### Bangor’s Unfair Reputation as One of Britain’s ‘Worst’ Seaside Towns Comes Under Scrutiny
Bangor, the small North Wales city perched along the Menai Strait, has once again found itself at the lower end of a national seaside destination survey. Ranked by consumer group Which? as the second-worst seaside town in the UK for the second consecutive year, this verdict has provoked much debate, particularly amongst those who know the city well.
The annual Which? survey placed Bangor just ahead of Bognor Regis, which took the dubious title of worst seaside spot, while Clacton-on-Sea in Essex rounded out the bottom three. Rated at just 38% for ‘desirability’, Bangor fared poorly on measures including food and drink, as well as visitor attractions and shopping, each scoring only one star. Curiously, its celebrated pier went unranked, and even its historical landmarks failed to impress the survey’s evaluators.
Despite this lacklustre assessment, Bangor still managed a more favourable score for its landscape, receiving three stars for scenery. This rating comes as little surprise to anyone familiar with its immediate surroundings—the city sits nestled between the dramatic ridges of Eryri (Snowdonia) and the sparkling Menai Strait.
Matt Jackson, a journalist and former Bangor resident, has voiced his disagreement with the negative portrayal. Having called the city home for several years both as a student and visitor, Jackson suggests the Which? survey may oversimplify Bangor’s appeal and overlook its genuine strengths. According to him, the city has more to recommend it than such surveys imply.
One of Bangor’s central attractions is its famed Garth Pier, a 19th-century, Grade II-listed structure stretching nearly 1,500 feet into the Menai Strait. Despite not boasting the amusements of more commercial peers like Llandudno, the pier’s tranquil scenic walkway draws thousands of visitors annually. Its Pavilion Café, offering refreshments against a backdrop of sea views, has become a much-loved stop-off for locals and tourists alike.
Bangor is also proud of its depth of history and heritage. The city centre’s 6th-century cathedral, with its impressive gothic architecture, stands as a striking introduction to Bangor for anyone entering from Upper Bangor. The university, founded in 1884, dominates the cityscape and continues to shape Bangor’s character as a bustling student hub. One of the more recent additions to its campus, Pontio Arts Centre, has brought theatre, cinema, and a range of eateries to the area—indicating a cultural vibrancy perhaps overlooked by national reviewers.
At the city’s periphery, Penrhyn Castle, a National Trust property originally constructed for quarry magnates, offers visitors a glimpse into the region’s industrial past. It’s not just a historical monument but also a popular spot for community events and is a highlight of the Wales Coast Path.
Geographically, Bangor’s location is a significant asset. The city serves as a gateway to some of North Wales’ most celebrated attractions. Just a short drive (or bus trip) lies Beaumaris with its medieval castle, Anglesey’s sandy beaches such as Newborough and Benllech, and the famed Llanberis Pass at the foot of Mount Snowdon. For students—often on limited budgets—the area offers affordable excursions and ready access to dramatic landscapes.
Bangor’s critics may point towards a lack of commercial entertainment compared to larger resorts, but others argue that its charm lies in its authenticity and accessibility. With a mix of heritage, cultural life, and unbeatable proximity to natural wonders, it has much to offer those who take a closer look.
As national surveys continue to rank and rate British seaside locations, it’s worth remembering that personal experience often paints a far richer and more nuanced picture. For those who know Bangor—residents and alumni alike—the city’s regular appearance on these ‘worst’ lists feels unfair and fails to do justice to its undoubted appeal.
Ultimately, Bangor’s story is one of contrasts: historic yet modern, quiet but lively, and constantly evolving. While it may not be to everyone’s taste, many who spend time in the North Wales city are left with fond memories that defy such unfavourable rankings.