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The campsite was very soggy and rainy. There was a stream running by the side, which was pleasant. There was a small and basic play area with equipment for young, not yet disabled, children. Washing facilities were kept clean and there was a pay phone. There were issues with inconsiderate dog owners including the warden and with ableism. The WiFi worked, but not to the extent that it was usable for anything other than checking e-mail.
The surrounding area was not for me- spoilt by dogs taking up the pavements, making disabled people walk in the road and dogs on beaches, off leads, flouting the seasonal dog ban. Much ableism existed in the area e. G. Disabled people not being able to book the Snowdon Mountain Railway online, whilst not yet disabled people could.
Humans pay to camp, dogs do not. Some dog owners allowed their dogs to bark after 11pm and before 7am. Others allowed them to bark early, late and throughout the day. Dog owners took their dogs to walk around the site, meet and bark at each other, early in the morning. I disagree that dogs wanting to bark at 8. 10am should take priority over paying humans who would appreciate a lie in on holiday after working hard all year. I saw dogs being allowed to pee on pitches where people will pitch their tents. Even the warden walked his dog around the site allowing it to bark and left it outside of his caravan to bark at people when they walked past his caravan in order to gain access to the facilities block- he did not set a good example to dog owners staying on the site.
People with impairments are not treated as equal to those who are not yet disabled, even at Bala, where it is claimed that there are 'dedicated accessible facilities'. For example the facilities block at Bala. Disabled people are segregated, as opposed to the whole block having been designed taking their needs into account. This segregation can be embarrassing for people with conditions and impairments and lead people to consider disabled people as different and to then treat them differently i. E. Less favourably. The dishwashing and launderette rooms required going up a step and the sinks were all at the same height. The payphone cubicle was inaccessible. The washing lines provided were high and there was a notice requesting campers to only use those (although this was not enforced). The mother and baby room was in the women's toilets and showers and was therefore inaccessible to disabled parents. People's individual differences had not been taken into account. Disabled people pay the same as others to use the site but, depending on conditions(s) and impairment(s), would not have been able to access the same variety of facilities- everyone has to wash up don't they?
This is a follow up to my review from August of last year.
Granddaughter (aged 9) and I stayed at this fabulous site for 3 nights (Thursday to Sunday) in half term week.
We received a warm welcome on arrival and an apology for the lack of any choice of pitch - and were then shown to what must be the best pitch on the site! It was perfect for us being next to the stream at the far end of the site. A bit of a walk to the facilities for some but as it is quite a compact site that wasn't a problem for us.
In my previous review I commented that the grass was a little long. That wasn't the case on this visit, the grass was trimmed to perfection.
As before the toilets, showers, washing up area, etc were immaculate. The hand basins and taps are so clean and shiny I'm sure they must be polished every hour!
We chose Bala partly because it is within driving distance of Chester Zoo where we went on a lovely sunny day. It was very nice, plenty to do and see. I can't comment on value for money as we used our Gold Cards for Colchester Zoo to obtain free entry but I'd guess it isn't cheap.
On our other full day we visited Beddgelert where we walked to the Lake and on up across the hillside. It was quite a challenging walk, some steep rocky sections, but very rewarding with stunning views.
I cannot praise the Bala camp site highly enough, for us it is perfect. My granddaughter loves it and has asked if we can go again and stay longer next time and I'm more than happy to agree to that!
We stayed in the Readycamp tents which we thought was fantastic especially camping with small children had everything you needed for a relaxing weekend. The site itself was beautiful well cared for and maintained.
Our critisim of this campsite was the inability to allow children to play ball games. We accepted the request to only play using a soft ball, then we were told this was not allowed. The whole idea of camping with the family was to mix and play outdoor games. The outdoor play area provided consisted on one swing, baby swing and a slide not something to keep children entertained for long periods of time. Also this area was located next to the dog walking area and chemical toilet disposal area which was open and could be accessed by the children.
A great place to stay for adults but wouldn't recommend for families.
The site is in the countryside down a narrow lane a few miles outside Bala town and even further from the lake. The road into Bala isn’t suitable for pedestrians. The wardens were warm and welcoming and pitches were fine. After previously staying at Premier Parks sites the washing and shower facilities were quite a disappointment. Although clean, they were cold, old-fashioned and basic.
The grey-water dumping station was a strange design, really only suitable for either small campervans or motorhomes with a central valve and high ground clearance. We were told that this is due for revision, as the site was originally intended for caravans.
There is a small area for dogs’ essentials but this isn’t big enough for anything but that. There was no information on any sheep-free walks or footpaths for dog-owners.
Despite the members’ discount this is not particularly price-competitive.
We agree with the wardens’ recommendation of the Bryntirion Inn for the best food around, and it’s dog-friendly. It is, however, a few miles away cross-country.
Glanllyn is situated on the shore of Lake Bala in Wales. 16 acres of natural parkland and spectacular views of nearby hills and mountains make it an idyllic spot to pitch a caravan, motorhome, tent or campervan with level grass or hardstanding pitches. For water sports enthusiasts there is a private shingle beach with easy launching area for windsurfing, sailing, kayaking, fishing and paddle boarding. Camp shop, wifi, laundrette, excellent heated toilet & shower facilities. The market town of Bala is 3 miles away with plenty of small shops, pubs & retaurants, cinema and a leisure centre. Find out more here
Lovely, flat site in a beautiful location. Wardens friendly and helpful. We were offered a choice of pitch but having started to set up realised the one chosen wasn't ideal for us. Not only did the wardens readily agree to us moving to another pitch but they helped us to take the kit that was out of the car over to the new location.
On arrival I was concerned that there wouldn't be enough showers for the amount of visitors but in the week we were there I never had to queue. Showers, toilets, washing up area etc are immaculate.
My only minor gripe is that the grass was a little longer than on some other sites. I would have preferred it shorter as it seemed to be permanently wet (and we didn't have much rain).
8 year old granddaughter was happy with the playground.
I'm guilty of seeing very little of the immediate area as we went out to places further afield. Snowdon, Caernarfon Castle, Portmeirion, Barmouth, Rhosneigr and Beaumaris are all lovely to visit.
The Co-op in Bala carries an excellent range of groceries.
We loved the site and got the friendliest of welcomes and as much help as we asked for. The site is extremely clean, neat and tidy, the showers and other shared facilities were spotless. The whole site is well spaced and surrounded by trees with a fenced off stream to one side. There is a dog paddock for the usual doggy needs but sadly no really good walks nearby. The local pub is the The Bryntirion Inn where you will get the warmest of welcomes and a great meal at a reasonable price. Bala, like many small towns and has no big supermarket but the local shops are great, small cafes abound and we can highly recommend the butchers. The site is well located for local attractions being central to many but in Wales things are spread out so you can expect a 15 to 20 mile drive to get to many of them. Well worth a visit and we will return.
Lovely peaceful site set in countryside a few miles from Bala. Friendly and helpful Wardens. Toilets and showers not the most modern but spotlessly clean at all times and the rest of the site well kept. Tiny dog walk although public footpaths across farm land close by (unfortunately closed when we were there as electricity board were working)Two swings and slide set on safety rubber matting for younger children, probably not enough to keep older children entertained. Small supplies of groceries in site shop but that did include Milk, locally made sausages, bacon and eggs. We had a fair bit of rain when we were there but the pitches didn't flood although ground a bit soft but not a problem. Both electric and non-electric pitches. Caravan towing to site easy.
A reasonable sized CoOp and Spar in Bala plus various takeaways/eat in restaurants both Indian and Chinese. Good local pubs, the Eagles Inn and Bryntirion Inn (both tested-good food. Various watersports on Lake Bala and lots to do if you don't mind a drive. Black Rock sands beach-miles of sand and dunes. Black Rock Llamas-take them for a walk, over jumps and feed them-they were very well behaved(no spitting) and the owner was very interesting. Various steam railways in all areas. Llangollen-Aqueduct, Horseshoe Falls, Horse Drawn Canal Boat rides. Betws-y-Coed - Lots of Outdoor/Walking/Camping Shops and a few nice gift shops Lovely Walk along the river to Swallow Falls (waterfall) Snowdon (of course) walked up Llanberis path and back down Miners Track, pretty hard going, took us 7 hours with lunch break but good views at top. Precipice Walk (near Dolgellau)a lake and mountainside walk, good views out to coast. Portmeirion-interesting architecture, a seconds shop if you want to buy any crockery. Glassblobbery (near Bala)- fascinating watching a glass fish being made, lots of handmade glass items for sale. Lake Vyrnwy-pretty area to walk with nice picnic area, craft shop and a waterfall walk. There is lots more to do besides all this so a good area to visit
We only planned to stay a couple of days at this Bala site, but we ended up staying all week. We had stayed before for a couple of days a few years ago so we knew it is a good site in a lovely location, near to Bala and good routes into most of North Wales. Husband is ticking Nuttalls (= mountains) & exploring mines so we were travelling around the area.
The campsite facilities are very good. Hot showers, clean toilets with good supply of toilet paper, well-stocked shop, well-cut grass, pretty flowerbeds & no litter. Lots of families were enjoying the site but not too noisy & all very friendly.
Only complaint - despite having the prime pitch near to the shop & wifi pole, the SiteWiFi was not very good or reliable. We bought 3 x day vouchers for the wifi, and ended up ringing the SiteWiFi people to complain as the service was not good. They said it was being repaired. We know it is a rural area so broadband is often less reliable, but we had hoped for better. The campsite staff were helpful on the issue but not at fault as it is the company who runs the system.
I hope to be back to this campsite soon, to visit Bala again, to eat at the Courthouse restaurant, to buy good steak from the local butcher, & relax in the cafes.
What a cracking site! Flat open pitches (make sure you state you are using an awning as some of pitches are tarmac and not suitable for and awnings. Facilities warm, clean as per club standards. Not in the town of Bala but just a short 5 minute drive in. Is central for most of the attractions and no more than an hour from most of them (Ffestiniog railway, Snowdon etc)Very friendly and most helpful staff. There are some very good walks straight from or within a short distance of the site and sailing and fishing is available on the lake. T. V not good. Wish we lived nearer so we could use this site more often.
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Common Questions
Is Bala Camping And Caravanning Club Site child friendly? YES, it accepts children & has a playground View all facilities
Is Bala Camping And Caravanning Club Site dog friendly? YES View all facilities
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
All reviews and comments are the personal opinion of the review author only , and as such do not represent the view of the UK Camp Site.co.uk.
The facilities shown on this website are a guide only, and you should check with the campsite direct before making any booking. The UKCampsite.co.uk will not be held responsible for any errors or omissions
Tent Pitches 
Caravan Pitches 
Motorhome Pitches 
Small Campervans 
Glamping Units 
No Statics for Hire 
No Statics for Sale 
Seasonal Pitches 
Electric Hookups 
Hardstanding Pitches 
No Fully Serviced Pitches 
Families Welcome 
Not Members Only 
No Rallies 
Not Naturist Site 
Dogs Welcome 
No Dogs Allowed 
Groups Welcome 
Toilet Facilities 
Hot Showers 
Washing Up 
No Bathroom 
Baby Changing Facilities 
Laundry On Site 
Drinking Water 
Disabled Friendly 
Chemical Disposal 
No Battery Charging 
Gas Exchange 
No Recycling Facilities 
No Kitchen Facilities 
No Freezer / Fridge 
Motorhome Point 
Wifi Access 
No Shop 
Bar <5 miles 
Restaurant or Cafe or Takeaway <5 miles 
Kids Playground 
No TV Room 
No Games Room 
No Evening Ents 
No Fishing 
No Wild Swimming 
No Indoor Pool 
No Outdoor Pool 
No Horse Riding 
No Cycle Hire 
No Golf 
No Tennis 
No Beach 
No Watersports 
No Boat Launch 
No Sea Views 
Not Working Farm 
No Campfires Allowed 
No Waterside Pitches 
Public Transport <5 miles
Offroad Dog Walk On Site or Direct Access 
The campsite was very soggy and rainy. There was a stream running by the side, which was pleasant. There was a small and basic play area with equipment for young, not yet disabled, children. Washing facilities were kept clean and there was a pay phone. There were issues with inconsiderate dog owners including the warden and with ableism. The WiFi worked, but not to the extent that it was usable for anything other than checking e-mail. 
