Our local market town of Bala is set on the shore of Llyn Tegid, the largest natural lake in Wales.
The unspoilt scenery around Bala is truly magnificent, as are the Berwyn, Aran, and Arenig mountain ranges and the numerous villages full of character and history, such as Llandderfel, Llanuwchllyn and Llangywer, which circle the town. With many excellent restaurants and pubs, the area offers warm hospitality and a welcome to visitors.

The town is known as an international centre for watersports. Sailing, windsurfing and canoeing can be enjoyed on the lake and there is excellent fishing in the area. In a nearby valley is another lake, Llyn Celyn, which is entirely artificial. Canoeing competitions and white water rafting are held at the National White Water Centre in Bala downstream from its dam.
Bala has a range of shopping facilities including Monday market, two supermarkets, bakeries, several high-class butchers, chemists, high street banking, and a public library. An excellent comprehensive medical Centre includes Doctors’ surgeries, X-ray facilities, ambulance and full accident and emergency services.

The Narrow Gauge Lake Railway steams along the lakeside to Llanuwchllyn. The area offers a wide choice of activities - walking, climbing, cycling and pony trekking, swimming at the Penllyn Leisure Centre or Ten Pin Bowling at the Urdd multi-activity centre, Glan Llyn. There are two golf courses both overlooking the lake.
Sheep dog trials were first held in Bala. Today trials, agricultural and horticultural shows and traditional corn cutting are held annually around Meirionnydd. The area’s cultural activities can be enjoyed by visitors, including concerts, eisteddfodau, carnivals and the annual festival - Gwyl y Gwyniaid. Details of events and attractions can be obtained from the Tourist Information Centre.
Attractions nearby - Harlech Castle, and Castell y Bere near Tywyn - the latter built by Llywelyn the Great. The industrial heritage is represented in the Vale of Ffestiniog by the slate caverns at Llechwedd, Gloddfa Ganol and Llanfair. The Ffestiniog Narrow Gauge Railway carries numerous visitors each year to Porthmadog. The power stations of Ffestiniog and Trawsfynydd both have visitor centres.

Portmeirion, the Italianate village is also nearby.

To the south, visit the Coed y Brenin Visitor Centre, the Quaker Museum and Welsh Gold at Dolgellau and the working gold mine at Gwynfynydd. Alongside the Craft Centre at Corris is King Arthur’s Labyrinth interpreting the story of King Arthur.
Nearby is the centre for Alternative Technology and at Machynlleth and Celtica introducing the history and culture of the Celtic people.

The Talyllyn Railway runs from Abergynolwyn to Tywyn and the tiny Fairbourne railway carries passengers to catch the ferry to Barmouth.