Things to do and see
Whether you’d like to stroll along the listed Garth Pier and take in the sweeping views of the Menai Strait, or explore the sprawling grounds of Penrhyn Castle, there is plenty to see and do in Bangor.
Bangor’s location also makes it an excellent place to begin exploring Snowdonia or Anglesey, sitting right on the edge of the national park with easy access to walkers’ cafes and hiking routes. It’s also just a stone’s throw away from Anglesey, opening up an array of options for beaches to visit and new places to explore.
Shops and amenities
Bangor has a large array of facilities, meaning you’re never far from the essential services you need – from supermarkets to doctor’s surgeries.
There are 4 large supermarkets around Bangor (Tesco, Asda, Lidl and Morrisons), as well as a whole host of independent shops and cafes throughout the town.
Equally, Bangor has its own hospital with an A&E department, as well as several local surgeries and a veterinary surgery too.
There are plenty of leisure facilities to keep you healthy and offer options for a day out or a bit of sport, with the large Arfon and Bangor University sports hall.
Cysylltiadau Trafnidiaeth
Thankfully, there are lots of ways around Bangor, wherever you’d like to head. Here’s a few of the options found locally:
- Car & Road: Bangor is well-connected by road, with the A55 offering an easy way to pop over to nearby areas. Caernarfon’s just a 15-minute drive away, and the bustling port town of Holyhead is only a 30-minute drive away.
- Bus: Bangor also has an impressive network of buses, with Llanberis being a scenic 30-minute ride away – opening up opportunities to explore Snowdonia National Park.
- Train: Bangor railway station offers direct trains to cities like Manchester and Holyhead and Chester, making it easy to explore both England and Wales.
- Cycling & Walking: Bangor is cycling friendly, with a great route spanning the Menai Bridge. Equally, it’s an exceptionally walkable town with great spots for a stroll, such as Bangor Pier which offers views across the strait.
Find out more about Bangor transport here.
Ysgolion Lleol
Bangor has an excellent range of schools to choose from, whether nursery, primary, secondary or independent. Even better, they are all close to one another and easy to access on foot or by public transport. Here’s a selection of what’s available across each category:
- Nursery: Ysgol Y Faenol, Ysgol Y Garnedd
- Primary: Ysgol Glancegin, Ysgol Hirael
- Secondary: Ysgol Friars, Ysgol Tryfan
- Special needs: Ysgol Cae Top
- Independent: St Gerard’s School Trust
Find more schools in Bangor, north Wales with this local council portal.
Gwybodaeth Ddefnyddiol
Bangor is a bustling university town, with over 10, 000 students making up the 18, 000 strong population. You can expect calmer and busier periods throughout the year, depending on the start and end dates of the university term.
Mae'r bobl leol yn siarad Cymraeg a Saesneg, ac yn llithro'n rhwydd o un iaith i'r llall. Mae tîm gwych o bobl yn ein swyddfa ym Mangor - maent yn barod, yn fodlon ac yn gymwys i'ch helpu i symud. O'r lleoliad hwn, rydym yn tueddu i wasanaethu dinas Bangor a phentrefi gerllaw - gan gynnwys Tregarth, Bethesda a Llanfairfechan yng Ngwynedd, ac yna Porthaethwy, Llanfairpwll, Llandegfan a Biwmares ar Ynys Môn.
Property Market
Bangor’s housing spans several eras, from Victorian seafront properties along Beach Road to elegant Edwardian homes in Upper Bangor. The city centre features traditional Welsh terraced houses, built from local stone with slate roofs. Near the university, substantial Victorian villas stand alongside purpose-built student accommodation. More modern estates spread outward toward Penrhosgarnedd, offering family homes with gardens.
The most sought-after properties line Upper Bangor’s tree-lined streets, where period homes maintain original features. The Garth area offers properties with views across the Menai Strait, while the roads near St James’s Church hold well-maintained Victorian houses.
Developments: Recent construction includes new apartment blocks near the university campus, meeting student demand. The former Dickies Boatyard site saw transformation into waterfront apartments. Plans exist for additional housing developments on the city outskirts, particularly around Penrhosgarnedd, aiming to provide more family homes.
Property prices: According to recent data, Bangor’s market offers value compared to many university cities. Terraced houses averaged £143k over the last year, while semi-detached properties reached around £229k. Detached homes, especially those with Menai Strait views, sold for £320k-£450k. Overall, prices showed a 9% increase since 2021. Our estate agents in Bangor north Wales can help you sell your home to achieve the best prices in the market.
Rental market: The rental sector splits between student lets and professional rentals. Student houses typically achieve around £350-£450 per room monthly during term time. Professional lets see two-bedroom properties earning £650-£750 monthly, while larger family homes command prices around £800-£1,000. Properties in Upper Bangor and near the pier often achieve premium rates. Our letting agents in Bangor can expose you to excellent investment opportunities across the area.