A quaint tea room has been described as “straight out of a fairy tale.”
Nestled amidst the lush Conwy Valley, Tu Hwnt I’r Bont is one of North Wales’ most enchanting tea rooms.
Perched on the outskirts of Llanrwst, near the gateway to Snowdonia, this charming spot translates to ‘Beyond the Bridge’, aptly named for its location adjacent to the historic Inigo Jones bridge. The building itself predates the bridge, having been erected in 1470, and boasts a grade II listing.
Once serving as a courthouse, it’s now under the stewardship of the National Trust, who have leased it out for over half a century.
Tu Hwnt I’r Bont was lovingly converted into a tea room many years ago and has since become an iconic destination. On a personal note, I ventured there with friends during a stay in Conwy, but for those travelling from Liverpool, it’s a mere 90-minute drive, reports the Liverpool Echo.
Upon arrival, parking at the rear, we were drawn immediately to the Inigo Jones bridge for that quintessential view of the tea room. To me, the building, with its Virginia Creeper-clad facade, epitomised a scene from a storybook.
The creeper’s seasonal transformation is a sight to behold lush green in the warmer months, shifting to a fiery red come autumn. It’s a spectacle that beckons a return visit to capture the essence of each season.
You can also venture to the other side of the bridge for another picturesque view of the tea room. During our visit, we spotted several photographers capturing the idyllic scene.
Tim Maddox, who previously ran the site, last year described the tea room to North Wales Live as “the most photographed building in Wales.”
The landmark has garnered significant attention over the years for its beauty and even featured in a 2014 edition of The Beano.
If you approach closer to the tea room, you can spot the tiny white wooden windows peeking out through the foliage. We took a peek inside and it felt like stepping into a bygone era.
The tea room is adorned with vintage trinkets and boasts a low ceiling, where you can admire the detail of the exposed wooden beams. Unfortunately, we didn’t have much time to linger, so we sat outside and enjoyed a coffee, but I found myself envying those dining around us.
The menu offers a wide selection and even includes a Welsh High Tea, which can be upgraded to include prosecco.
You can also indulge in a variety of sandwiches, jacket potatoes and sweet treats, as well as homemade Welsh rarebit and Bara brith. For me, Tu Hwnt I’r Bont is a destination in itself, but there’s also plenty to explore nearby.
Visitors can explore the market town of Llanrwst, or take a short drive to Rhaeadr Y Parc Mawr, also known as the Grey Mares Tail waterfall. Alternatively, a few minutes away lies the charming village of Betws-y-Coed, which is well worth a visit.
Throughout the year, North Wales is a favourite destination for Scousers due to its proximity and wealth of attractions, from scenic walks to picturesque villages bustling with local businesses. Adding a stop at Tu Hwnt I’r Bont is highly recommended.
