Bangor Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City

Facts and practical information

Nestled on the north coast of Wales, the vibrant city of Bangor offers a unique blend of natural beauty, rich history, and a thriving cultural scene. Surrounded by stunning landscapes, including the majestic Snowdonia National Park and the picturesque Menai Strait, Bangor is a true haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

One of the city's most iconic landmarks is the Bangor Pier, stretching out into the Irish Sea. Take a leisurely stroll along the pier, breathe in the fresh sea air, and enjoy panoramic views of the coastline. For those seeking adventure, the nearby Anglesey Island offers endless opportunities for water sports, such as kayaking, sailing, and surfing.

History buffs will be captivated by Bangor's historic treasures. The Bangor Cathedral, dating back to the 6th century, is a magnificent example of Gothic architecture and serves as a spiritual and cultural hub for the community. Step inside to admire the ornate stained glass windows and soak in the tranquil atmosphere.

If you're in the mood for a cultural experience, Bangor boasts a vibrant arts scene. The Pontio Arts and Innovation Centre is a modern hub for creativity, showcasing a diverse range of performances, exhibitions, and workshops. From theatre productions to live music concerts, there is always something exciting happening here.

For a taste of local cuisine, explore the bustling streets of Bangor's city center, where you'll find an array of charming cafes, traditional pubs, and fine dining establishments. Sample delicious Welsh delicacies, such as Welsh rarebit or bara brith, a traditional fruit loaf. Don't forget to try a pint of locally brewed ale or cider to truly immerse yourself in the local culture.

Alternative names: Population: 18 thous. (2020)Elevation: 66 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 53°13'38"N, 4°7'37"W

Location

WalesUnited Kingdom

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Bangor Top Attractions

Bangor Attractions - What to See and Explore

Bangor offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Penrhyn Castle, Bangor Cathedral, Bangor Mountain, Bangor University. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Forts and castles • Specialty museum • Museum
Penrhyn Castle
Penrhyn Castle is a country house in Llandygai, Bangor, Gwynedd, North Wales, in the form of a Norman castle. It was originally a medieval fortified manor house, founded by Ednyfed Fychan.
Sacred and religious sites • Church • Gothic architecture
Bangor Cathedral
Bangor Cathedral is a cathedral in Bangor, Gwynedd, Wales. It is dedicated to its founder, Saint Deiniol. The site of the present building of Bangor Cathedral has been in use as a place of Christian worship since the 6th century.
Nature • Natural attraction • Mountain
Bangor Mountain
Bangor Mountain is a scarp face of a hill below which the city of Bangor in Gwynedd, Wales, sits. Though not a mountain in the true sense of the word it is so-called because of the way it rears up behind Bangor and appears mountainous, especially from the Glan Adda, High Street and Hirael areas of the city.

Universities and schools
Bangor University
Bangor University is a public university in Bangor, Wales. It received its Royal Charter in 1885 and was one of the founding institutions of the federal University of Wales.
Nature • Natural attraction • Protected area
Spinnies
Spinnies Aberogwen is a Nature reserve located 2 miles East of Bangor, in Gwynedd unitary authority, north west Wales. The reserve is owned and managed by North Wales Wildlife Trust.
Harbor
Port Penrhyn
Port Penrhyn is a harbour located just east of Bangor in north Wales at the confluence of the River Cegin with the Menai Strait.
53°13'52"N • 4°6'39"W
Afon Cegin
The Afon Cegin is a small river draining parts of North Wales and discharging to the Menai Strait at Porth Penrhyn. Its name means Kitchen River in English.
53°13'44"N • 4°7'47"W
University College of North Wales
The original building for the University College of North Wales is a Grade I listed University building in the Collegiate Tudor style with Arts and Crafts influences. Designed by architect Henry Hare it was completed in 1911.
53°14'8"N • 4°7'21"W
Garth Community Centre
Piers and boardwalks • Neighbourhood
Piers and boardwalks
Garth Pier
Garth Pier is a Grade II listed structure in Bangor, Gwynedd, Wales. At 1,500 feet in length, it is the second-longest pier in Wales, and the ninth longest in the British Isles.
53°13'47"N • 4°6'40"W
River Adda
River Adda is a small watercourse which flows, through the city of Bangor North Wales before discharging into the Menai Strait at Hirael Bay, opposite Porth Penrhyn.
53°13'41"N • 4°8'2"W
Bala-Bangor Theological Seminary
Bala-Bangor was a theological seminary belonging to the Welsh Independents, an association of Welsh congregationalists. It was founded in 1841 at Llanuwchllyn, then moved to a permanent location at Bala, Gwynedd in 1842 under the principalship of Michael Jones, who was followed by his son Michael D. Jones. During Michael D.
53°13'48"N • 4°7'48"W
Bangor Normal College
The Normal College, Bangor was an independent teacher training college, founded in 1858. It was created through the efforts of the British and Foreign School Society and the educator Sir Hugh Owen, and was funded by £11,000 raised through subscription and £2,000 of Government money.
Universities and schools
Grŵp Llandrillo Menai
Grŵp Llandrillo Menai is an umbrella organisation overseeing the operation of three member colleges in North Wales: Coleg Llandrillo, Coleg Menai and Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor. It is Wales's largest further-education institution and one of the largest FE college groups in the UK.
Neighbourhood
Maesgeirchen
Maesgeirchen is a large housing estate on the edge of the city of Bangor in Gwynedd, north-west Wales, with roughly 4,000 inhabitants.

Day trips

Bangor – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Bangor, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Caernarfon Castle (Caernarfon), Conwy Castle (Conwy), GreenWood Forest Park (Y Felinheli).

8.7 miSW
Dramatic, 13th-century waterfront castle
Caernarfon Castle, Caernarfon
Caernarfon Castle, a majestic medieval fortress in Caernarfon, Wales, stands as a testament to the architectural prowess of the Middle Ages. Constructed under the command of King Edward I of England during the 13th century, this imposing stone structure was part of his...
13 milesE
Massive, imposing 13th-century fortress
Conwy Castle, Conwy
Conwy Castle, a majestic fortification in the coastal town of Conwy, Wales, stands as a testament to medieval military architecture and the historical narrative of the United Kingdom. Constructed by Edward I during his conquest of Wales between 1283 and 1289, this...
4.3 miSW
Amusement, Park, Theme park
GreenWood Forest Park, Y Felinheli
Nestled in the heart of North Wales, GreenWood Forest Park offers a unique blend of eco-friendly entertainment and outdoor adventure that sets it apart from your typical amusement park. Located near the city of Y Felinheli, this family-focused attraction is renowned...
5.6 miE
Natural attraction, Park, Trail
Aber Falls, Abergwyngregyn
Nestled within the verdant landscape of North Wales, Aber Falls (Rhaeadr Fawr in Welsh) is a stunning natural attraction that draws visitors to the quaint village of Abergwyngregyn. This majestic waterfall is a testament to the beauty of Welsh nature, cascading...
13 milesE
16th-century cottage, 1.8 metres wide
Smallest House in Great Britain, Conwy
Nestled within the charming medieval town of Conwy, Wales, stands the Smallest House in Great Britain, a diminutive yet significant tourist attraction that captures the imagination of visitors from around the world. This tiny red residence, with its quaint dimensions...