The Ugly HouseHistoric HouseThis cottage is full of history, legend and mystery. Nobody knows who built it or when, but we do know about some of the people who have lived here in the past…
The first person who we know lived here was local shepherd, John Roberts, in 1900. Within the thick dry stone walls his accommodation would have been basic: a single living room with the large fireplace for heat and cooking and a ladder up to a sleeping loft under the roof.
The people who lived here longest were the Rileys, from 1928 to 1961. Edward Riley was a groom at The Towers which is above our car park. He gradually ‘improved’ The Ugly House – installing an upstairs with bedrooms and a bathroom and a separate parlour and scullery downstairs. Edward and his wife Lilian welcomed visitors into the house over the years, entertaining them with tales and their pet cockatoo, starting a long tradition which you are now part of as a visitor yourself!
The Ugly House was bought by the Snowdonia Society in 1988 following a number of different owners who ran it as a tea room, antiques shop and tourist attraction. It was rescued from a very run down state and renovated by teams of tireless volunteers to provide a small visitor centre and offices for the Snowdonia Society until 2010. It still remains within the care of this small charity and its hard-working volunteers.Betws-y-CoedConwyUnited Kingdomhttp://www.showmewales.co.uk/?dms=3&venue=0827354
The Ugly House
Historic House
The Ugly House
Wales is operating country-wide restrictions and is currently at coronavirus alert level four, with strict measures in place to limit the spread of the virus. Please check on the Welsh Government website before visiting or travelling to Wales or within Wales.
Details
Ty Hyll is owned by the Snowdonia Society and the grounds, beehives and honeybee room are lovingly maintained by our volunteers. As a registered charity it works to protect, enhance and celebrate Snowdonia.
Ty Hyll is located on the A5 between Capel Curig and Betws y Coed. It is easily accessible by car, with 12 parking spaces and 1 disabled parking space – please park carefully.
Ty Hyll is also accessible on foot and by bike. It is located close to the Marin Trail, one of the best known mountain biking trails in north Wales. Secure bicycle racks are available in our parking area.
If you are visiting on foot, there is a path along the north bank of the Llugwy River from Betws y Coed to Ty Hyll. For nearby walks in the area, you can find easy to follow route descriptions here.
For public transport information, please visit Traveline Cymru. The nearest train station is in Betws y Coed, and the nearest bus stop is directly outside the house. Padarn bus S2 services the route between Betws y Coed and Llanberis via Ty Hyll