Situated on the north coast of Wales alongthe Menai Straits, Bangor is blessed with awonderful setting. With views of the Isleof Anglesey and the Menai Suspension Bridge in one direction, and Snowdonia’stowering peaks in the other, this friendly coastal city packs a powerful scenicpunch.
The largest city in the Welsh county of Gwynedd,Bangor also ranks as one of Britain’s smallestcities, making it ideal for exploring by foot.
A walk is all that’s needed to take in Bangor’shighlights, from Bangor Cathedral to its charming,Victorian-era Garth Pier, and a traditional centre of pedestrianised streets,pastel-painted townhouses and Victorian villas. Add to these the pull of nearbySnowdoniaNational Park and the energy of students at BangorUniversity — another of the city’s claims to fame — and Bangorhas something for everyone.
Best of Bangor
Whether you’re here torelax or explore, Bangor will oblige. Stroll along the photogenic pier — the second longest in Wales — and take your time to soaking up Bangor’sstunning views over Anglesey. The great Edwardian buildings of BangorUniversity are admirable and you can drop into GwyneddMuseum and Art Gallery to uncover Bangor’spast. Then, if you swap your sightseeing for shopping, there are plenty of quirkyindependent shops in Bangor centre to potteraround in and the longest high street in Wales to explore.
Afterwards, perhaps youcould get all cosy in the welcoming pubs and cafes, enjoy fresh local producein the restaurants and bistros, and sample Bangor’slively evening scene, with its regular live music, folk music and classical concerts.
History of Bangor
Bangor’sorigins lie in the early 6th century, when Saint Deiniol founded amonastery on the city’s present-day site. It’s believed the name Bangor,an ancient Welsh word meaning ‘wall’, may have originated from the wattle-styleenclosure that ringed the monastery.
However,It wasn’t until the 17th century that Bangorbegan to take on the trappings of today’s city, with the arrival of local slatemining and shipbuilding industries and in the 19th century, theadvent of the railway and pleasure steamers from Liverpool.
Outdoor Attractions in and Around Bangor
Bangorhas plenty to attract activity lovers. Golfers will be eager to play the city’sSt.Deiniol Golf Club, with its lovely 18-hole course designed byfive-time Open champion James Braid.
Seafarers will love boat trips on the Menai Strait,and walkers and outdoor fans will adore nearby Snowdonia NationalPark with its hiking trails, outdoor activities, waterfalls suchas the magical Aber Falls, and the famous Snowdonia Mountain Railway.
Alternatively, there is the opportunity to roam the naturereserves around Bangor’s River Ogwen and MenaiStrait shores, relax on the nearby sandy beaches, or stride out on the dramaticNorth Wales Path that traces the coast between Bangorand Prestatyn.
