8 things to see and do around Bala Lake

Bala Lake in Gwynedd is the largest natural lake in Wales at just over 3.5 miles long and in some places is up to 140 feet deep. The lake is set in some of the most breath-taking mountain scenery you’ll find in Wales. Kids and adults alike will love the range of activities and other things to do in the area.

1. Bala Lake Railway

The railway at Bala Lake is a wonderful 9 mile journey that runs along the lake and through the breath-taking Snowdonia National Park giving wonderful views of the natural surroundings. The train leaves from Llanuwchllyn station, travels to the outskirts of Bala 4.5 miles away and then returns back to Llanuwchllyn. Visitors can watch the steam locomotives being serviced before they get on board and watch the Victorian signal box being used. There are good facilities at the station including toilets, car parking and refreshments. A family ticket is around £23. Don’t miss the chance to experience a charming train ride through some stunning scenery.

2. National Whitewater Centre

Situated on the River Tryweryn near Bala is the National Whitewater Centre is a must for adventure thrill seekers. The centre offers a range of courses in white water rafting, canoeing and kayaking. Ideal for families, the Tryweryn Raft Safari is suitable for children as young as 10 years old and takes you on an exploration of the river where you are likely to see various wildlife and face some challenging (but not too dangerous!) rapids. The rafts can hold up to 5 people and all children must be accompanied by an adult. Prices are £44 per person and the session lasts approximately 2 hours. There are more advanced courses on offer for teenagers and adults.

3. Caerau Uchaf Gardens

The Caerau Uchaf Gardens is the highest private garden open to the public in North Wales sitting at 1000ft. The owners of this hidden gem are Toby and Stephanie Hickish who decided to build the gardens as a project ‘on the side’ of their garden design business. There’s an outdoor playground, trampoline and a willow maze for kids to enjoy. The attraction is simple, extremely tranquil and has a wonderfully comfortable café serving excellent food that is a delight to visit especially on a rainy day.

4. Portmeirion

The popular and picturesque village of Portmeirion just a 45 minute drive from Bala Lake is a unique place full of colourful houses mixed with beautiful Italian architecture, statues, water fountains and stunning gardens. The village plays host to a number of concerts and other entertaining performances and events throughout the year including Portmeirion Food & Crafts Festival and provides a wonderful escape from the norm. There are excellent place to eat and shop. A family ticket is around £15 but only £10 if you buy online!

5. King Arthur's Labyrinth

Around 40 minutes from Bala Lake is King Arthur's Labyrinth a mysterious underground attraction where visitors can enjoy a boat ride through waterfalls and caverns and be taken back 1000 years to the Dark Ages. You will learn all about King Arthur and other Welsh myths and legends with the help of your tour guide. Through spectacular dramatic lighting and sounds effects the stories of the past truly come alive. Tickets are £8.95 for adults and £5.95 for children and there’s a café and play area on site. The attraction is closed during the winter months.

6. Llechwedd Slate Caverns

The Llechwedd Slate Caverns are located around 45 minutes from Bala Lake and is a great attraction suitable for all ages. Visitors can descend almost 500 feet underground via Europe’s steepest mining cable railway into the Deep Mine where you can learn what life was like for mine workers 170 years ago. There’s a fascinating light and sound show as you travel through 10 breath-taking caverns and eventually reach the subterranean river further underground. There’s also a great play area for the younger children, a Victorian sweetshop and a mini miner’s trail as well as other fun activities and workshops. Prices are £10.50 for adults and £8.50 for children. The slate caverns are closed on various days through the year; it is advised to see their website for further information if you plan on a visit.

7. Fishing

For the anglers out there, Bala Lake provides ample opportunities to go fishing. The lake has 14 species of fish including perch, pike, trout, eels and salmon and so provides a variety of options for fishing. You could go fly fishing on fast mountain streams, coarse or trout fishing and even sea fishing on the coast meaning there is something for every type of angler here during at any time of the year. Anglers can find more information through the Bala and District Angling Association (BDAA).

8. Canolfan Cywain Centre

The Canolfan Cywain Centre is the rural heritage centre for Bala and lies just outside the village. Here visitors can see a number of exhibitions of artwork by some of Wales’ finest artists and craftsmen that celebrate rural skills. The centre is also home to a variety of performances and events such food festivals and falconry displays so there really is something for everyone. The centre has an exciting play area to keep the little ones entertained and a great café serving delicious food and drink - a wonderful place to relax and enjoy some stunning views too.

The area around Bala Lake provides a number of fun and interesting things to do. There are also some great walking and cycling routes you could take, and a hike up to the ruins of Carndochan Castle is definitely recommended. If you enjoy water sports there are many companies around the lake offering sailing courses, canoe and kayak hire and tuition. There are some excellent camping facilities around the lake so a visit to this stunning part of Wales is not to be missed!