LOCATION
Betws-y-Coed, Wales
Often referred to as the gateway to Snowdonia, Betws-y-Coed is a picturesque village nestled in the heart of North Wales. Surrounded by alpine forests, hidden waterfalls, and the rugged beauty of the Snowdonia National Park, this historic area offers a perfect blend of adventure and tranquility. Whether you're seeking a peaceful break in nature or an active escape with hiking, biking, and sightseeing, Betws-y-Coed has it all. For the best experience getting to and exploring the area around the cabin, we recommend travelling by car.
Liverpool: 🚗 1hr 30 drive
Manchester: 🚗 2hr drive
Birmingham: 🚗 2hr 30 drive
London: 🚗 4hr 30 hr drive
Area highlights
Our fave things to do in Betws-y-Coed
Wild swim on the estate
Merlin's estate has a private wild swimming spot just a few minutes walk from the cabin. Relax there with a book or take a cold plunge to boost your dopamine for the day.
Visit the on-site gardens
Lima Gardens, which are on the estate, host garden open days, flower arranging courses, wreath making classes and even yoga sessions. You can book any of these sessions on their website here.
Explore Betws-y-Coed
Explore the local village of Betws-y-Coed which is packed with traditional stone-and-slate houses, quaint independent shops and the infamous Pont y Pair Bridge. The village is also the starting point for some amazing walks to Swallow Falls or Lyn Elsi.
Gwydir Forest Park
Gwydir Forest Park surrounds Betws-y-Coed and is filled with mountain lakes, woodland trails and rushing waterfalls. There are many different routes for all abilities, each taking you through alpine forests and showcase far reaching views across the might mountains of Eryri (Snowdonia).
Head to Conwy Falls
Start your walk to Conwy Falls through scenic woodlands behind the Conwy Falls Café. Locally known in Welsh as Rhaeadr y Graig Lwyd, the waterfall is incredible and also famous for salmon jumping.
Walk to Swallow Falls
Take a beautiful walk from Betws-y-Coed to Swallow Falls on the River Llugwy. The walk takes you through forests and along the river, ending at impressive rapids. The popular viewpoints are on the south bank, but for a better view with fewer people, try the north bank.
Eat and drink
Try Hangin’ Pizzeria for some banging pizzas. Or head to Olif tapas bar for locally sourced small plates, including Welsh Chorizo. For a coffee pitstop or something sweet, try Alpine Coffee Shop where you'll find freshly cooked lunches, snacks and treats.
Be adventurous
Head to Zipword set in stunning woodland setting nestled in the North Wales Conwy Valley. Or try canyoning, gorge walking or abseiling with Seren Ventures.
Go caving
Explore the old and abandoned mines in the mountains of Snowdonia with Go Below. You'll encounter deep blue lakes, caverns and old mining gear. Go Below offer guided tours for all abilities.
Availability
June 2026
26th Jun - 29th Jun
Fri - Mon • 3 nights
29th Jun - 3rd Jul
Mon - Fri • 4 nights
FAQs
Find the answer to our most frequently wondered things. Read all FAQs here.
About Merlin
📍 How do you get to Merlin?
Merlin is best reached by car. Whilst it is possible to arrive by train and taxi, we'd recommend coming with a car to make the most of the local area.
After booking your chosen cabin, you’ll receive an online ‘Welcome Guide’ detailing the exact location of the cabin and directions by car or train and taxi. If you’re travelling by train, we highly recommend booking your connecting taxi in advance, as rural locations don’t tend to have Uber!
📚 What is there to do in the cabin?
The cabin is your space to relax in any way you like to, but we’ve kitted it out with lots of phone-free activities, including:
📚 A selection of our fave books
👾 Board games
🃏 Diary of CEO Conversation Cards
📻 Radio Cassette Player + Tapes
📸 Instant Camera + 10 free films
🗺 Map and compass
And of course you might want to head out and explore the local area. The map and welcome guide include recommendations of restaurants, cafes and other attractions nearby.
⏰ What time is check-in and check-out?
Check-in is at 3pm
Check-out is at 10am
🍽 Is food provided?
We don’t currently include food packages, but all cabins have a well-equipped kitchen including a mini-fridge and gas hob to cook up your fave meals. We include pots, pans, cooking utensils and even chef knives. Plus, loose leaf tea, coffee beans, oil, salt and pepper.
If you’re looking for a night or two away from the stove, there’s always plenty of nearby pubs and restaurants listed in our cabin guides.
🚿 Is there a toilet and hot shower?
Yes! All our cabins have hot showers and an eco-composting toilet in an indoor bathroom. We provide eco-friendly toiletries and luxury towels, too!
🚶 Is it suitable for solo travellers?
Merlin is on private land and is lockable from the inside and outside, but it is very remote so it would be a true off-grid experience.
🔥 Do you include firewood?
We include enough firewood for so you can keep warm and toasty during your stay.
Locking your phone away
🔐 Do I have to lock my phone away?
We recommend you unplug for the full duration of your stay to get the most from your digital detox, but this is totally self-policed. Our lockboxes have a padlock and key, with the key in a sealed envelope, so if you want to unlock it, you can.
📞 What if I need to contact someone?
We provide you with a Nokia so you can reach our cabin support team and contact friends and family if you need to. The number for the Nokia will be shared with you in advance of your stay.
Booking and cancellation
🗓 Can we stay for less than 3 nights?
All our stays are 3 nights as this is the minimum time it takes to fully switch off and reap the benefits of nature and time offline. You can read more about 'The 3 Day Effect' here.
💳 What is your cancellation policy?
We know plans can change, so we’ll always do what we can to accommodate booking amendments. If your check-in date is over 28 days away, your stay can be rebooked for a new date or you can request a voucher, or a full refund. If your check-in date is within 14-28 days, you can move your stay to a future date, or request a voucher equal to the payment you have made. Cancellations or amendments are unfortunately not possible if your check-in date is in or within 14 days. All bookings have a 48 hour cooling off period, so if you change your mind you can reschedule your stay or get a full refund. Rescheduled stays are non-refundable.
You can read our full terms & conditions here
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