Wales is loaded with tons of wonderful destinations that are worth visiting such as Bangor. Nestled in the northwestern part of Wales, the city takes pride in being the oldest in the country. Interestingly, even though Bangor is among the smallest cities in the whole UK, it features a myriad of attractions. Some of the fun things that you can enjoy here include watching a spectacular performance, visiting lush parks and gardens, and stopping at castles. Elevating its charm are its people, who extend their hospitality by welcoming travelers in quaint Airbnb vacation rentals. An extension of the city’s refreshing allure, the hotels with pools near Bangor are also great picks for cozy stays. For your impending visit here, keep reading to learn more about the top things to do in Bangor, Wales.
1. Be amazed by the stunning Penrhyn Castle
The first thing to do as soon as you reach Bangor is to find your way to Penrhyn Castle, a stunning castle situated in Llandygai. Penrhyn Castle is actually a country house — a medieval manor house to be exact. But, since it takes the form of a Norman castle, the country house is called a castle instead. Featuring both industrial and colonial foundations, the attraction consists of numerous rooms with the top ones including the State Bedroom, and the library that is equally imposing as the Ebony Room. The outside of the castle is also worth exploring. Please your eyes in the garden filled with manicured grass and colorful flowers, especially the daffodils that are in full bloom from March onward.
Penrhyn Castle
Address: Bangor LL57 4HT, United Kingdom
Website: Penrhyn Castle
Opening hours: 11am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 13 GBP (17 USD)
2. Be inspired by coming to Pontio at Bangor University
Everything around you can be a source of inspiration. Be inspired by coming to Pontio — the center for arts and innovation — which can be found inside Bangor University. From talks and workshops to cinema and musical performances, Pontio offers various events that are both inspiring and entertaining. As for innovation-related events, you can participate in guest lectures and training, among others.
Pontio at Bangor University
Address: University, Pontio, Deiniol Rd, Bangor LL57 2TQ, United Kingdom
Website: Pontio at Bangor University
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 8:30am - 11pm; Sun: 12pm - 8pm
Price: Varies
3. Savor delicious meals and snacks at Blue Sky
What if you are in the middle of your adventure, and your stomach suddenly complains because it has not been filled with delicious food and drinks? Don’t worry, as you can head to the busy High Street and find a casual and friendly cafe called Blue Sky. Most of the meals served at the cafe are made from organic ingredients. A burger with a Moroccan lamb inside or meatball pasta should be able to satisfy your appetite. A selection of drinks, including spirits and liquors, hot chocolates, coffee and juices, is served as well.
Blue Sky
Address: Ambassador Hall Rear of, 236 High St, Bangor LL57 1PA, United Kingdom
Website: Blue Sky
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9:30am - 5pm (closed on Sun)
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4. Stroll along Garth Pier
Also known as Bangor Pier, Garth Pier is the ideal place for you to enjoy a pleasant stroll and absorb the relaxed ambiance. Walk along the bridge and marvel at the views of Menai Straits, Isle of Anglesey and Snowdonia in one place.
Several benches are available in the stretch of this point of interest in Bangor, Wales, perfect if you want to unwind and relax. During your visit, be sure to visit some of the small shops and gather some souveniers.
Garth Pier
Address: LL57 2SW, United Kingdom
Website: Garth Pier
Opening hours: 9am - 8:30pm (daily)
Price: 0.50 GBP (0.70 USD)
5. Soothe your mind and soul at Treborth Botanic Garden
If you are looking to escape the bustling atmosphere of Bangor and wish to soothe your mind and soul instead, a garden is always an excellent place. Located in Bangor University, Treborth Botanic Garden boasts a massive woodland and a rich grassland. Just by looking at the various plants, you will instantly feel peaceful and calm. To soothe your mind and soul even better, admire the orchard, shrubs and mature trees there. There are also glasshouses in the garden, but they are only open during special events.
Treborth Botanic Garden
Address: Bangor University, Bangor, LL57 2RQ, United Kingdom
Website: Treborth Botanic Garden
Opening hours: Daylight hours (daily)
Price: Free
6. Indulge in some artsy time at Storiel
Are you fond of art and want to indulge in some creative time? Then letting your imagination flow in the art gallery called Storiel is one of the must-try activities in Bangor, Wales. The gallery lets you relish thousands of art items. From artworks and photography to ceramics and archaeology, you can find everything at this gallery.
Some exhibitions may also change from time to time. Regardless of what exhibitions are being displayed, all art pieces are equally intriguing.
Storiel
Address: Ffordd Gwynedd, Bangor LL57 1DT, United Kingdom
Website: Storiel
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 11am - 5pm (closed on Sun & Mon)
Price: Free
7. Marvel at the beauty of Bangor Cathedral
Bangor Cathedral is one of the popular landmarks in the city that you would not want to miss. The impressive cathedral was built between the 12th and 13th centuries as a dedication to St. Deiniol, a Celtic Christian. Enjoy a quiet moment and send a prayer inside the cathedral if you wish. Take a look around the church to appreciate the stained glasses along with the imposing pillars and arches.
Bangor Cathedral
Address: Cathedral Close, Bangor LL57 1LH, United Kingdom
Website: Bangor Cathedral
Opening hours: Sun - Fri: 9am - 4pm; Sat: 10am - 1pm
Price: Free
8. Relish exquisite Italian cuisine at Torna a Surriento
Just because you are in Bangor, it does not mean that you cannot satisfy your craving for Italian cuisine. Make a stop at Torna a Surriento so you could awaken your taste buds with the exquisite taste of Italian meals. Highly popular dishes include spaghetti al pesto and beef lasagna. Its home-made desserts are also appetizing. It’s also worth trying their lemon cake topped with custard or a strawberry tiramisu.
Torna a Surriento
Address: 202 High St, Bangor LL57 1NY, United Kingdom
Website: Torna a Surriento
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 12pm - 9:30pm (closed on Sun)
9. Have a scenic walk along North Wales Path
When you are taking a walk while surrounded by the beauty of nature, you will not feel tired and not mind how long you have walked. You can go on a nature retreat in Bangor by taking the scenic walk along North Wales Path that stretches from North East Wales to Bangor.
The total distance of the path is 97 kilometers (60 miles). If you are interested in finishing the path, you will have to walk for approximately 25 hours in four to six days. One of the things to do for free in Bangor, Wales, strolling this scenic path will present you with lush greenery and rolling hills along the way.
North Wales Path
Address: North Wales - Bangor, United Kingdom
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
10. Take a day trip to Puffin Island
A day trip to Puffin Island in Bangor, Wales, promises a delightful and unforgettable adventure. This small island, also known as Ynys Seiriol, is a wildlife sanctuary and a haven for seabirds, including adorable puffins. From Bangor, you can hop on a boat tour to enjoy breathtaking coastal views.
The trip’s highlight is seeing puffins up close as they nest, feed, and frolic around the island’s cliffs and coves. These charming and comical seabirds, with their colorful beaks and distinctive waddling walk, are a joy to watch. Additionally, you might spot seals, dolphins, and other marine life during the boat journey, adding more excitement to the trip to this tourist attraction in Bangor, Wales.
11. See the 1971 Eisteddfod Gorsedd Stones
In Bangor, Wales, you can embark on a historical and cultural activity by seeing the 1971 Eisteddfod Gorsedd Stones. The Gorsedd Stones hold significant importance in Welsh tradition and are associated with the annual Eisteddfod, a Welsh cultural festival celebrating literature, music, and performance.
Located in a prominent public space, the Gorsedd Stones commemorate the National Eisteddfod held in Bangor in 1971. The stones symbolize the gathering of bards, druids, and other participants in the Eisteddfod, and they serve as a reminder of Wales’ rich literary and cultural heritage. Visitors can admire the stones’ artistic engravings and learn about their cultural significance through informative displays and plaques.
12. Enjoy a pleasant stay at Tap and Spile (from USD 113)
Your vacation in Bangor will be finally complete with a pleasant stay at Tap and Spile. Featuring the scenic vistas of the sea along with a restaurant and a bar, the hotel offers guest rooms that come with wardrobes, flat-screen TVs and kettles. Before setting out for your adventure, indulge in a delicious English/Irish breakfast first.
Tap and Spile Hotel
Address: Garth Road
8.51 km (5.3 mi) from Zip World Penrhyn Quarry
An unforgettable vacation is guaranteed when you come to Bangor
After reading through the top things that you can do in Bangor, you can now be 100 percent sure that the city will be your next vacation destination. Just ensure that all the activities mentioned above are done and an unforgettable vacation here is guaranteed.
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