Bala Holiday Cottages
Bala is set right in the heart of Eryri (Snowdonia) amongst mountains, rivers and lakes. Walking, white water rafting, cycling, sailing, canoeing, kayaking are readily available and the town itself has a great range of restaurants, pubs and cafes, catering for all tastes.
BALA
Surrounded by big mountain landscapes and within easy reach of many of the region’s most popular attractions, you’ll find beautiful Bala at the heart of Eryri (Snowdonia) in North Wales.
Famously home to the largest natural lake in Wales, Llyn Tegid (Lake Bala), Bala is surrounded by picture-perfect landscapes and superb local walking and cycling trails.
There is a wonderful steam train which huffs and puffs up and down the lakeside, and you can enjoy a whole host of water sports including kayaking, white water rafting, wild swimming, and stand-up paddle boarding.
Things to do in Bala
Head to the National White Water Centre on the nearby River Tryweryn for high-speed rafting, kayaking, and canyoning fun. Bala Watersports, based on the shores of Llyn Tegid, offers canoeing, climbing, abseiling, sailing, archery, and mountain biking adventures.
A walk along the shores of Llyn Tegid is a must-do when you’re visiting Bala. Opt for a circular walk around the lake, or a shorter linear walk using a local bus service (Llanuwchllyn-Bala) or the Bala Lake Railway for return transport.
The steam engines of Bala Lake Railway offer a delightful 9-mile return journey alongside Llyn Tegid, with gorgeous views of the lake and the surrounding mountain landscapes. Trains are seasonal so check the website to plan your visit.
You can explore heroic Welsh history at the nearby village of Corwen, the ancestral home of Owain Glyndwr, the last native-born prince of Wales. Check into the Amgueddfa Corwen Museum to find out more about Wales’s national hero.
And don’t miss exploring Bala itself! A thriving market town, Bala is home to some great independent shops, restaurants, and cafés.
Off the beaten track ideas:
Climb up Rhobell Fawr – step away from the crowds. This rarely visited summit between Bala and Dolgellau will reward you with peace, solitude, and some of the finest views in Wales. Cader Idris, Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), Crib Goch, and Tryfan are all visible from its summit, as are waters of Cardigan Bay and the Irish Sea beyond. 15 miles from Bala.
Visit the highest garden in the land – at over 1,000ft above sea level, Caerau Uchaf in the tiny village of Sarnau is the highest private garden open to visitors. Expect sweeping woodland paths, bold colourful planting, and wonderful panoramic views. There is an adventure playground for children and an excellent café serving garden-grown produce and delicious home-baked cakes and biscuits. Well worth a visit. 4 miles from Bala.
You’ll find Bala at the heart of the Welsh lake district, between the peaks of Eryri and the wild moorland beauty of the Berwyn mountains. Bala is more or less midway between Llangollen (21 miles) and Dolgellau (18 miles).
There’s plenty of choice for high street shopping and foodie treats. If you like to sample local brews on your holidays, head to Stori Beers & Wines on the High Street for an impressive selection of Welsh ales and gins. The Rhug Estate Organic Farm Shop and bistro – around 11 miles from Bala – is well worth a visit if you want to stock up with some of the region’s best produce.
The highest summit in Wales is around 30 miles from Bala. Plan your route up Yr Wyddfa by downloading the Snowdon Walks app, which covers the six main routes up, with detailed maps and a live progress tracker.
