Holiday rentals in Bala

The small town of Bala sits on Lake Bala/Llyn Tegid, the largest natural lake in Wales, inside Snowdonia National Park. Framed by rolling green hills, Bala is a great jumping-off point for exploring Gwynedd’s spectacular lakes, rivers, waterfalls, forests, and mountains. The waterways around Bala are popular for fishing, canoeing, and rafting, while the mountain forests are ideal for hiking and mountain biking. You’ll find some of the country’s best trail centres and downhill biking courses around Bala. And for keen road cyclists, there are challenging, scenic mountain passes that are excellent for a long bike ride.

This important place in Welsh history and culture is home to castles, museums, and historic estates. The imposing hilltop fortress of Dolwyddelan Castle sits less than an hour to the west, while the Byd Mary Jones World heritage centre just south of town tells the story of a 15-year-old local who forged her own path in 1800. The town also has several impeccably landscaped gardens, as well as cosy cafes, restaurants, and pubs.

Spring is a lovely time of year to visit Bala, when the forests and woodlands are full of blooming wildflowers, and rainfall is relatively low. There can be some lingering snow in the mountains, but it’s still generally warm enough to spend time outdoors. Summer is warm, the days are at their longest, and you can enjoy recreation in the mountains, or drive to Wrexham, where one of the biggest music festivals in North Wales occurs every summer.

While autumn can bring frequent showers, storms, and cooler weather, it also offers spectacular scenery as the mountains around Bala develop rust-coloured hues. Cold weather arrives in winter and often brings snow and sleet. Clear winter days can be incredibly beautiful, and there are plenty of indoor sights and activities to enjoy at this time of year, such as a scenic train ride through Snowdonia National Park or an afternoon at the paint-your-own-pottery studio.

Erddig

In Wrexham, under an hour’s drive from Bala, Erddig is a National Trust-listed stately home and estate that offers a glimpse into life in the 18th century. You can tour the beautifully preserved house from the below-stairs servants’ rooms to the staterooms, most of which feature original furnishings. There’s a garage with vintage cars and a vast 1,200-acre estate with landscaped gardens to explore.

Bala Lake Railway

Bala Lake Railway, or Rheilffordd Llyn Tegid in Welsh, is a historic lakeside railway line that runs between Bala and the nearby village of Llanuwchllyn. This former section of the Great Western Railway was used to transport slate from nearby quarries. Today, you can ride one of the historic ex-quarry steam trains and admire the view of Bala Lake as well as the nearby mountains. The return journey takes around an hour.

Betsi Cadwaladr Trail

There are all kinds of hiking trails around Bala. However, the circular Betsi Cadwaladr Trail, which starts in town, offers a great introduction to Bala’s outdoor scenery. Named after a renowned Welsh military nurse who lived in the area, the trail winds through farmland, moorland, and past Lake Bala. The walk takes about two hours.