**Bangor’s Maligned Seaside Image Challenged by Recent Visitor**
A Welsh city long beset by critiques of its appearance and amenities is receiving a fresh perspective, thanks to recent visitors who dispute its unflattering reputation. Despite survey rankings and public opinion that have labelled Bangor one of Britain’s “worst” seaside towns, a new wave of online reviewers are urging a more nuanced evaluation of this historic location.
Bangor, situated in Gwynedd and with a population of approximately 16,000, has attracted criticism regarding its offer for tourists, availability of dining options, shopping, and perceived value for money. Recent polls have been unkind, with some contributors branding it “drab” and “run down.” However, defenders—including many residents—are swift to remind outsiders that Bangor was never conceived as a traditional seaside resort, unlike its neighbours, Llandudno and Rhyl.
Despite the less-than-glowing feedback, the city boasts a number of significant historical and cultural assets: a sixth-century cathedral at its core, the 19th-century Bangor University building, the classic Garth Pier, and the imposing Penrhyn Castle. It is also positioned mere minutes from Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park, lending it a remarkable natural backdrop.
The conversation around Bangor’s status was recently reignited by the visit of YouTuber Wendall, who took it upon himself to experience the city first-hand. In footage posted to his popular channel, Wendall was visibly taken by Bangor’s picturesque harbour and tranquil waterside setting. Standing by the bay, he questioned whether the town’s poor reputation was due to tabloid sensationalism, noting the area’s quiet charms and new developments.
“I expected far worse than this,” said Wendall, as he observed the peacefulness of the tide and modern footpaths. “This is quite idyllic… it’s probably just a bit quiet and dead. But it’s certainly not rough, not in the town centre or near the water anyway.” He went on to challenge the idea that Bangor is a “dying” holiday resort, suggesting the city is simply not a resort town in the traditional sense and that its negative label was unfair.
Garth Pier emerged as a particular highlight. Stretching 1,500 feet into the Menai Strait, it is Wales’ second-longest pier and offers sweeping views across to Anglesey and the village of Beaumaris. Wendall described the promenade as “beautiful”—sentiments echoed by fellow content creator Ed Chapman, who admired both the “impressive” vistas and the sunset-tinted scene during his own visit.
Chapman went further, praising the architectural qualities of Bangor University, calling its historic building “very sort of Hogwarts” and describing the city overall as “pretty underrated” and far from deserving its notoriety as the country’s least-appealing seaside town.
Bangor City Council, keen to counteract the negative publicity, released a statement following recent poll results. A spokesperson criticised these types of rankings as being incomplete, remarking, “Such rankings often fail to capture the full picture and unique charms that make Bangor City so special.” The council also highlighted cultural venues such as the Storiel Gallery and Museum, the Pontio Arts Centre, and the city’s cathedral.
Local residents echoed these sentiments online. Some stated that Bangor was never marketed or developed as a seaside resort, instead positioning itself as a university city by the water and a gateway to North Wales’ mountainous national parkland. “We’ve never had a sandy beach,” noted one resident, who pointed to ongoing engineering works to reinforce local sea defences as a source of transformation rather than dereliction.
The recent buzz surrounding Bangor’s character serves as a pertinent reminder that perceptions of place are deeply subjective, often influenced by fleeting first impressions or widespread clichés. For now, visitors and locals alike seem keen to redefine Bangor’s image as more than its low rankings suggest—a small Welsh city with tranquil scenes and plenty of hidden value.