External Site Reviews

Review by: Kingswood Reviewer's Profile Date of visit: September 2007 Unit used: Touring Caravan

This is one of the best sites we have ever stayed on.

The facilities are excellent and the owners Cate and Peter could not be more helpful. Little touches like the opportunity to order BBQ meat from an excellent local butcher direct from the site shop all add to a great experience.

The site has a really friendly atmosphere and the landscaping gives the site a feeling of space which enhances the peace and quiet.

Go and try this little gem and see for yourself.

Date of visit: July 2007 Unit used: Touring Caravan

This is beautiful site. It is a short walk from Bala lake, and about 10 minutes walk from the town.There is a nice pizza restaurant there, worth a visit.The staff on siteare very friendly and helpful. The pitches are a good size and are well marked out. The site shop is great, and stocks all you need.The BBQ meat ordering service is excellent! The toilets and showers were clean and had plenty of hot water.The site was full when we were there, although it didn't feel cramped at all. No children's play area, but that was not a problem, as there was space to run around! Dish~washing sinks were also good. Will go back next year.

Review by: Anna williams Reviewer's Profile Date of visit: July 2007 Unit used: Touring Caravan

Just returned home from yet another brilliant stay at Pen y Bont.

Our touring caravan is beginning to know its way there!
Pitches are flat and we stayed on a fully serviced one this time, even had its own pitch light!

The hard standing was slate/shale and once our pegs had been knocked in the awning was secure, which was a good job because we had gales on our first night. The Owners Kate and Peter greeted us by name, you do not get that personal touch at many places these days.

We stayed for a fortnight during which time we never had to queue for the showers nor toilets[free hot water as well], all of which were spotlessly clean. The site was quite full with campers, but they all seemed to have plenty of space and there was none of that noise that you'd expect.

A lovely site, quiet, well groomed, friendly atmosphere and a warm welcome what more could you ask for?

My wife and I thoroughly recommend this site for those wanting a relaxing holiday amidst some of the most beautiful scenery in Wales.

Review by: EricaV Reviewer's Profile Date of visit: August 2007 Unit used: Touring Caravan

Just came back from our visit to this campsite, and really enjoyed our stay! Owners are very friendly, and know a lot about the surrounding area. They’ve given us great advice on what to visit during our stay. What helped is that Bala lies close to most of the attractions, giving you great opportunities to explore all of North Wales. Back to the campsite: our pitch was quite spacious, given that we had a caravan and an awning and still had plenty of space to sit in the sun in front of our tent. The site is calm and peaceful, as there are not a lot of small children running around. Toilet blocks were very clean. All in all, a wonderful campsite!

Review by: Ickleorla Reviewer's Profile Date of visit: August 2007 Unit used: Tent

Stayed on this Campsite for 3 nights. Yes the campsite is hilly but we didn't have any trouble in our tent. The toilet block was brilliant - free hot showers and 20p to use a hairdryer. I didn't hear much road noise and dogs were no trouble while we stayed.

It is a beautiful park and not too big so you have a real feel of being part of a community. The owners are very friendly and nothing is too much bother - everything you need is sold in the shop and there is other stuff that they get in to order. We stayed at the height of the season and it did not feel at all packed even though it was full (and there were people on the cancellation list!).

As for price it was cheaper than other sites in Snowdonia that we had researched (that had good reviews) - our 4 man tent was £13 per night.

It was so good we are planning our next trip! Highly Commended.

Just came back from our visit to this campsite, and really enjoyed our stay! Owners are very friendly, and know a lot about the surrounding area. They’ve given us great advice on what to visit during our stay. What helped is that Bala lies close to most of the attractions, giving you great opportunities to explore all of North Wales. Back to the campsite: our pitch was quite spacious, given that we had a caravan and an awning and still had plenty of space to sit in the sun in front of our tent. The site is calm and peaceful, as there are not a lot of small children running around. Toilet blocks were very clean. All in all, a wonderful campsite!

Review by: Severus Reviewer's Profile Date of visit: July 2007 Unit used: Tent

Just back from 2 weeks at this site. Unfortunately (due to the somewhat inclement weather we have had recently) our pitch was reminiscent of Glastonbury! Luckily the owners were very friendly and helpful and came to pack underneath our groundsheet with bark chippings (twice - the first lot sank!)

Despite this, we still had a very enjoyable stay. The showers were always immaculate with lots of lovely free hot water, and the shop was handy for basic requirements. They even helped us out late one evening when we had a punctured airbed emergency!

The drawbacks for us were:

1. No play area for the children which meant that they ran around the tents noisily with footballs, frisbees etc.

2. Because our family tent is a large one, we were placed on an EHU pitch (we don't use it), and this meant putting up with Emmerdale, Eastenders, The Bill, Coronation Street and Big Brother very loudly from the saddo's next to us!

Bala itself is a lovely little town, and the whitewater rafting centre nearby is FANTASTIC! We did find, however, that we did a lot of driving to get to places of interest because other than the lake, there did not seem to be a great deal to do
in this area for our family.

* We can recommend climbing Cadair Idris. BRILLIANT mountain with superb views, and even our children (aged 7 and 9) managed it and said they enjoyed it!

Review by: Rees+wendy Reviewer's Profile Date of visit: August 2007 Unit used: Touring Caravan

We have been using this site for long weekends for many years and we have nothing but praise for it! The owners Cate & Pete are always very helpful and friendly. The toilet/shower block is always very clean and tidy .Also the waste disposal and
water points are very near where ever you are on the site.There is a swimming pool and gym within walking distance of the site. Going again soon!
 

Review by: Chapelp Reviewer's Profile Date of visit: July 2007 Unit used: Folding Camper

Lovely site, stayed 8 days, although not seen in the best of weathers. Understandably drainage was as hindrance around our pitch. Owners where very accommodating & full of local knowledge . Toilet block is great. Unfortunately the laundry faculties were out of service for most of our stay. Lake & Bala town both within easy walking distance . Lots of great walks from the site if you take a dog which are very welcome and you’ll find the site is very clean.

Review by: Dreameruk Reviewer's Profile Date of visit: July 2007 Unit used: Tent

This was the first campsite I been to and I will definitely be going again. The toilets and showers were very clean (and the showers were free). The shop on site stocked everything you could need and if you wanted fresh meat you could order it and it would get delivered from the village.
The owners where very friendly and when I told them it was my first time they were very helpfuly and took there time explaining everything to me. The tents were nicely spaced out and the area was clean of rubbish. It is only a 10 minute walk to the village/pubs. I would also recommend the cake shop on the road to the village. There chocolate brownie is to die for.

Review by: Maj15 Reviewer's Profile Date of visit: July 2007 Unit used: Tent

Visited this site just for the night to do a bit of mountain biking with a friend around lake Vyrnwy. We found the staff to be friendly and helpful and the shop looked well stocked. The site itself was well drained, thankfully, as we had torrential rain the day before. We found the toilet and shower blocks to be clean with free showers and hot washing up water. The walk into Bala town took about 10-15 minutes where we found a selection of pubs to while away the evening. After a hard days biking it was easy to get a good nights sleep as the site was nice and quiet!
Definitely recommended, we will certainly visit again in the near future.

Review by: Alison Howe Reviewer's Profile Date of visit: July 2007 Unit used: Touring Caravan

What a great site, friendly helpful owners. The facilities are great with plenty to go round so no queues and the pitches are generous. We were on one of the super pitch so didn't have to fetch and empty water - what a treat.
Dogs welcome and loads of places to take them for walks or swims (got a lab).
BBQ is no problem as you can order at the shop and have it delivered fresh and get any essentials while you are there.
I thought the area was great, you are central for Snowdonia, the North Wales coast and down to the Llyn Peninsula. Walking is fantastic but there is also riding, rafting, sailing . The list is huge.
Will be back in the autumn for a weeks visit!

Review by: Caradan_uk Reviewer's Profile Date of visit: May 2007 Unit used: Tent

Me and my son visited here for 2 nights and were made very welcome. Good sized pitches and excellent facilities which were spotless. The site slopes but most pitches have been levelled and there are plenty of hook ups available. There is a shop which caters for most things and they also take orders from a local butcher for BBQ food. Bala Lake and the Bala railway (which we never heard) is more or less right next to the site, and Bala town is within walking distance. If you go here you must visit the river rafting just outside Bala, we spent about 3.5 hours here just watching and that was in the rain. We would definitely visit here again.

Review by: Mike and judy Reviewer's Profile Date of visit: June 2007 Unit used: Touring Caravan

We stayed here for three nights,on the top field as we were able to have our friends pitch there tent right next to us,this field is on a slop,but gave us no problems,the bottom field which is main tourer area is all level.the toilet block was all clean and plenty of showers and loo`s 4 of each and all free which makes a nice change cubicles were also very spacious.your water supply is on your electric hook up.chemical waste by toilet block,all pretty close by to were ever you are on site.we will certainly use this site again,as we are only 1hour away for a short weekend.bala itself is whithin walking distance,their is a spar and somersfield,and a nice butchers,the chippy didnt seem all that nice.all in all very nice long weekend.

Review by: Ande Reviewer's Profile Date of visit: May 2007 Unit used: Touring Caravan

Fantastic site, Great location for visiting area's of interest, the town of Bala is within easy walking and cycling distance and has adequate shops for supplies. The staff on site are very friendly and helpful and gave us some excellent and accurate advice on places to visit.This is a nice sized site, we stayed at this site during the May school holidays so thought it would be busy and experience the usual problems of getting a shower etc. This was not the case and the facilities in general were very good. I would definitely recommend this site and we would stay on this site again when returning to this area.

Review by: Dwell Reviewer's Profile Date of visit: September 2006 Unit used: Tent

We have been here on a number of occasions and was very surprised on our first ever camping trip. Its because of this site that we got the camping bug. Owners were extremely friendly with ourselves an the children, I felt very safe in letting the kids just play and get on with it. The site was beautiful and very clean. The shower and toilet facilities were very nice and clean, with plenty of them so no queueing. I would definitely recommend this site, yes it had aeroplanes flying over head but this was not very often and this just added to the amusement of the kids.
As we are big fans of kayaking this was also a very good site to be on with Bala lake just up the round (5 mins drive) which children can also play on the pebbly beach there and the town was very well equipped for all major food shops, but the shop on site also stocked all the necessities needed.
All in all very nice, peaceful site well worth the money paid.
And like others we only intended to stay for 2 nights but ended up staying for 4 nights, we didn't even have to move our tent the owners just booked around us.

Review by: Poppy1970 Reviewer's Profile Date of visit: April 2007 Unit used: Touring Caravan

What a lovely site with friendly owners, stayed for 5 nights and would definitely go again. Decent sized pitches, can only repeat what everyone else has said. Short walk from town or for a walk around the lake. Essentials sold in the shop and a few other bits and pieces reasonably priced.

Review by: LSheldon Reviewer's Profile Date of visit: April 2007 Unit used: Tent

Stayed at this site for 3 nights over the Easter weekend. I can honestly say this is one of the best campsites we have stayed at so far. Not too big, safe for our two small children, friendly owners and clean heated toilet and shower facilities (even had piped music playing day and night!) Even though it was during the holiday period the owners have obviously taken care not to cram too many pitches onto the site which ensures that everyone has plenty of room. Can't rate this site highly enough and we will certainly be visiting again.

Review by: Magicaly Reviewer's Profile Date of visit: April 2007 Unit used: Tent

I can only repeat what other reviewers have said really. This is a lovely site with very friendly and helpful owners who work hard and long to ensure that their site is a pleasure to visit and always with a smile and time for a chat. The pitches are spacious and some do slope but not enough to make pitching a tent and siting your bed a problem. Bins, water and waste points are within yards of every pitch as well. Facilities are excellent and kept spotless. Water always hot and never a queue for either washing yourself our your pots. The site also has excellent disabled or baby facilities. The campsite shop is well stocked and a lot of the prices were cheaper than my local Co Op. The site is also very dog friendly with lots of walks right from the front gate.

Bala is a nice, friendly Welsh market town with all the amenities you need, several pubs, restaurants and takeaways. Two good supermarkets and a couple of camping shops. All just a short walk away or with excellent parking if you have mobility problems. The scenery and surroundings are stunning and you are centrally placed for everything North/Mid Wales has to offer. This site will be a regular haunt of ours in future.

Review by: 2000emilyrose Reviewer's Profile Date of visit: April 2007 Unit used: Trailer Tent

This site was recommended to us by the nearby white water rafting centre and I checked the reviews here before booking. We originally booked for 3 nights (ended up staying 4 and would have stayed longer if we didn't have other commitments!). The owners are very friendly and helpful, recommending places to visit etc., even teaching my children how to speak welsh, taking time to talk to them and make them feel welcome. My kids are 13,12 and 6 and thoroughly enjoyed their stay (I don't get to say that very often!).
The facilities were always clean, plenty of hot water and we never had to queue for showers - even when the site filled up over the bank holiday! We had hard standing and had no problems at all. It is obvious that some of the pitches have been levelled out over the winter period and this should help to eliminate some of the difficulties previous reviews have mentioned. A big thumbs up from us - we will definitely return when in the area again.
For families I would recommend taking the train that runs alongside the lake, walk into the village and having meal at the Eagle pub. Rafting - excellent, fantastic experience!

Review by: Ghostwriter Reviewer's Profile Date of visit: April 2007 Unit used: Tent

Only intended to camp for one night, but caught some great weather and stayed for two! Its a relatively small site with decent size pitches marked out, so I doubt you ever feel overcrowded like some of the free-for-all stack-em and pack-em sites. We stayed right at the start of the season so there were plenty of empty pitches.

Site run by very friendly and helpful folks and in a great location. Site shop with a few supplies and gas canisters & bottles, etc. This site has probably the best toilet/wash/shower block we have ever seen on our camping travels - very modern, clean and I would have thought quite adequate for the size of the site even when fully booked up.

A short walk to lake Bala and probably around a 15 min walk (3min drive) into Bala town itself. A lovely little town with plenty of places to eat (and drink). We loved this site - so did the dog!

Review by: HLindley Reviewer's Profile Date of visit: August 2006 Unit used: Tent

Arrived with my husband to stay 4 nights at this campsite. The welcome was very friendly - the owners were very helpful. They had thought of everything (which we were impressed with before booking) bbqs allowed with stands provided with a deposit; showers were free and hairdryer available for 20p; picnic benches were around the site which you could have alongside your own tent; you could order meat from the butchers who would deliver onsite ready for your bbq as well as other items being available from the shop at reception (where you could buy maps, postcards, stamps and get leaflets about attractions as well as various other items)
The town was a short walk away where there was a Somerfield, a chinese take away and an off license, a pizza place as well as a few pubs.
!

Review by: Soph123 Reviewer's Profile Date of visit: August 2006 Unit used: Motorhome

Just returned from Penybont ,we booked for two nights enjoyed so much stayed for four. Didn,t need to move our camper ,there are so many lovely walks Bala town can be reached along the river bank our westie Sophie loved this walk there are several places where she was able to swim.
Bala itself is ideal for eating out day or night you can stroll back along the lake to make it a round trip.
Our Favorite walk was to follow the well sign-posted route running above the campsite,stopping at the Bala lake hotel which over looks the lake for a pint or two on the way back .
This site is the best so far and will be returning many times more. Didn't get time to fish ,Canoe or try out the little train that runs along the campsite .

Review by: Zoe Perrins Reviewer's Profile Date of visit: May 2006 Unit used: Tent

I would highly recommend this site. The owners was always happy to help and had a smile on there face.
The toilet block is clean and we always had hot water no matter what time of day.
Dog friendly as long as you clean up after he or she.
The town is a short walk away and has a few nice bars and shops.
If you want a relaxing and friendly get away go you will not be disappointed

 

Review by: Alibescat Reviewer's Profile Date of visit: July 2006 Unit used: Tent

Just got back still mopping up the tears! This is a wonderful site the owners are extremely helpful & very friendly. Toilet block very clean and always quiet never had to wait for toilet or showers even thought the parks seemed to be full, there was a large group of French students and a large group of Americans so we expected to queue but we never did.
The shop is not expensive like you expect, and they give you a form to order meat from the local butcher he delivers it and they keep it in the fridge for you. VERY GOOD meat, we had beef burgers, sirloin steak and ribs.
The town is not far and there is around 8 pubs. Also Bala lake hotel which is in a great setting over looking the lake, you can get there on the country lane to the right of the park, we will be back to this great park soon. Alicia, Stuart & Paddy

Review by: Sid1 Reviewer's Profile Date of visit: June 2006 Unit used: Touring Caravan

Stayed for long weekend, could not have wished for better site. Lovely setting with excellent toilet block, very clean with nice hot water, and without a time limit. Owners very helpful and very friendly, recommending extremely good pub to us with excellent food to celebrate my 40th. Would definitely visit again and would highly recommend it to anyone else visiting the area.

Review by: Bertuk69 Reviewer's Profile Date of visit: June 2006 Unit used: Touring Caravan

What can I say, exellent quiet site with very high standard of hygene. Very reasonable prices for pitches, friendly staff that make you welcome. In the village if your hungry visit the Red Lion hotel and try out their carvery good price and exellent food. I will be visiting again. One of the good things about this site is the showers are free, and if you need the use of a hair dryer this is also free. At £15 per night without awning and including electric hook up and water this is a great site that offers peace and quiet could not fault it at all. It also has a launderette where you can wash your items if you need to.

Review by: Ian+Emma Reviewer's Profile Date of visit: June 2006 Unit used: Tent

The on-line description is a fair representation of the camp site. We'd add to this by saying the site is very tidy, clean and secure. The facilities are spotless and the pitches are a generous size.
There are plenty of forest, riverside and lakeside walks possible from the site, Bala town is only a ten to fifteen minute walk away.
The site owners are very friendly and hospitable - probably the friendliest camp-site owners we've come across yet!
If you're looking for a peaceful, clean and relatively spacious campsite, with a good shop and which is also fairly close to town, then choose this one!

Review by: Camper101 Reviewer's Profile Date of visit: May 2006 Unit used: Tent

Great site. My first camping trip with my nine year old son and a super choice. The owners made us feel very welcome and helped us with some knowledge of the local area.
Toilets and shower block were very clean and well kitted out. The site is small but charming and we found it quiet enough at night.
Location is great too. Two minutes walk to the Lake and the railway station and 10 minutes walk to the town centre. We found excellent food in the evening at the White Lion Royal Hotel and a good breakfast a bit further down the high street.

We only stayed one night but I'm sure we will return later in the year.

Review by: Scarlett03 Reviewer's Profile Date of visit: April 2006 Unit used: Tent

Just got back from a lovely weekend at Pen y Bont. Great little campsite and although busy you weren't packed like sardines. The toilets were clean, warm and a stones throw away from any part of the site.
The walk into town only took about 10 mins, plenty of shops and cafe's. The spa is open till 10.00 p.m. Will be using this site again.

Review by: Mike+sam Reviewer's Profile Date of visit: April 2006 Unit used: Tent

Excellent site. Spotless shower/toilet facilities with lots of hot water (and no coin machine etc). Nice sized site - with good facilities but not too big. Friendly wardens who have recently taken over the site but seem to be retaining all the good points e.g. Radio2 is still playing in the shower block! The site is very well situated for access to Bala town. We highly recommend the restaurant on the high street. Can't remember the name but there are lots of tables & chairs outside! Try the Welsh Lamb !

We will definitely be back
 

Review by: Evie squeezy Reviewer's Profile Date of visit: June 2005

Good campsite with nice clean facilities. Free showers so you don't have to worry about the water running out when your money runs out. Would go again with my family of 4 and 6. Don't try and make your 4 year old walk along the lake to the steam train station it's 5.5miles long not the 4miles my guide book said!

Review by: Jcameron Reviewer's Profile
June 2005
Visited this site during the 1st weekend in June. Great location, only 10 min walk into Bala. Quiet site with a lot of families around. Toilets/showers well kept and cleaned regularly.
Weather was poor all weekend but still had nice time. Good base to visit Llangollen, Barmouth & Bala.
Would recommend site and would visit again if in that area.

Pen y Bont Touring and Camping Park,     Llangynog Road,     Bala,     Gwynedd,    LL23 7PH
Tel - 01678 520549,          Fax - 01678 520006          penybont-bala@btconnect.com

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OPEN 14th MARCH TO OCT 31st

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