Bala campsites

The Welsh market town of Bala is located in Gwynedd inside the rural surroundings of Penllyn. If you and the Great Outdoors get along well, Bala will offer you the ideal place to rest and sleep in comfort between trips to scamper through Wales' waterfalls, climb the neighbouring mountains or get to know the wildlife in Penllyn's lakes.

First things first, however, so before getting stuck in to the superb outdoor activities available in the area, take some time to explore the local shops such as the Tan yr Hall Gallery and enjoy a bite to eat in the local cafes or restaurants. Fine ales are served across the area, and don't miss the Aran Hufen La ice cream shop for a taste of something delicious.

One of the main attractions for sightseers is the beautiful Bala Lake (Llyn Tegid in Welsh). This part of the Snowdonia National Park is so popular it's coined the nickname, The Welsh Lake District. The pretty lakeshore is a wonderful place for walks and the Bala Lake Railway will have you taking in the beautiful countryside and the picturesque lake without breaking a sweat.

If getting active sounds appealing, though, you're in a great spot when it comes to watersports. Bala Adventure and Watersports offers exciting kayaking, canoeing and windsurfing, along with fun land-based activities such as mountain biking, archery, abseiling and rock climbing.

The Afon Tryweryn, fed from a source that runs through Bala, is a major white water kayaking river, known internationally. No wonder then that theNational Whitewater Centre has its home in Bala, making this an ideal place to conquer the river.

If you're keen to take to the roads on two wheels, there are breathtaking routes over high mountain passes, such as Bwlch y Groes (at a height of 545m). Or to pound the cobwebs out of your mountain bike, trails are on your doorstep. 

Located not far from Bala is the activity provider Wild Walks Wales which offers rock climbing and abseiling as well as excellent guided walking tours in stunning Snowdonia's surroundings.

Get Wet The Adventure Company will keep your heart racing with rafting, a high ropes course, paintball and gorge walking. From families to stag and hen weekends to groups of friends, there's something to suit all outdoorsy visitors.

Nature lovers will enjoy exploring the nearby Caerau Uchaf Gardens and striking Pistyll Rhaeadr waterfall. Top that off with a visit to the Mary Jones World visitor centre which tells the story of one girl's journey over 26 miles to buy a bible, and how it changed Welsh history. The towns of Porthmadog, Harlech and Barmouth are also enticing options for day trips from Bala.