Adventure Park Near Betws-y-Coed: Surf Snowdonia’s Site Today
Long-time visitors to the Conwy Valley will remember the wave. For eight years, a two-metre swell peeled across a lagoon the size of six football pitches. Surfers travelled from across the world to ride it. That wave belonged to Surf Snowdonia, and the lagoon has since gone quiet. However, the site itself is far from finished. Today it operates as an adventure park near Betws-y-Coed, and it rewards a visit for an entirely different set of reasons.
The Wave That Put Dolgarrog on the Map
Before it became an adventure park, this stretch of the Conwy Valley made surfing history. In August 2015, engineers from the Spanish company Wavegarden switched on the world’s first commercial inland surf lagoon. Consequently, thousands of visitors arrived within the first fortnight alone. The Wavegarden technology generated a barrelling wave from the centre of a fresh water lagoon. It then dissipated gently at the shore. As a result, beginners and seasoned surfers alike got a reliable, tide-free wave whenever they wanted one.
Alongside the surf lagoon, the original park built its reputation on the Crash and Splash obstacle lagoon. Riders grappled with spinning balls, monkey bars and rope bridges. A catapult blob flung the bravest guests through the air and into the water. Meanwhile, a glass fronted viewing gallery let onlookers watch every wipeout without getting wet. Sadly, mechanical problems grounded the wave machine in 2022. The park then closed altogether in September 2023.
A New Adventure Park Near Betws-y-Coed
Rather than sit empty, the 40 acre site changed hands. After a brief spell as Zip World Conwy, it reopened in September 2025 under new ownership, simply as Adventure Parc. The surf lagoon is gone. In its place, though, sits a genuinely varied adventure park near Betws-y-Coed, with something for most ages and most weather.
Indoors, families can tackle the Ninja Assault course or brave freefall towers up to 12 metres high on the Adrenaline Drop. A 100 metre underground caving maze offers plenty of crawling, climbing and sliding. Ten separate climbing challenges suit nervous first timers and confident climbers equally. Younger children, meanwhile, get their own dedicated soft play area.
Outside, the park runs a High Ropes course, a pump track, a skate bowl and pickleball courts. So there is genuinely something to do whatever the weather brings. Guests wanting to stretch their visit further can even book one of the on site Adventure Pods, rather than heading straight home.
Getting There From Bryn Bella
Because the park sits just off the A470 in the Conwy Valley, reaching it from Betws-y-Coed is straightforward. Both Llanrwst and Betws-y-Coed have their own train stations close by, so a car free day out is entirely possible too. Drivers, meanwhile, benefit from free on site parking. It is worth booking online in advance, particularly at weekends and during school holidays, since individual activities run to their own opening hours. For a fuller day out, our local area guide covers other nearby attractions worth combining with your visit. The wider Eryri National Park also rewards exploring either side of your booked activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Surf Snowdonia still open?
No, the surf lagoon closed permanently in September 2023 after ongoing mechanical failures. The site now operates as Adventure Parc, an indoor and outdoor activity centre.
Can you still surf at the old Surf Snowdonia site?
Not currently. The Wavegarden lagoon is no longer in operation, although the wider site has reopened with a new range of adventure activities instead.
How far is this adventure park near Betws-y-Coed?
The park sits in Dolgarrog, a short journey down the Conwy Valley. You can reach it by car via the A470, or by train to Llanrwst or Betws-y-Coed station.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, advance online booking is recommended, especially at weekends and during school holidays. Some indoor activities also operate on limited days, so it pays to check first.
Is there somewhere to stay nearby?
Yes. Bryn Bella Guest House makes a comfortable base in Betws-y-Coed for a day at this adventure park near Betws-y-Coed. Five ensuite rooms and a warm welcome await at the end of an adventurous day. Get in touch to check availability for your visit.