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Cathedral city and community in Gwynedd, Wales
Photo: via Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Bangor is a small coastal city in Gwynedd in North Wales. It is a picturesque city offering views over the Menai Straits (especially attractive at sunset), and serves as a convenient base for visiting the nearby Snowdonia National Park. The city is a popular place to spend the night for travellers leaving for Ireland on the Holyhead to Dublin ferry.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
Also known as Garth Pier, this Victorian pier opened in 1896 and reaches halfway across the Menai Straits to the Isle of Anglesey. At the end of the pier is the Whistlestop Cafe, which is popular and well-known locally for its scones.
A neo-Norman Victorian fantasy castle from the 19th century, Penrhyn Castle is now a National Trust property. It contains a collection of "Norman" style furniture and old masters' paintings. It has a shop, tea room, a doll museum, two galleries and an industrial railway museum. Can be considered well over the top in the desire to impress but the kitchen quarters and the walled garden are particularly to be recommended.
Two splendidly situated bird hides administered by the North Wales Wildlife Trust. Birds frequently seen include little egrets and kingfishers.
A 6th-century cathedral with attractive architecture. The focal point of the city.
formerly Gwynedd Museum and Art Gallery
Tells the story of the people of Bangor and Gwynedd over previous centuries.
Bangor City Football Club's home ground, near the town centre. A good place to go on match days to soak the atmosphere and to meet real Bangor locals.
Regular concerts of classical music during term time, usually on Thursday and Saturday evenings. Performers include professional orchestras, chamber ensembles and soloists, and there are also concerts of electroacoustic music and regular performances by the University's own choirs and orchestras.
Cafe and restaurant, which focuses providing locally sourced, organic and fair trade food and drinks. Caters well for vegetarians, but also has a good selection of meat dishes. Lovely atmosphere with wooden beams and a wood burner. Can be easily missed as it's just off the high street, but don't be put off. The cafe is located on the first floor and is reached by climbing a flight of stairs. Unfortunately, there is no disabled access.
Typical food menu and drink service. Music is played (sometimes loudly), but family-friendly atmosphere. Food varies in quality and is not a home-made meal, typical from a high-street brand chain. Can provide the venue, but not the atmosphere. If you're looking for a good insight into Bangor culture, this will more remind you of a small bar in any city or town.
Quaint cafe located on Waterloo Hill, which serves lovely tapas and other lunchtime dishes, as well as a variety of homemade cakes.
A vegetarian cafe and deli serving three choices of vegetarian meals and salads a day. Kyffin also serves a wide selection of cakes
A Japanese and Asian noodle bar. Set out with long tables and benches, Noodle One serves a range of noodle and rice dishes, as well as Yaki and Ramen dishes from Japan.
The Fat Cat Bar
Fine drinks and fine food, definitely worth the money.
Pub with B & B
A friendly, cosy traditional pub. Great menu, all cooked from scratch, no microwaving here! Reasonable drink prices, and offers on house vodka, whiskey. Round of Jaegerbombs only £10 (for 6 shots and red bull).
A traditional, ideally situated pub in the busy student sector, offering lunchtime snacks and main meals. Selection of local and established real ales, themed evenings and weekly quiz on Sundays.
Increasingly popular student bar.
Traditional Welsh pub. Very popular with Welsh-speakers, especially the Welsh student population.
Affectionately known as "Paddy's Bar", this small Irish-themed bar is popular with all and makes such a stamp on visitors that they make sure to return whenever nearby.
Cube is a lively night out occasionally supported by some of the top DJs in the UK. Student night is a great laugh and appears on every Wednesday during term time. Be safe here on weekends though, this is outside student territory and locals frequent this club often. However, this provides a good mix of people and can still be a great night out. There are some good rock/metal nights here in the week and also the occasional band night.
Hendre is Victorian Grade II listed stone farm building that has been converted to provide a venue of real character for weddings and music events. A favourite venue for local bands, DJs and promoters of world music. It does not provide accommodation.
Accommodation in student halls of residence - seasonal only.
Small, friendly bed and breakfast with 7 bedrooms and 4 ensuite. Facilities include: parking, ensuite, easy access, no smoking.
A nice hotel with restaurant and bar. Great for families. Pet friendly. 22 well equipped rooms (18 en-suite).
farmhouse.
Located in the centre of town.
Small, friendly bed and breakfast with 3 bedrooms situated overlooking Hirael Bay harbour. Ideal for visiting university and local attractions. Facilities include: parking, easy access.
Fantastic views.
A two-star touring caravan and camping site that provides stunning views and a trout lake on the grounds. With water and shower facilities, and a few nice cottages with self-catering facilities, washing machines, etc. Pet friendly.
Has superb gardens. There is a large choice of individually decorated rooms and the establishment. It also has its own restaurant, with lounge, bar, main restaurant or conservatory areas, which serves delicious and visually beautiful food sourced locally.
VisitWales 5* Holiday Cottage for two people. 19th-century stone cottage fully furnished and equipped.
By car
Bangor is just off the intersection of A5 and A55 between Conwy and Holyhead.
By bus
Students visiting or moving to Bangor with a lot of luggage may find it safest to travel by coach.
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