Is the UK’s ‘worst seaside town’ really so bad? Don’t write it off just yet

Recent research by Which? has found Bangor, North Wales, is the UK’s worst seaside town.

In a survey of 4,700 Brits, the Gwynedd city scored just 42% based on factors like food and drink, tourist attractions, and shopping, and was described by participants as ‘drab’ and ‘run down’.

Reviews online aren’t much better either, with Google users slamming the promenade in particular.

‘The place is meh’ commented Athanasia, adding: ‘When the tides change, the beach looks gross.’

On Tripadvisor, trinapalmer91 called the pier ‘boring’, while HMS1979 wrote: ‘Absolutely nothing to do in Bangor… Wouldn’t come back.’

Wales’s oldest city isn’t 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, Lincolnshire, previously made a list of the world’s worst holiday spots alongside Syria and North Korea.

But despite needing some TLC, it’s not all bad in Bangor.

Stephanie Jones, 29, who has lived there her whole life and even studied at Bangor University, tells Metro.co.uk: ‘While it may have its faults (the high street has gone down hill and unemployment has risen), 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.‘

‘I don’t agree that it’s the worst seaside town at all,’ she adds. ‘If you want someone that is family-friendly, with plenty of things to do inside and outside, it’s the place for you.‘

Paulomi Debnath, 44, who runs jewellery and homeware brand Handmade by Tinni, agrees. When she visited North Wales with her husband, mum, and son, she ‘had a great time’ and says Bangor was ‘lovely.’

‘It was quieter than other more popular seaside regions, but the beach was nice. clean, sandy, nice long stretch to walk,’ she tells Metro.co.uk.

If you’re not convinced Bangor should be written off just yet, here’s what a holiday there could look like for you.

Things to do in Bangor

There’s no shortage of natural beauty in Bangor, and part of the Wales coast path now goes through Parc Penrhyn, with views of the Menai Strait, Anglesey and Penrhyn Docks.

If you want to take in the great outdoors, you can have a wander 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, see the landscape from above with a go on the ziplines at nearby Zip World Penrhyn Quarry.

Although some aren’t fans, the city’s Garth Pier is still worth a visit too. The Grade II listed Victorian structure – which stretches almost half a kilometre into the sea – offers all the fun of the seaside, from crabbing to ice cream stalls.

For those that like their history, St Deiniol’s Cathedral and Penrhyn Castle are must-visits, with the latter featuring family-friendly guided tours, a woodland play area, cafés and a gift shop.

And to add a little culture to your trip, there’s the Storiel art gallery and museum. There’s plenty here to keep kids and adults entertained for a day out, as well as a programme of extra workshops and exhibitions.

How to get to Bangor

Coming from London? There are a number of trains available to Bangor from Euston, with the journey taking just under four hours and costing from £24 according to Trainline.

From Liverpool, you’re looking at around two hours on a train from Lime Street (changing at Chester), and return fares start from £17.

National Express also offers coach routes to Llandudno from around the country, after which you can take a local bus service on to Bangor. This mode of travel is likely to take longer, but it’s often cheaper if you book in advance.

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