**Bangor Ranked Among UK’s Worst Seaside Destinations – But Residents Rally to Its Defence**
A recent survey by consumer group Which? has sparked heated debate after ranking Bangor, Gwynedd, as the UK’s second least popular seaside destination. The results, which placed Bangor just above Bognor Regis on the league table, have left locals dismayed even as others defended the North Wales city’s unique character and charms.
More than 3,800 people participated in the Which? survey, sharing their opinions and experiences of seaside towns across Britain over the past year. Respondents were asked about a variety of factors including the quality of beaches, available entertainment, scenery, food and drink, accommodation, attractions, and value for money. The findings ranked places from best to worst based on the collected feedback.
While Wales is home to internationally acclaimed coastal gems, some of which earned glowing reviews in the study, Bangor found itself at the bottom end. The city scraped a meagre 38% satisfaction score, only narrowly avoiding last place, a position it held the previous year. Participants described Bangor as “shabby”, highlighting concerns about upkeep and attractiveness. However, not all reviews were negative. Some lauded the city’s “stunning views across the Menai Straits” and pointed out its value as a base for exploring the wider region of North Wales and Anglesey.
The Which? survey also crowned Portmeirion—a colourful, Italianate village in Gwynedd—as one of the UK’s top five seaside destinations, earning high praise for its architectural beauty and distinctive atmosphere. St Davids, Pembrokeshire, also performed strongly with visitors charmed by its historic appeal and natural scenery. Both Welsh destinations achieved a commendable 79% satisfaction rating, demonstrating the breadth of experiences available on the Welsh coast.
Bognor Regis, in spite of its reputation for sunny weather, fared worst in the survey, recording just a 36% satisfaction score. Visitors complained of a “run-down” feel and marked it low across most surveyed metrics. Such sharp contrasts in perception illustrate the diverging fortunes of Britain’s seaside resorts as they compete for visitor attention in a changing holiday landscape.
For Bangor, the recent ranking has triggered a vocal backlash among residents and those with strong ties to the city. Among them is journalist and Bangor native Branwen Jones, who voiced her frustration at both the result and the repeated mischaracterisation of Bangor as a “town” rather than the city it is. “People have got it wrong,” she argued passionately, championing Bangor’s sense of community, cultural heritage, and the pride of locals in their city’s past and future.
Advocates for Bangor highlight its distinct features—such as the impressive Victorian Garth Pier, largely untouched since its unveiling in 1896 by Lord Penrhyn. Though Bangor may not boast long sandy beaches, supporters say it offers other compensations, including spectacular views of Eryri (Snowdonia) and the surrounding coastline. The city’s university, cathedral, and rich local traditions are frequently cited as reasons to reconsider its reputation.
Indeed, critics of the Which? poll claim such survey results risk reducing complex places to single scores, failing to account for intangible qualities like community spirit and historical significance. Local businesses and tourism champions have also weighed in, expressing concern that negative headlines could further undermine the efforts of those working to regenerate and promote Bangor.
This episode has reignited broader conversations about the difficulties faced by some British seaside destinations in adapting to modern tourism trends and economic pressures. While the likes of Portmeirion and St Davids reap the rewards of investment and strong identities, others struggle to shake off perceptions of decline. As some observers have pointed out, such surveys often present an incomplete picture, heavily influenced by subjective impressions and expectations.
If one thing is clear, it is that Bangor’s ranking has galvanised those who love the city to speak up in its defence. Many argue that while it faces challenges, its history, natural beauty, and tight-knit community continue to make it a distinctive and rewarding place to visit—well worth a second look, regardless of the statistics.