St Michael's Old Church - Betws-y-Coed

St Michael's Old Church: A Hidden Gem in Betws-y-Coed

Location: Situated at Old Church Rd, Betws-y-Coed, St Michael's Old Church stands as a testament to the rich historical tapestry of North Wales. This ancient place of worship is easily accessible, with a wheelchair accessible entrance ensuring that all visitors can experience its timeless beauty.
Phone: For inquiries or to arrange a visit, you can reach out at 1492643526.
Website: For more information and to explore virtual tours, visit stmichaelsbyc.org.uk. This website provides a wealth of details about the church's history and current activities.

Overview

St Michael's Old Church is not just a place of worship but a sanctuary for those seeking peace, contemplation, and a connection to the mystical. It boasts a wheelchair accessible entrance, making it inclusive for all visitors. The church's ancient stone structure and picturesque surroundings offer a serene atmosphere that invites visitors to lose themselves in its tranquil beauty. With its vast churchyard, it's a perfect spot for reflection and relaxation, especially on a day spent exploring the charming village of Betws-y-Coed.
Specialties: As a church, St Michael's specializes in providing a spiritual haven, but it also doubles as a historical landmark and a popular tourist attraction. The churchyard is not just a graveyard but a garden of remembrance and a place where visitors can feel a sense of timelessness and peace. The key to accessing the churchyard is available over the road at the Railway Museum, although this adds an extra step for those who wish to explore further.
Visitor Experience: Many reviewers have praised St Michael's Old Church for its enchanting atmosphere and historical significance. The church is described as " Picturesque & ancient," with "beautiful surroundings" that make it a must-visit for anyone traveling to Betws-y-Coed. The large churchyard provides ample space for wandering and finding moments of solitude. Some visitors have even compared the experience to stepping into another world, suggesting that the churchyard might hold mystical or supernatural allure for the adventurous soul.
Reviews and Ratings: With 12 reviews on Google My Business, St Michael's has garnered an impressive average opinion of 4.8 out of 5. This high rating speaks volumes about the church's ability to meet and exceed visitor expectations. Reviews highlight the church's peaceful ambiance, the beauty of its surroundings, and the historical interest it holds. Many visitors express a desire to return, drawn by the spiritual and aesthetic appeal of the site.
Additional Points of Interest: For those interested in history or folklore, the nearby Railway Museum offers a complementary experience to visiting the church. While not directly related to the church, it provides a glimpse into the local heritage and industrial history, enriching the overall experience of exploring Betws-y-Coed. The church itself is a treasure trove of history, with stories etched into its ancient stones that visitors can ponder as they stroll through its hallowed halls.

Getting There

Located in the heart of Betws-y-Coed, St Michael's Old Church is easily reachable by car or on foot. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early to fully appreciate the church's serene environment and the expansive churchyard. For those on foot, the church is a pleasant addition to a walk through the picturesque village. The church's location in a small, rural setting adds to its charm, making it a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Accessibility: As mentioned, the church is wheelchair accessible, making it welcoming to visitors of all abilities. This inclusivity ensures t

👍 Reviews of St Michael's Old Church

Bethany B.

5/5

Want a gate to Otherworld? Want to commune with the Fae? Long to be shrouded in peace and the contemplative? St. Michael's Old Church is all the above and more. There's a reason I've posted only photos of the ancient cemetery—THIS is the real sacred space that you'll want to stroll and rest in for the whole day.

Andrew L.

5/5

Lovely little church. Worth a visit when in betsy. Open during the day with quite a large church yard.

Michael N.

5/5

Picturesque & ancient old church, beautiful surroundings and key is available over the road at the Railway Museum.

Rhys G.

5/5

Beautiful! Very historic & simply stunning.

Eliot C.

4/5

St Michael's Old Church is the oldest building in Betws y Coed.
The church was built in the 14th century on the banks of the River Conwy. It is thought to have replaced an older medieval prayer house, betws in Welsh.
The church contains a collection of fine medieval features. A life-size stone effigy of Gruffydd ap Dafydd Goch lies near the chancel. A relative of Prince of Wales Llewelyn ap Gruffydd, Gruffydd ap Dafydd Goch died in battle between 1370 and 1380.
Fragments of medieval stained glass can be found at the top of the east and west windows.
The medieval font is small and square, featuring a simple carving of leaves and an arch of chevrons.
A restoration took place in 1843 when the north aisle was added but Betws y Coed soon outgrew St Michael's with the arrival of the London-Holyhead road and the railway. In 1873, St Mary's Church opened and St Michael's was left to decay. A significant restoration took place in 1994 to save the building. It was declared redundant in the year 2000.

T D.

4/5

Lovely old church full with green view.

Gareth H.

5/5

Beautiful and peaceful. If it's locked, you can get the key from the Railway Museum close by.

Darren S.

5/5

A lovely little chapel hidden away amongst the trees