'I lived in the North Wales city among the worst seaside towns but disagree'

North Wales Live

3 days ago

Wales is renowned for its beautiful beaches and scenic coastlines, yet one city has found itself labelled as one of the UK's "worst seaside towns" for a second consecutive year. Fortunately for Bangor, it has moved up a notch this year, leaving only Bognor Regis ranked lower.
The Which? survey placed Clacton-on-Sea in Essex among the bottom three as well. The so-called experts at Which? gave Bangor a rather disappointing desirability score of just 38%.
The detailed scores were particularly harsh on the charming Welsh city. Despite its vibrant student community, Bangor's food and drink offerings received a mere one star, its historic pier wasn't even rated, and its attractions and shops scored just one star.
Even with a city centre that features a cathedral dating back to the 6th century and Penrhyn Castle on its outskirts, Bangor was awarded a paltry one star for tourist attractions.
However, the city did earn three stars for scenery, which seems fitting given its location amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Eryri and the waters of the Menai Strait. The historic Garth Pier has stunning views of Anglesey (Image: R)
As someone who spent three years studying in Bangor and has returned many times since, I feel compelled to defend the city. There are numerous reasons why the Which? experts have got it wrong.... It's not even a seaside town!
Alright, I believe it's crucial to address this point from the survey. I'd contend that Bangor has never truly been marketed as a seaside town, contrary to what the Which? survey suggests. It doesn't even have its own proper beach!
When someone prompts me to envision a seaside town, my mind drifts to the expansive sands of Colwyn Bay, or Abergele, or the Llandudno promenade and Rhyl's arcades. But can you class Bangor a seaside town when it doesn't even have a beach? While it's true that Bangor nestles on the Menai Strait, it's primarily a small university city - home to just over 15,000 residents.
The city could reasonably position itself as a commercial hub for Anglesey inhabitants, given the easy access to the Menai Retail park. However, it can't genuinely assert to be, nor has it ever claimed to be, a seaside resort.
Many people, myself included, were attracted to Bangor primarily for the university. So rather than criticising the city, I choose to fondly recall those bleary-eyed walks to lectures under the watchful gaze of snow-capped Eyri peaks. Matt lived in Bangor for three years and thinks the city can feel hard-done by as one of the 'worst seaside towns' One of the longest piers in the UK
This one is a no-brainer. The Garth Pier wasn't actually ranked by the Which survey but is regarded as one of the finest examples of a Victorian Pier in Wales.
Not only is it the second-longest pier in Wales, but it also ranks among the longest in the UK, offering breathtaking views of Beaumaris and Bangor Harbour.
The 1,500ft-long Grade-II listed pier, dating back to the 19th Century, draws in thousands of visitors annually. In 2022, it was crowned Pier of the Year by the National Piers Society - a group with considerable knowledge on the subject.
The Pavilion Café, situated at the pier's end, serves as a popular pit stop for many strolling along the structure, offering the opportunity to indulge in a homemade scone or a tub of Red Boat ice cream. While Bangor pier may lack the amusements and attractions found in Llandudno, it provides a pleasant spot for a leisurely walk and some relaxation. Bangor University brings in thousands of students (Image:) Heritage and culture
Two of Bangor's most historic locations are also arguably its most imposing structures. The cathedral, located on the city centre's fringe, features gothic columns and stained glass windows, serving as a striking gateway into the city for those descending into town from Upper Bangor.
Established in 1884, Bangor University's Main Arts building stands as an impressive sight atop Glenrafon Hill - a location affectionately known by students as B***h Hill due to its steep incline. Pontio in Bangor (Image: David Powell/North Wales Live)
In recent years - much to my chagrin, having graduated prior - the university unveiled Pontio, introducing more cinema, theatre, and dining options to the city. Not too shabby, considering the experts only awarded the attractions one star!
Bangor also boasts the Penrhyn Castle, a National Trust site that even hosts a weekly parkrun. Originally constructed for quarry owners, the castle now provides a captivating peek into history, all while being situated on the breathtaking Wales coast path. The stunning location Bangor is surrounded by stunning scenery and views of the Menai Strait (Image: Matt Jackson)
This point might be slightly cheeky, but Bangor is surrounded by an array of attractions, which is worth noting given its small city status.
Just a brief trip from the city centre - and admittedly across the Menai Bridge - you'll find the historic Beaumaris, the picturesque Newborough Forest, and the striking Benllech Beach.
You're also a mere 20-minute drive from Llanberris and the base of Snowdon. Even for budget-conscious students, a journey to the UK's third-highest peak was a must.
And if mountain climbing isn't your cup of tea, it wasn't overly costly to hop on a train to Llandudno to explore the Great Orme, stroll along the seaside Promenade, or simply browse the shops. Students without a car could even catch a film at Llandudno Junction on the return journey.