Bangor

Bangor, a small city located in Gwynedd, North Wales. 

Considered one of the smallest cities in the UK, it is also considered a university city (Bangor University) and contains approximately 24,000 people, including University students. Bangor is also classified as one of only six cities in Wales, and one of the smallest cities in the UK. Despite its small size, due to it being a university city, Bangor contains more amenities than other small cities of its size.

Bangor is a small coastal city, located near the Menai Strait. The city boasts beautiful areas offering picturesque views over the Menai Strait, especially at sun-set. Bangor also acts as a convenient base for visiting several attractions, especially the nearby Snowdonia National Park. Visitors can enjoy a night at Plas Trevor Bed and Breakfast Bangor. Due to its proximity, Bangor is also a popular place for travelers to spend the night prior to leaving for Ireland on the Holyhead to Dublin ferry.

Due to it being one of the oldest and most prominent cities in Wales, approximately half of the city’s population speaks Welsh. This figure does include the university population, so without counting them the percentage would be much higher.

Bangor boasts several highlight attractions throughout the city. Some of these include: The Bangor Pier, a charming fishing harbor that also includes a Victorian Pier; Penrhyn Castle, a Victorian-era Castle that includes a collection of "Norman" style furniture. It also has a several museums and galleries; Bangor Cathedral, a cathedral that dates back to the 6th century, and is often called the focal point of the city; Gwynedd Museum and Art Gallery; and The Book People Stadium, Bangor City Football Club's own stadium, which is located near the center of the city.

If you are looking to sample some food specific to the area, we have several recommendations. Welsh lamb and beef are two of the most renowned food included in local dishes, as well as freshly caught seafood, including brown trout, lobster, salmon and crab. Vegetarians need not worry, as most restaurants also serve a variety of organic fruits and vegetables from local farms.

Those seeking to use Bangor as a “starting point” for other local attractions can find several unique ventures within the immediate area. Some of these include: a visit to Anglesey, specifically to the Anglesey Sea Zoo or the “Pili Palas” butterfly palace. If visitors are looking for castles, there are two nearby: Beaumaris Castle or Caernarfon, both containing castles that date back to the 13th century. Visitors can also take a small train to Llanberis, located on the edge of a mountain lake on the way to Snowdonia National Park, or they can buy ferry tickets to Dublin, which are generally sold on High Street in the heart of Bangor.

Regardless of your plans, Bangor is definitely worth visiting!