Rainy Day Activities
Tŷ Hyll, Conwy
Opening times: Daily 10:30-16:00 (closed December and January)
Price: Free
Located on the A5 between Capel Curig and Betws y Coed, Tŷ Hyll (or ‘Ugly House’ in English) is anything but ugly and is in fact rather charming! Nobody knows for sure how the house got its name. Some say it was built by thieves who would target travellers which gave it its fearsome reputation, whilst others believe the name is derived from the river it lies on – the Llugwy. Others still say that it is the big crude boulders outside that gave the house its name.
Although nobody knows who built it or when, the cottage is full of history and legend. The first known resident was local shepherd John Roberts, who resided there in 1900 before the people who lived there the longest – The Rileys, who turned the house from a single living room and bedroom in the loft to having an upstairs with bedrooms and a bathroom as well as a separate parlour and scullery downstairs. Edward and his wife Lillian lived in the house from 1928 to 1961 and entertained visitors with their tales and pet cockatoo.
The Ugly House was bought by the Snowdonia Society in 1988 and is now a tourist attraction with its own tea room serving up rarebit, sandwiches, cream tea and other Welsh treats.
Banner Image Source: CC-by-SA 2.0 by Rude Health.
Image Source: CC-by-SA 2.0 by Steve Daniels.
Location
Tŷ Hyll is found in Betws-y-Coed, just off of the A5.
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Somewhere you've never been? What is Nearby?
Betws-y-Coed
The most popular inland resort in North Wales, partly due to its convenience as a location but mostly thanks to its beauty and splendour. A lot of the village dates back to the Victorians, and their influence still abounds in the buildings. Surrounded by the dense forestry and imposing mountains of the region, Betws-y-Coed feels pleasantly out of the way.
Llanrwst
This small market town is a classically Welsh place – small buildings on small streets, tucked away in a small parcel of countryside. It stands on the banks on the River Conwy; to enter into the natural beauty of Snowdonia, all one needs to do is to cross this river.
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Stay in Capel Curig and surround yourself with the beauty of the Snowdonia National Park. This small village lies between the mountains and is a popular location for lovers of the outdoors. Nearby attractions include Swallow Falls and Llyn Mwymbyr. Stay in a holiday cottage in Capel Curig to explore the area.
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