Top Things to do in Bangor
The 10 Best Budget-friendly Things to do in Bangor, Wales
Discover the best top things to do in Bangor, United Kingdom including Patrick's Irish Bar, Cwm Idwal National Nature Reserve, Snowdonia Walking and Climbing, Penrhyn Castle, Gwynedd Museum & Art Gallery, Bangor University, Bangor Garth Pier, Dr Zigs Extraordinary Bubbles, STORIEL, Cadeirlan Bangor Cathedral.
Restaurants in Bangor
1. Patrick's Irish Bar
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 21 reviews
Reviewed By Rhys_H24
Stopped in with my son's to watch the sport, and enjoy a good pint, whilst taking my daughter to Uni. The landlord was excellent, friendly, thorough and following the COVID guidance to the absolute letter. The beers where kept really well, table service and contactless payment. With my daughter in Uni, I hope to be able to enjoy a beer or two over the next few years.
2. Cwm Idwal National Nature Reserve
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 244 reviews
Reviewed By LejasLou - San Francisco, United States
If you are visiting Snowdonia/Eryri: do not miss this hike! Parking in the summer can be challenging, so it’s best to get here before 11am (9:30am if you want a spot in the paid parking lot). Many cars end up parking on the side of the road, but even that space fills quickly and can be a bit dangerous with little kids/buggies/etc. There is a stand that sells coffee and ice cream just next to the paid parking lot but pretty much all seating is outside so if the weather isn’t great, you might want to keep that in mind. The hike to the lake is a mild/moderate incline but generally well-maintained path with stone steps - for those who don’t hike much it’s absolutely do-able and fun, just take your time. Once you reach the lake, it’s mostly flat with some gentle inclines/declines. It can take anywhere from 45-90 minutes to do the entire loop from the parking lot to around the lake - the time depends on how fast you want to go. For the more more advanced hikers, this is also a gateway to more challenging hikes into Devils Kitchen and then beyond access to a range of some of the Eryri’s 3000s mountains (ie the Glyderau range). If you want to do the range, definitely start early but can be done in a day.
3. Snowdonia Walking and Climbing
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 75 reviews
Mountain walking, scrambling and rock climbing courses and guiding in Snowdonia. Personalized itineraries run by Everest summiteer, Richard Bale,a fully qualified mountaineering instructor MIC and full member of the Association of Mountaineering Instructors. Take your mountain adventures to the next level, improve your skills and take on more challenging routes - courses and itineraries designed to suit your needs.
4. Penrhyn Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,428 reviews
This 19th-century neo-Norman castle sits between Snowdonia and the Menai Strait. It's crammed with fascinating items, such as a one-ton slate bed made for Queen Victoria, elaborate carvings, plasterwork and mock-Norman furniture. In addition, it has an outstanding collection of paintings.The restored kitchens are a delight and the stable block houses a fascinating industrial railway museum.The 24.3 hectares (60 acres) of grounds include parkland, an exotic tree and shrub collection as well as a Victorian walled garden.
Reviewed By Scooteraande - Bergen, Norway
Visited this castle on recommendation from mother in law - beautiful grounds it is set in - when I first saw it I was not impressed with the outside appearance however this was soon changed when I went inside the house - what a beautiful maintained property by the national trust -the staff were excellent and explained about the appearance of the outside of the building due to the limestone - staff were very helpful and informative and the history of the castle was very interesting and how it came to be - built on the back of wealth and finally being surrendered due to death duties - the national trust works tirelessly to maintain and restore for our future generations - also plenty of information boards around the house nice to know all the belongings in the house were in the house when it was left. My husband and I had coffee twice in the coffee shop which was clean friendly staff light and airey - the connected railway museum is very informative in relation to local history - the gardens and grounds are beautiful to walk and stroll around in - staff yet again very informative this is a beautiful castle and a beautiful setting well worth a visit x
5. Gwynedd Museum & Art Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 33 reviews
Gallery The gallery has a wide-ranging programme of exhibitions by local and international artists. Changing regularly, the gallery always offers inspiration. MuseumWelsh furniture, textiles, art, archaeology, social history items...Located in the former Canonry, the Gwynedd Museum & Art Gallery, Bangor is brimming with stories from Gwynedd and surrounding area. The Roman Segontium sword, the Welsh Not, model of Telford’s suspension bridge, the King of Bardsey’s crown are just a few of the treasures you can enjoy. ShopThe shop sells a mix of unique hand-made crafts including ceramics, jewellery, greeting cards and prints. The Collectorplan Scheme, which is an interest free credit service, is available to individuals to purchase original and contemporary art and craft from both the gallery and shop.
Reviewed By paulhC3721OU - Birmingham, United Kingdom
Interesting and free stop to learn about North Wales and take in some local artists. Also, a very nice cafe Indeed!!
6. Bangor University
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 94 reviews
Reviewed By poppytilly - Derby, United Kingdom
Wow ! So impressed with Bangor from the minute I got out of the car. A very well organised open day- plenty of staff on hand to direct you to the correct place, welcome tea and coffee , freebies and information a plenty. The accommodation tour excellent Harri was a great chap and enjoyed his banter. The buildings were stunning especially the older parts ( a bit Harry Potter ) and the setting perfect - Snowdonia one side - sea the other. Everything is within walking distance and I only wish I was the student and not the parent visiting. Thankyou Bangor for making us so welcome !
7. Bangor Garth Pier
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 556 reviews
Reviewed By OldJW - Caernarfon, United Kingdom
I call it the Secret Pier because many would never imagine Bangor in North Wales even possessed a pier. But yes, it is approx 470 metres in length and believed to be the nineth longest in England & Wales. Built by the victorians and completed in 1896 it fulfilled the ambitions of the many to "walk on water," to relax and be entertained. To this day it provides stunning views across the Menai Straits towards the Isle of Anglesey and looking back you can view a backdrop of the Welsh mountains. How to unlock the Secret. Travel along the A5 (Beach Road) at the far end of the City. The road has a sharp right hand bend. There, look for Garth Road, a narrow side exit leading away and lined with an array of houses. Along Garth Road for a short distance will lead you to the pier. Well worth a visit, not only to take you back in time 123 years. Yet to this day in gratitude to an ongoing program of maintenance there is still a special feeling Walking on Water. To the traveller, well worth a visit.
8. Dr Zigs Extraordinary Bubbles
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 35 reviews
Dr Zigs Extraordinary Bubble World is our new and exciting venture set in gorgeous landscapes just off the A55. Come and enjoy a great bubble experience, play on our interactive pirate ship, and enjoy a coffee and some wholesome food in our new Bubble Cafe! You will be able to shop for our award winning bubble toys, learn how to make giant bubbles, and weather permitting, be entertained by some truly awesome giant bubble displays. From our venue it is possible to enjoy beautiful scenic walks all the way down to the Menai Strait through the National Park's Glan Faenol. Giggles and laughs and ooohs of wonder are guaranteed :) As of Janurary 2016 we are also offering take away lunches, whether it's to enjoy on you walks, or for those of you busy working on Parc Menai!
9. STORIEL
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 26 reviews
Reviewed By SnowdropGinger - Holyhead, United Kingdom
Visited Storiel for a photography exibition and enjoyed looking around the gallery at the photos and other exhibitions. The shop was well stocked with a variety of gifts to buy and many local crafts. Went to the cafe afterwards and had a lovely tuna melt on brown bread with a latte. Both myself and my friend enjoyed the experience very much.
10. Cadeirlan Bangor Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 125 reviews
Reviewed By SnowdropGinger - Holyhead, United Kingdom
Received a very warm welcome visiting Bangor Cathedral. We looked at the remembrance displays which were beautiful. The cathedral is interesting to walk round and photograph and only some of the paintings are out of bounds for photography. There were plenty of custodians on hand to answer questions.
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