July 29th 2024.
According to a recent study conducted by Which?, Bangor, North Wales has been ranked as the UK's worst seaside town. The study, which surveyed 4,700 Brits, rated the Gwynedd city at a mere 42%, taking into account factors such as food and drink, tourist attractions, and shopping. Participants described the town as "drab" and "run down", and reviews online seem to echo the sentiment, with Google users specifically criticizing the promenade.
One user, Athanasia, commented, "The place is meh" while pointing out the beach's unsightly appearance when the tides change. On Tripadvisor, trinapalmer91 called the pier "boring" and HMS1979 expressed their disappointment with the lack of things to do in Bangor, stating, "Absolutely nothing to do in Bangor... Wouldn't come back."
Sadly, Bangor is not the only British beach destination to experience a decline in popularity amongst tourists. Last year, Aberaeron on the Ceredigion Coast was listed as one of the "least visited" places in the UK, while Skegness in Lincolnshire was previously included in a list of the world's worst holiday spots, alongside Syria and North Korea.
However, despite its low ranking, Bangor still has some redeeming qualities. Stephanie Jones, a 29-year-old lifelong resident who also studied at Bangor University, disagrees with the negative perception of her hometown. She says, "While it may have its faults, it has pretty much everything you need. It has a beach, plenty of outdoor activities and spaces, it's safe, clean and has a big community feel." She adds, "I don't agree that it's the worst seaside town at all. If you want somewhere that is family-friendly, with plenty of things to do inside and outside, it's the place for you."
Paulomi Debnath, 44, who runs a jewelry and homeware brand, Handmade by Tinni, also had a positive experience in Bangor when she visited with her family. She describes the town as "lovely" and enjoyed the quieter atmosphere compared to more popular seaside destinations. She adds, "The beach was nice, clean, sandy, and had a nice long stretch to walk."
If you're still not convinced that Bangor is worth a visit, here are some things you can do in the town. Bangor boasts natural beauty, with the Wales coast path now passing through Parc Penrhyn, offering stunning views of the Menai Strait, Anglesey, and Penrhyn Docks. The Snowdonia National Park is also right on the town's doorstep.
For those who enjoy the outdoors, there are plenty of options to explore, such as the Treborth Botanic Garden, the Snowdonia Slate Trail from Bangor to Bethesda, or the Ogwen Trail, which can be explored by hiring a bike. For a more thrilling experience, visitors can also try the ziplines at Zip World Penrhyn Quarry.
Despite mixed reviews, the Garth Pier is still worth a visit, according to some. The Grade II listed Victorian structure extends almost half a kilometer into the sea and offers classic seaside activities, from crabbing to enjoying ice cream.
For history enthusiasts, St Deiniol's Cathedral and Penrhyn Castle are must-visit attractions, with the latter offering family-friendly guided tours, a woodland play area, and cafes. And for a dose of culture, visitors can check out the Storiel art gallery and museum, which offers a variety of workshops and exhibitions for both adults and children.
Getting to Bangor is also relatively easy. From London, there are multiple trains that depart from Euston, with the journey taking just under four hours and costing from £24, according to Trainline. From Liverpool, the journey is around two hours from Lime Street, with return fares starting from £17.
National Express also offers coach routes from various locations in the country to Llandudno, from where visitors can take a local bus service to Bangor. While it may take longer, this mode of travel is often cheaper if booked in advance.
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