Attractions in Bala

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Things to see and do in Bala

Llyn Tegid (Bala Lake)

The largest natural lake in Wales starts right at the edge of town. Walk along the foreshore at the northern end for the classic view down the lake to the Aran mountains, watch the sailing dinghies, or get out on the water yourself (see our Adventure page and our watersports guide). Llyn Tegid is the only natural home of the gwyniad, a rare whitefish left behind after the last Ice Age.

Bala Lake Railway

The narrow-gauge Bala Lake Railway (Rheilffordd Llyn Tegid) runs about 4.5 miles along the lake between Bala (Pen-y-bont) station and Llanuwchllyn, a return trip of around 9 miles. Trains run on selected days from spring to autumn, with Halloween and Santa specials, so check the timetable before you go.

Tomen y Bala

This grassy castle mound close to the High Street is older than the town itself. Llywelyn the Great destroyed the castle on top in 1202, and today a short climb gives one of the best views over Bala and the lake.

Mary Jones Pilgrim Centre, Llanycil

On the lake shore just outside town, the former church of St Beuno at Llanycil is now Canolfan Pererin Mary Jones (the Mary Jones Pilgrim Centre). It tells the story of Mary Jones, who in 1800 walked about 26 miles to Bala to buy a Welsh Bible from the Rev. Thomas Charles, and of the Bible Society that followed. Thomas Charles is buried in the churchyard. The centre reopened in 2024 after refurbishment; check opening times before visiting.

The High Street and its statues

Bala’s wide High Street (Stryd Fawr) still follows the medieval town plan. Look for the 1903 statue of Thomas Edward Ellis MP by Sir William Goscombe John, and the 1875 statue of Thomas Charles outside Capel Tegid.

Llyn Celyn and Capel Celyn

A few miles north-west on the A4212, the Llyn Celyn reservoir drowned the village of Capel Celyn in 1965 to supply water to Liverpool. The flooding became a defining moment in modern Welsh history, and a memorial chapel stands at the north-west end of the lake. The dam also feeds the Afon Tryweryn, home of the National White Water Centre.

Palé Hall

Queen Victoria stayed at this Victorian mansion near Llandderfel in 1889. Today it is a five-star hotel and restaurant. Read about Palé Hall and its history.

Mountains and walks

Aran Benllyn and Aran Fawddwy rise south of the lake, and Arenig Fawr to the west, with gentler paths along the shore and around town. Our local guide to things to do in Bala has more walks and day trips, and Bala in winter covers the quieter months.

Plan your trip

See getting to Bala for routes, buses and parking, find a base on our accommodation page, and somewhere for lunch on our eat and drink page.

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