A small coastal city with picturesque views over the Menai Strait, Bangor is home to excellent museums, galleries and theatre venues. The university town has ancient roots with its 19th-century castle and offers easy access to Snowdonia National Park.
Things to do in Bangor
For a dose of local history, visit Penrhyn Castle, a 19th-century Neo-Norman Victorian masterpiece nestled between Snowdonia and the Menai Strait. It contains a collection of period furniture and old masters’ paintings, in addition to a Trust shop, doll museum and industrial railway museum.
Stroll around the Bangor Pier, a quaint fishing harbour. Enjoy scones, pies, and soups at Whistlestop on the Pier and soak up the spectacular views from the second-longest pier in Wales.
Meander through Gwynedd Museum & Art Gallery to find a wide-ranging display of exhibits by local and international artists. See the fascinating collection of artefacts, from the Roman Segontium sword to the Welsh Not and King of Bardsey’s crown.
Snowdonia National Park sits just 20 minutes away from Bangor by car. It’s the largest, highest and oldest national park in Wales and offers outdoor enthusiasts a chance to go hiking and mountain biking through its pristine landscapes dotted with waterfalls, lakes and forest trails.
Getting around Bangor
The most convenient way to get around Bangor is by foot or bus. There are regular train services to London Euston, with the journey taking just over three hours.