Recent research by Which? has found that Bangor in North Wales is the worst seaside town in Britain.
In a survey of 4,700 Britons, the town of Gwynedd scored just 42% on factors such as food and drink, tourist attractions and shopping, and was described by respondents as “dull” and “run down”.
The online reviews are not much better either: the promenade in particular is heavily criticized by Google users.
“The place is okay,” commented Athanasia, adding, “When the tide changes, the beach looks disgusting.”
On TripAdvisor, trinapalmer91 called the pier “boring,” while HMS1979 wrote, “There is absolutely nothing to do in Bangor… Wouldn’t go back.”
Wales’ oldest town is not the first British beach destination to fall out of favour with tourists – Aberaeron on the Ceredigion coast was one of the ‘least visited’ places in the UK last year and Skegness in Lincolnshire has previously featured alongside Syria and North Korea on the list of the world’s worst holiday spots.
But despite the need for care, not everything is bad in Bangor.
Stephanie Jones, 29, who has spent her entire life there and even studied at Bangor University, says Metro.de: “Although it has its shortcomings (the main street is run down and unemployment is up), it has pretty much everything you need. There’s a beach, plenty of outdoor activities and open spaces, it’s safe, clean and there’s a great sense of community.”
“I don’t think it’s the worst seaside town,” she adds. “If you’re looking for a family-friendly place with plenty to do both indoors and outdoors, this is the place for you.”
Paulomi Debnath, 44, who runs jewellery and homewares brand Handmade by Tinni, agrees. When she visited North Wales with her husband, mother and son, she “had a brilliant time” and says Bangor was “beautiful”.
“It was quieter than other more popular coastal areas, but the beach was lovely. Clean, sandy, nice long stretch for walking,” she tells Metro.co.uk.
If you’re not yet convinced that Bangor should be written off, here’s what a holiday there might look like for you.
Things to do in Bangor, Wales
There is no shortage of natural beauty in Bangor and part of the Wales Coast Path now runs through Parc Penrhyn, with views of the Menai Strait, Anglesey and Penrhyn Docks.
If you want to enjoy the great outdoors, you can take a stroll in Treborth Botanic Garden, walk the first section of the Snowdonia Slate Trail from Bangor to Bethesda, or hire a bike and cycle along the scenic Ogwen Trail. Alternatively, you can view the scenery from above by trying the ziplines at nearby Zip World Penrhyn Quarry.
Although some may not be fans of it, the town’s Garth Pier is also worth a visit. The Grade II listed Victorian structure – which extends nearly half a mile out to sea – offers all the pleasures of the sea, from crabbing to ice cream stalls.
For history buffs, St. Deiniol’s Cathedral and Penrhyn Castle are must-sees. Penrhyn Castle offers family-friendly tours, a woodland playground, cafes and a gift shop.
And to add a little culture to your trip, there is the Storiel Art Gallery and Museum. There is plenty here to keep children and adults entertained on a day trip, as well as a program of additional workshops and exhibitions.
Getting to Bangor, Wales
Coming from London? There are several trains to Bangor from Euston. The journey takes just under four hours and costs from £24, according to Trainline.
From Liverpool, the train journey from Lime Street (changing at Chester) takes around two hours and return tickets start at £17.
Alternatively, there are bus services from across the country to Llandudno, from where you can catch a local bus to Bangor. This method of travel is likely to take longer, but is often cheaper if you book in advance.
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