The iron and mineral-rich waters found here have been heralded for their medicinal properties since Roman times. Ancient Roman roads, no longer extant, once linked Trefriw to nearby roman forts and further afield.
The importance and wider significance of Trefriw have grown and ebbed throughout the centuries since. Anyone with an interest in history will appreciate the many notable events that occurred here from the days of the adventures of Llywelyn the Great in the 12th century, who had a hunting lodge in Trefriw, to the plausible connections the town has with the infamous Gunpowder plot of 1605, where one of Trefriw’s more notable sons Thomas Williams, a noted papist, was privy to the plans to blow up Parliament.
The late 19th century saw Trefriw reincarnate as a famous artist colony with William Barker, John Davies, Ben Fowler, John Johnson and many of their contemporaries taking up residence in the village.
These are just a few snippets from the history of Trefriw, a village with a colourful past, composed of many interesting chapters that span the ages.
Whether you’re visiting Trefriw to commune with nature, explore the wild, find your muse, or immerse yourself in history and a rich culture you won’t be disappointed.