Bala

Travel Guide

Photo by Joan Berry
Photo by Linda Chambers
Photo by Linda Chambers
Photo by Linda Chambers
Photo by Linda Chambers
Bala is a tiny markettown in Gwynedd,Wales.The town lies at the northern end of the famous BalaLake, the largest lake in Wales, and is part of theWelsh Lake District in Snowdonia.

Sport in Bala

No self-respecting Welsh town would be without a rugbyteam, and Bala’s is BalaRFC, a member of the Welsh Rugby Union and a feeder club for theLlanelli Scarlets, who play at theMaes Gwyniad ground. The town also has a footballteam, Bala Town FC, who play in the Welsh PremierLeague at the Maes Tegid Stadium.

Shopping in Bala

The main street in Balais Y Stryd Fawr, or the High Street, which is where most of the shops are, andwhere the markets were originally held. Almost all of the shops in the town areindependent traders, selling everything from fresh meat and local produce toclothes, hardware, electrical goods, fishing supplies, cards and gifts,confectionery, arts and crafts, and more.

Food and Drink in Bala

For such a small town,Bala offers plenty of choice when it comes to placesto eat and drink. From upmarket restaurants to traditional inns and lakesidecafes, you are sure to find something to excite your taste buds, whether youwant to try traditional Welsh dishes, fish and chips, or contemporary cuisinemade from fresh local produce.

Things to See and Do In and Around Bala

There are plenty of leisure activities available inBala and its surroundings. The area isparticularly good for walking, with many trails at levels of difficulty to suiteveryone from the most casual walker to the most experienced. Other availableactivities include white-water rafting, kayaking, sailing, fishing, cycling,mountain biking, golf, bowling, go-karting, and off-road driving. The RiverTryweryn is world famous for white-water rafting andBala is home to the National WhiteWater Centre.

There are many nature reserves and woodlands aroundBala. Bala Lake is aRamsar wetlands site of international importance, Penllyn Woods is an area ofwoodland and moorland around Bala, and AberhirnantForest and Penaran Forest can be found to the east and west ofBala respectively. The Migneint-Arenig-DdualltSpecial Area of Conservation is an area of mountains and moorland to the westand north-west of Bala, while theBerwyn Mountains, which lie to the east andnorth-east of Bala, include both aNational Nature Reserve and a Site of SpecialScientific Interest. Lastly, the Cors y Sarnau NatureReserve, to the north-east of Bala,is an important wetlands habitat.

The Bala Lake Railway isa narrow gauge steam railway that offers a nine-mile return journey alongsideBala Lake through the beautiful scenery ofSnowdonia National Park.

Tomen y Bala is an 11thCentury Norman earthworks mound or motte, while a similar mound at Pen-y-Bontis the remains of a 13th century motte and bailey castle. Castell Carndochan isa ruined Welsh medieval castle sitting on a rocky crag that can only be visitedby a strenuous walk.

White Lion Royal Hotel

White Lion Royal Hotel

3.5 out of 5
High Street, Bala, Bala, Wales
The price is P5,445 per night from Aug 11 to Aug 12
P5,445
P6,534 total
Aug 11 - Aug 12
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star beach hotel in Bala. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (321 reviews)

Reviewed on Jul 29, 2025

White Lion Royal Hotel
Plas Coch Hotel

Plas Coch Hotel

3 out of 5
52-52 HIGH STREET, Bala, Wales
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Bala. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
7.8/10 Good! (111 reviews)
"Had another comfortable 2 night stay. Very friendly staff"

Reviewed on Jul 25, 2025

Plas Coch Hotel
Plas Yn Dre

Plas Yn Dre

5 out of 5
23 High street, Bala, Wales
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P9,248 per night from Aug 15 to Aug 16
P9,248
P11,097 total
Aug 15 - Aug 16
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Bala. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (284 reviews)
Great for visiting Bala
"Overnight stay with family. Returning visit as great location and good food on site. Friendly welcome, clean and comfortable room. On site parking is convenient."

Reviewed on Aug 1, 2025

Plas Yn Dre
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
The Fanny Talbot

The Fanny Talbot

3 out of 5
High Street, Barmouth, Wales
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Barmouth. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and housekeeping. Popular attractions Ty Crwyn and Barmouth Beach are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (41 reviews)
Very happy
"Super clean, super nice. Very helpful staff. Especially if you need to call ahead for anything. Would definitely recommend. Super close to everything in barmouth too."

Reviewed on Aug 1, 2025

The Fanny Talbot
Lodge House

Lodge House

3 out of 5
Rhiw Goch Inn, Trawsfynydd, Blaenau Ffestiniog, Wales
Stay at this 3-star vacation home in Blaenau Ffestiniog. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Eryri National Park and Llyn Gelli-Gain ...
Lodge House
Conwy Valley Cottages

Conwy Valley Cottages

4 out of 5
Tan y Bryn, Hen Efail, Tyn y Groes, Conwy, Wales
Stay at this 4-star golf cottage in Conwy. Enjoy free parking, WiFi (surcharge), and a garden. Popular attractions Conwy Castle and Conwy Water Gardens are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (8 reviews)
First Class
"Every single thing was simply first class, the surroundings were beautiful, peaceful and with the company of friendly peacocks, what more could you ask for? Neil was also welcoming and very friendly."

Reviewed on Jul 18, 2025

Conwy Valley Cottages
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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