St Michael's Old Church
About
The oldest building in Betws-y-Coed, a 14th-century church on the bank of the Conwy, across the tracks about a hundred metres east of the station. It was the parish church until St Mary's was built on Holyhead Road in 1873, was declared redundant in 2000, and is now looked after by the Friends of St Michael's, who still hold two services a year, normally on St Michael's Day, 29 September, and a candlelit carol service at Christmas. Inside is the over-life-size stone effigy of Gruffydd ap Dafydd Goch, a local knight who fought under the Black Prince, and a square font basin that Cadw dates to about 1200. Cadw lists it Grade II*. Free, and normally open 10:00 to 17:00 daily from Easter to the end of October.
Photos
Highlights
- ✓Oldest building in the village, 14th century
- ✓Effigy of Gruffydd ap Dafydd Goch, about 1370 to 1380 per Cadw
- ✓A font basin Cadw dates to about 1200
- ✓Free entry
Tips
- →Open normally 10:00 to 17:00 daily from Easter to the end of October, per the church's own site and the National Churches Trust. At other times the church says a key is normally available from the Conwy Valley Railway Museum next door, depending on the museum's hours.
- →The Friends of St Michael's can be reached on 01492 643526.
Best Season
Accessibility
The church's own site and the National Churches Trust do not describe step-free access; contact the Friends of St Michael's before you visit.
