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

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St Michael's Old Church, Betws-y-Coed Built in the 14th century, St Michael's Old Church is the oldest building in the village. See our website for details - http://www.stmichaelsbyc.org.uk.

It is now run by the St Michael's Betws-y-coed Trust (Reg No 1081038) but the churchyard remains the responsibility of the Bro Gwydyr Ministry Area (Reg No 1181120). Built in the 14th century, St Michael's Church is the oldest building in Betws-y-Coed, and is located on the banks of the River Conwy. Replaced by the parish church of St Mary's in 1873, St Michael's lay slumbering peacefully throughout the twentieth century. But by the early 1990's it was in a sorry state, with a leaking roof and associated plaster damage ­ and it was urgently in need of repair work. In 1994, the Friends of St Michael’s was formed, to raise both awareness of the building, and money to preserve it. Declared redundant in 2000, the building is now leased from the Church in Wales by the St Michael’s Betws-y-Coed Trust, a registered charity (No 1081038), run by the Friends. Nowadays hundreds of people visit St Michael’s in Betws-y-Coed in beautiful Snowdonia every year, and there are many different reasons for appreciating this simple and humble building. Visitors from all over the world come and enjoy the oldest building in the village, whilst for those with an interest in history, the stone effigy of Gruffydd ap Dafydd Goch has a special fascination. Students of architecture and church history learn much from the inside arrangements of the church. Most people appreciate a quiet place in which to sit and think and pray. St Michael’s is important for local Christians too, and despite being declared redundant it is still consecrated. As a balance to the splendour of St Mary’s Parish Church, reminding us of the glory of God, St Michael’s has a special intimacy and simplicity which can speak of the closeness of God. Nor is St Michael’s important only for Anglican Christians: because the building dates from before the religious divisions of recent times, it belongs in some sense to all of us, of whatever denomination, a symbol of the unity which is God’s will for his church here. Although the church is now officially closed for regular public worship, a service is normally held on St Michael’s Day (29th September) and a candle-lit Carol Service at Christmas tide. In addition, the Friends organise a Flower Festival in September each year, which attracts hundreds of visitors to admire the floral displays which are provided by many of the local village organisations. Join the Friends of St Michael's and help keep a little bit of history alive for future generations.

Two more photos taken today, showing the new parking area outside the lychgate at St Michael's.
03/10/2026

Two more photos taken today, showing the new parking area outside the lychgate at St Michael's.

This afternoon, the 'New' Lychgate is revealed as the scaffolding finally comes down. The roof slates, ridge tiles and c...
21/09/2026

This afternoon, the 'New' Lychgate is revealed as the scaffolding finally comes down. The roof slates, ridge tiles and cross have been missing for over a year whilst 4m deep excavations took place about 1ft in front of it. It has survived piling vibration for the footings of the new Sappers Bridge, and presumably needs some finishing touches, such as plastering and painting, but is largely complete!

Y prynhawn yma, datgelir y 'Porth Eglwys' newydd wrth i'r sgaffaldiau gael eu tynnu i lawr o'r diwedd. Mae'r llechi to, y teils crib a'r groes wedi bod ar goll ers dros flwyddyn tra cafwyd gwaith cloddio 4 metr o ddyfnder tua troedfedd o'i flaen. Mae wedi goroesi'r dirgryniad a achoswyd gan yrru pyst sylfaen ar gyfer Pont y Sappers newydd, ac mae'n debyg bod angen rhai mân gyffyrddiadau arno, fel plastro a phaentio, ond mae'n gyflawn i raddau helaeth!

Bro Gwydyr

10/09/2026
Some photos today showing the bridge structure complete. We are advised that Ffordd Hen Eglwys should have the road retu...
24/08/2026

Some photos today showing the bridge structure complete. We are advised that Ffordd Hen Eglwys should have the road returning to normal soon, and work appears to have started on putting the roof back on the lychgate.

The new bridge looks more like a bridge every day
20/08/2026

The new bridge looks more like a bridge every day

The new bridge, looking more like a bridge....
11/08/2026

The new bridge, looking more like a bridge....

We are very sorry to announce that we have reluctantly taken the decision not to hold a Flower Festival in St Michael's ...
08/08/2026

We are very sorry to announce that we have reluctantly taken the decision not to hold a Flower Festival in St Michael's Old Church, Betws-y-Coed again this year. This is because of the continued partial closure of Old Church Road meaning that there is nowhere for exhibitors and visitors to park.
We had initially hoped that the new Sappers Bridge would be opened in September but the new estimated date for completion will now be November.
We hope that things will have returned to normal in 2027.

Mae'n ddrwg iawn gennym gyhoeddi ein bod wedi penderfynu, yn anfodlon, i beidio â chynnal Gŵyl Flodau yn Hen Eglwys Sant Mihangel, Betws-y-Coed eto eleni. Mae hyn oherwydd bod Ffordd Hen Eglwys yn parhau i fod ar gau'n rhannol, sy'n golygu nad oes unman i arddangoswyr ac ymwelwyr barcio.
Roeddem wedi gobeithio'n wreiddiol y byddai Pont y Cloddiwr newydd yn cael ei hagor ym mis Medi, ond y dyddiad amcangyfrifedig newydd ar gyfer ei gwblhau fydd mis Tachwedd nawr.
Gobeithiwn y bydd pethau wedi dychwelyd i normal yn 2027.

An update from the contractors about the Sappers Bridge project. Estimated opening date is now some time in November.
08/08/2026

An update from the contractors about the Sappers Bridge project. Estimated opening date is now some time in November.

Received a lovely welcome and a panad from the team at St Grwst's Church, Llanrwst this morning when I dropped off a flo...
03/07/2026

Received a lovely welcome and a panad from the team at St Grwst's Church, Llanrwst this morning when I dropped off a floral display for the Flower Festival. The Festival continues over Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th, 9.30am - 5pm.

05/06/2026

Some drone footage of the new footbridge being built next to St Michael's. We can't wait for it to open, and for the 'new lychgate' to be brought back into use and our churchyard to fully open. Oh, and Old Church Road to be available for parking and the contractors to leave!

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What3words: Exams. Travels. Hence, Ffordd Hen Eglwys/Old Church Road
Betws-y-coed
LL240AL

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