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Top 5 Best Things to do in Bangor
Situated beside the Menai Strait with the mountains of Snowdonia National Park providing a spectacular backdrop, Bangor is one of the most interesting cities to visit during a North Wales holiday. Recognised as the oldest city in Wales, Bangor combines a fascinating history with beautiful scenery, family-friendly attractions, vibrant shopping opportunities and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors.
For guests staying at one of Pario’s North Wales Holiday Parks, Bangor is also an excellent choice for a day trip, with several of our resorts being within easy driving reach of the city. Whether you are interested in history, shopping, sport or simply want to discover something new, there are plenty of things to do in Bangor at any time of the year.
If you are wondering what to do in Bangor during your next visit, here are five top attractions and activities that we feel deserve a place on your North Wales holiday itinerary.
1. Visit Penrhyn Castle
One of the first places we’d advise visiting when in the vicinity of Bangor is the spectacular Penrhyn Castle. Situated just outside the city, this enormous neo-Norman castle is surrounded by extensive gardens and woodland, making it an excellent choice for a family day out as well as a must visit attraction for history enthusiasts.
The castle that stands today was commissioned by the Pennant family in the early 19th century and was built between 1820 and 1837 under the direction of architect Thomas Hopper. Although it looks like a medieval fortress, Penrhyn Castle was actually created as a grand Victorian country house, complete with imposing towers, battlements and elaborate interiors. Its rooms contain an impressive collection of furnishings, paintings, ceramics and decorative objects, while the grounds include a walled garden, woodland and spectacular views towards the mountains of Snowdonia beyond.
There is also a fascinating, though difficult, history to discover here. The Pennant family’s wealth came partly from Jamaican sugar plantations worked by enslaved people and from the North Wales slate industry. The National Trust now presents this history as an important part of the story of Penrhyn, alongside the castle’s architecture, collections and gardens.
For visitors interested in history, architecture or Welsh industrial heritage, Penrhyn Castle is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Bangor, North Wales.
2. Take a Stroll Along the Pier
For a more traditional seaside holiday experience, head towards Bangor Garth Pier and take a leisurely stroll out over the Menai Strait. This beautiful Victorian structure is a Grade II listed pier and stretches out for around 1,500 feet. This makes it the second-longest pier in the whole of Wales.
Garth Pier opened to the public in 1896 and was designed by J.J. Webster. Originally created as a Victorian promenade and landing place for pleasure steamers, it has survived storms, accidents, periods of closure and the threat of demolition. After extensive restoration, the pier reopened in 1988 and remains one of Bangor’s most recognisable landmarks, harking back to an era when the city was considered one of the best seaside holiday destinations in the UK.
The walk along the pier is an attraction in itself, with wonderful views across the Menai Strait towards Anglesey and the surrounding mountains. However, there is more than just views to discover along the way thanks to the collection of charming Victorian-style kiosks. These are now home to a variety of small businesses, including cafes, food outlets, shops and creative enterprises. At the far end of the pier, the pavilion provides somewhere to stop for a snack, meal or refreshing drink, while the Friends of Bangor Garth Pier Shop sells artwork, pottery, jewellery and other products created by local artists and craftspeople.
If you want to enjoy some fresh sea air and one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, a walk along Garth Pier is an absolute must if you are looking for things to do in Bangor.
3. Tour Aber Falls Distillery
A short drive from Bangor brings you to Abergwyngregyn, home to Aber Falls Distillery. Located close to the famous Aber Falls waterfall, this is a great attraction for adults who want to discover how the famous Welsh spirits are produced.
Aber Falls is particularly significant because it was the first whisky distillery established in North Wales more than 100 years ago. The distillery produces Welsh whisky alongside a range of handcrafted gins and liqueurs, using Welsh ingredients and drawing inspiration from its spectacular surroundings. The building itself has an interesting industrial past, having previously been a 19th-century slate works, a margarine factory and a drinks wholesaler’s depot.
During a distillery tour, visitors can discover how Aber Falls produces its spirits and learn more about the creation of its 100% single malt Welsh whisky. Tours last for roughly an hour and include opportunities to sample some of the company’s award-winning products.
Once the tour is complete, make sure you make time to visit the on-site shop, where you can browse Aber Falls whisky, gin, liqueurs and other gifts to take home. There is also a cafe where you can enjoy drinks and light bites beside the river, making the distillery a great addition to a day exploring this eclectic part of North Wales.
4. Go Shopping
If retail therapy is more your idea of a great day out, Bangor has plenty to offer. The city centre provides a mixture of familiar high street names, independent retailers, specialist stores and quirky businesses, so there is plenty of choice whether you are looking for fashion, gifts, food or something completely different.
The Deiniol Shopping Centre is a useful place to start, with more than 20 shops covering categories including fashion, food & drink, health & beauty, home interiors and everyday essentials. Current independent retailers include Enchantment, which sells upcycled furniture, alongside quirky alternative fashion stores such as The Dead Faeries and Soulful Living. Other retail sites are home to household names such as Next, Go Outdoors, Matalan, JD Sports and Marks & Spencer’s
The High Street and surrounding city-centre streets are also worth exploring, particularly if you are keen to support small, local businesses. A good example is @109, a creative shop where local artists can showcase their work. There’s also the aptly named Hobby Shop which sells a selection of geeky trading cards, figurines and models which are sure to appeal to kids and big kids alike.
You certainly will not have to go far to find somewhere for a break either. Bangor has an increasingly varied food scene, with restaurants, cafes and takeaways throughout the city. This includes Ava Wine Bar, Cafe Taste, The Station Diner and Wolsey’s Bar & Restaurant.
5. Play Golf
Finally, sports enthusiasts are advised to pack their clubs and enjoy a round at Bangor St. Deiniol Golf Club. Founded in 1906, this historic club has developed into one of the premier golf courses in North Wales and warmly welcomes visitors as well as members.
The original course consisted of nine holes before being expanded to 18 holes, with the layout associated with acclaimed golf course architect James Braid. Today, the course occupies a beautiful position overlooking Bangor, with views stretching towards Anglesey, Snowdonia and along the North Wales coast.
The combination of a golf course designed by one of the sport’s most respected architects, undulating terrain and spectacular scenery makes it an enjoyable challenge for golfers of varying abilities. After your round, the clubhouse provides the perfect place to relax while taking in the panoramic views.
Explore Bangor During Your North Wales Holiday
From discovering the history of Penrhyn Castle to strolling along Garth Pier, sampling Welsh spirits at Aber Falls Distillery, shopping in the city centre or playing a round of golf, there are plenty of great things to do in Bangor.
With many of Pario Holiday Parks within easy driving reach of the city, Bangor is an excellent destination for a day trip during your next North Wales getaway. Book your next holiday at a Pario Holiday Park and enjoy a comfortable base from which to explore Bangor and the wider North Wales region.