Bangor is a city situated along the famous Menai Strait on the mainland of North Wales. It is often dubbed the capital of North Wales, but for all its amazing natural scenery and attractions, Bangor still remains an underrated travel destination. The city is also home to some incredible sights like Garth Pier, Menai Bridge, and the fascinating Penrhyn Castle.

In this post, we're going to explore some of the great sights of Bangor and give you a list of the best things to do in this beautiful Welsh town.

History and Culture

Bangor originally began as a small settlement centered around a religious community. The origins of Bangor date back to around the 6th century, when Saint Deiniol built a monastery in the North Wales town. The name “Bangor” is derived from the Welsh word for “a type of wooden enclosure.” This comes from a reference to the boundaries of the early monastery that was built there centuries ago.

Bangor continued to be a small settlement up until the 18th century, when it eventually became a post town in 1718. It was then used to enhance communications between England, Ireland, and Dublin.

During the 19th century, Bangor changed significantly due to the Industrial Revolution. Bangor became a key center for the slate industry, which fueled much of its growth and prosperity. The city's location in the northwest of Wales, as well as its access to natural resources, made it an ideal site for slate mining and the transportation of raw materials.

Bethesda is a small town nearby that was used for slate mining. This town gave Bangor a boost in economics during the 18th century. It is also easily accessible from the northwest of England, a location that gives the town geographical relevance within the region.

The 20th century saw Bangor continue to evolve, developing into a university city with the establishment of the University College of North Wales, now known as Bangor University, which was founded in 1884. Bangor University has played a huge role in the city’s cultural and educational development in the modern day.

Today, Brits from all over the country relocate to Bangor so that they can experience student life at Bangor University. As a university town, Bangor's status as a small city significantly influences the availability of facilities and amenities, which in turn contributes to the vibrant atmosphere created by the student population.

While Bangor has evolved into a more modern place, the city is still proud of its Welsh heritage, with many residents speaking the Welsh language even today. This makes it one of the best preserved places to experience the culture of North Wales.

Bangor hosted the National Eisteddfod, a festival that celebrates Welsh culture. This displays Bangor's contributions to cultural events, and even though Bangor is the oldest city in Wales, it continues to impress in modern times.

Top Attractions in Bangor

Bangor has a number of great attractions located within a short distance of the town centre. This makes it quite convenient to get around and visit each place. Now, let's explore some of these attractions.

Bangor Pier

One of the most notable landmarks is Bangor Pier, often regarded as the finest surviving Victorian pier. This picturesque pier offers stunning views and a wooden promenade where visitors can enjoy refreshments and the scenic beauty of the surrounding area.

This well-preserved pier is a Grade II listed structure, meaning it has been meticulously well kept. Bangor Pier stretches 1500 feet (460 m) onto the Menai Strait, and at the end of the pier, visitors can enjoy incredible views of the natural surroundings and Bangor waterfront.

The pier is so long that there are even a few small kiosks (shops) and cafes along the way. So if you're looking for some unique souvenirs to take home, then it might be worth having a look. Bangor Pier is also conveniently located near the town center, and admission costs only 50p. This convenient location, paired with the low cost of tickets, makes it an ideal choice for anyone visiting Bangor.

Overall, Bangor Pier provides a wonderful place to relax while taking in the unique atmosphere of this beautiful Victorian pier and the Bangor waterfront.

Penrhyn Castle

On a hilltop overlooking the Menai Strait sits Penrhyn Castle, a fascinating Neo-Norman fortress constructed between 1820 and 1837. Impressive grounds surround this 19th-century fantasy castle, offering a variety of sights to behold. Some of the castle's unique features include the Walled Garden, which is home to fountains and plants that predate the castle's construction. The Victorian kitchens, which were once used to feed castle guests, are another fascinating area of the castle.

There are, of course, a multitude more rooms, and the castle is set upon 60 acres of land, providing plenty of opportunities to explore. Penrhyn Castle even offers incredible views of Mount Eryri (Snowdonia) summits in the distance, making it feel even more majestic and adding character to this already charming castle.

You can buy tickets to Penrhyn Castle online or at the castle, but if you're visiting during peak seasons, make sure to book in advance as it could get busy.

Bangor Cathedral

Bangor Cathedral is a medieval masterpiece and a beautiful sight to visit. It is one of the oldest cathedrals in Britain, with origins tracing back to the 6th century. Bangor Cathedral was originally dedicated to Saint Deiniol, who founded a monastic community on the site. The current structure of the cathedral was largely rebuilt in the 12th century and further modified throughout the Middle Ages.

Bangor Cathedral features a mix of Norman, Gothic, and later architectural styles. The cathedral is tucked away in a modest and unremarkable location, a low-lying hill that is currently part of the Bangor University. It is thought that Bangor Cathedral was built in this specific area to avoid drawing the attention of Viking invaders throughout the Middle Ages.

Visiting Bangor Cathedral is a great way to experience the culture of the town, as much of the town's early history was centered around this cathedral.

Storiel

Storiel is an art gallery and museum that exhibits local art and history. This small art gallery often hosts exhibitions from local artists with more permanent collections of classical painting, objects, and photography. It is conveniently located near Bangor University within a short walking distance of Bangor Cathedral. This makes it an easy place to visit if you're already out sightseeing.

Be sure to check out what's currently exhibiting at the Storiel Art Museum through their website, as the exhibitions frequently change. Bangor has become a cultural hub in recent years, and it is gaining recognition for its arts and culture. Art institutions like Storiel have diverse collections of art and are a great example of the thriving art scene in Wales.

Menai Bridge

The Menai Bridge is an architectural masterpiece that stretches over the Menai Strait, connecting the island of Anglesey to the mainland. It was designed by the civil engineer Thomas Telford and opened in 1826, making it one of the oldest suspension bridges still in use today.

Famous for its unique design, the Menai Bridge was seen as a significant engineering achievement at the time of its construction, and it was responsible for greatly improving transportation between Anglesey and the rest of Wales.

The Menai Bridge and the surrounding area are full of stunning scenery, and I believe this is one of the best places to see the beauty of Bangor. Scenic views are abundant in this area, and the views of the charming Menai Bridge complement the natural surroundings perfectly. This area is particularly quiet and would be a great place for a picnic. Hiking could be another alternative for those looking for something more stimulating.

Photographers will also be very happy visiting the Menai Bridge, as it offers incredible surroundings. While there isn't anything specific to do in the area, it does connect to the Island of Anglesey, so if you're passing by on your way to Anglesey, then the Menai Bridge makes a great pitstop.

Accommodation in Bangor

Bangor has some great accommodation options, these range from small B&Bs to luxury hotels. The city caters to different types of travelers, so if you're looking for a more local type of accommodation, then I recommend staying at one of the B&Bs, many of which are family-run and offer a warm welcome to visitors.

Alternatively, modern hotels are available, and so are luxury hotels, these will likely cost more than the local B&Bs, but if you need all the facilities and amenities, they might be the better option.

Whichever you decide to choose, booking in advance will usually secure a better price and ensure availability in your choice of hotel or accommodation. The weekends might get busy in Bangor too, so it would also be a wise choice to book in advance if you're visiting during weekends or peak seasons.

Day Trips from Bangor

Bangor is a great location to experience the rest of North Wales. It has a number of awesome places nearby, such as Anglesey and Snowdonia National Park. Let's explore some of these destinations down below!

Anglesey

North Wales has an abundance of nature and scenic towns to visit, and Anglesey happens to be one of the best places to experience this unique nature. Anglesey is packed with mountains, beaches, and wildlife. The island is home to the Anglesey area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, a national park that is famous for its forestry, hilly ocean views, and wildlife. For those seeking to discover more about the history of North Wales, Beaumaris Castle is also located on the island of Anglesey.

These are just a few sights located on this incredible island. I highly recommend visiting, as it is within a 15-minute drive from Bangor.

Llandudno

Landudno is the largest seaside town in North Wales. It offers the full British seaside experience at its best, with a great beach, a beautiful pier, and incredible architecture along the waterfront. There is plenty to see in the town, as well as some great leisure activities to participate in.

It is located in Conwy County and is only a short 30-minute drive from Bangor. You can also take the train, reaching it in approximately 1 hour. If your looking for a great seaside town in North Wales, then I highly recommend Llandudno, especially as it is so close to Bangor.

Caernarfon Castle

The legendary Caernarfon Castle was built out of wartime turmoil during the Middle Ages. This behemoth of a castle sits along the North Wales coast and is considered one of the greatest castles of the region. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is also called the Castles and Town Walls of King Edward in Gwynedd. The outside town walls and surrounding area are also very beautiful sights if you do not wish to enter the castle.

This fortress is among the most popular in North Wales, and if you have spare time when visiting Bangor, then I highly recommend visiting Caernarfon Castle.

Snowdonia National Park

Snowdonia National Park is never too far from anywhere in North Wales, and its peaks can be seen from various towns across the region. The diverse landscape of Snowdonia National Park offers hilly terrain and tall mountain peaks, making it fit for a casual stroll or a real hiking adventure.

Snowdonia is very popular, and with good reason; it holds some of the most famous mountain peaks in Wales. This includes Mount Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa), the tallest mountain in Wales.

Its various routes and close proximity to the city of Bangor make it the perfect place for a day trip or even a long stay if you feel like a propper hiking trip.

Food and Drink

Traditional Welsh cuisine is available at pubs and local restaurants around the city. Some local specialties, such as Welsh lamb and Bara Brith, will usually be available at these establishments. Visiting these local restaurants and pubs is a great way to experience Welsh culture and try some tasty new dishes.

Seafood connoisseurs will also be right at home in Bangor, as many restaurants around the city include a variety of seafood on the menu. Fresh seafood is available throughout North Wales, and Bangor is no stranger to its fair share of seafood restaurants.

Cafes and international cuisine are available too. The city has a great choice of cafes and restaurants serving a range of cuisines. Overall, Bangor is a great place for foodies, and if you're just looking for a quick bite at a cafe or some fine dining at a local seafood establishment, it should be easy to find somewhere to eat.

Summary

Bangor is one of the most interesting cities to visit in North Wales. It is close to a variety of sights and attractions, such as medieval castles, while providing all the modern comforts of a city like shops and restaurants. The location of Bangor, with its hilly surroundings and beautiful Menai Strait, gives the town a special atmosphere that can only be felt in this beautiful city.