Find the Best Bangor Bed and Breakfast

Bangor lays claim to being the oldest city in Wales; it's also one of the smallest in the UK. That hasn't stopped it from becoming a lively university city with a growing student population that helps keep the creative and nightlife scenes fresh. It lies along the northern top of Wales' mainland, facing across the Menai Strait to the island of Anglesey. Bangor bed and breakfasts are often used as a jumping off point to the island or the mighty Snowdonia National Park. You'll find plenty of heritage here, from the squat stone cathedral, once a 6th-century monastery, to the dramatic National Trust Penrhyn Castle, located in some magnificent grounds. There's also a contemporary side to Bangor, including one of the longest shopping streets in Wales, a thriving foodie scene fuelled by its proximity to the sea and plenty of family-friendly attractions.

Red-brick Victorian piles and attractive Welsh-stone cottage B&Bs, Bangor

The city has its fair share of hotels, but if you really want to experience the Welsh city like an insider, there's no better way than by staying in one of the Bangor bed and breakfasts. Here, you can tap into the local knowledge of the owners, many of whom have been living in Bangor their whole lives. Besides, there's something right about staying in a B&B, just like the pilgrims and travellers would have done centuries ago, when visiting the medieval cathedral. The best place to start looking for your bed and breakfast in Bangor is Expedia, which details every property, with photos. Simply plug in your dates, location and budget, scroll through the listings and book in just a few clicks. Some of the B&Bs occupy the little stone and slate terraced cottages that line the leafy suburbs and offer rooms for just a handful of guests. Others are a little grander, housed in 3-storey red-brick Victorian piles with adjoining conservatories and well-manicured surrounding gardens. Alternatively, you could always shun the city completely and opt for one of the converted farmhouses in the rolling North Wales countryside. Whichever you choose, you'll always enjoy a stress-free break when you book on Expedia.

Checking in couldn't be easier, thanks to the friendly owners, and when you settle in to the guestroom you'll find plenty of amenities. While they all differ, you'll likely find facilities for making tea and coffee, a flat-screen TV on the wall and an ensuite bathroom stocked with fluffy towels and toiletries. If you can't tear yourself away from your work emails, there's almost always complimentary WiFi, and you could nab a room with a desk and comfortable chair. Looking for specific features like family-sized rooms or a free parking spot for your car? You won't have any trouble finding them on Expedia's listings. In the morning, you can expect to fuel up on things like full Welsh fry-ups, toast and jam, or healthier options like yogurt and granola. Why not combine your Welsh escape with a few days in the capital, Cardiff?

Victorian attractions, medieval castles and an ancient cathedral near your B&B, Bangor

There are so many things to do near your Bangor bed and breakfast that it's often tricky to know where to start. You can get a good introduction to the city with a walk through the town. Head down to the Menai Bridge, which spans the strait and overlooks the mountains. It's one of the best places for photography in the area. After you've seen the historic sites, like Bangor Cathedral and the nearby Penrhyn Castle, you could perhaps visit beautiful Garth Pier, the 2nd longest in Wales.

• Score a room in the centre without the high hotel price tag
• Be a stone's throw from Bangor's historical attractions
• Gain a deeper understanding of Bangor through the knowledgeable owners
• Fuel up for a day of sightseeing with a hearty Welsh breakfast