Bangor, the cathedral city on the Menai Strait
Bangor, often called the oldest city in Wales, sits on the Menai Strait about 9 miles from Caernarfon, with a Victorian pier, an ancient cathedral, a free museum, a National Trust castle and good independent cafes.
Bangor is a small university city on the Menai Strait, about 9 miles up the coast from Caernarfon. It is often called the oldest city in Wales, and its cathedral stands where Saint Deiniol founded a monastic settlement in the 6th century. It also has the nearest mainline railway station to Caernarfon, so many visitors pass through without realising how much there is to see.
Getting there from Caernarfon
The Arriva 5C bus runs frequently between Caernarfon and Bangor via Y Felinheli, and the TrawsCymru T2 also links the two. By car it is about 9 miles. If you are arriving in North Wales by train, Bangor station is the place to change for Caernarfon; our getting here guide has the details.
Things to do in Bangor
Garth Pier
Opened in 1896 and about 1,500 feet long, Garth Pier reaches well out into the Menai Strait with views to Anglesey and Eryri. There is a small toll to walk it, so bring some change, and a cafe at the far end.
Penrhyn Castle
This 19th-century neo-Norman castle, now cared for by the National Trust, has Victorian kitchens, a notable art collection and more than 60 acres of grounds. Buses 5, 5C and X5 reach it from the city centre in around ten minutes.
Bangor Cathedral and Storiel
The cathedral is free to visit and holds the carved oak Mostyn Christ, with a Bible Garden in its grounds. Nearby, Storiel in the old Bishop's Palace is a free museum and gallery covering Gwynedd's history from prehistory to the slate industry. Look for the Bangor Bell, an 8th-century Celtic handbell.
Treborth Botanic Garden
Bangor University's botanic garden has glasshouses and woodland trails running down to the Strait. Entry is free, with donations welcome. Mid to late May is the time for the rhododendrons, and you may spot red squirrels.
Puffin Island boat trips
Boat trips head out from the end of the Menai Strait to Puffin Island, a protected island known for puffins and other seabirds, grey seals and the remains of a 12th-century monastery.
Where to eat
Kyffin Cafe Deli has been serving vegetarian and vegan food since 2005, with a daily changing menu and well-known homemade cookies. Blue Sky Cafe is a relaxed spot for locally roasted coffee, breakfasts and cakes, with live music and a taproom. For dinner with a view, Torna a Surriento serves Italian food at the end of Garth Pier.
Make a day of it
Combine the pier and Penrhyn Castle with a stop at Y Felinheli on the way back on the 5C. For more on the city, Northwales.com's Bangor guide covers shopping, nightlife and events, including a High Street said to be one of the longest in Wales. Bangor is also a good jumping-off point for Anglesey, and Beaumaris.com covers the castle town across the Strait.
Bangor: questions answered
What is the best way to get from Caernarfon to Bangor?
The Arriva 5C bus runs frequently between Caernarfon and Bangor, calling at Y Felinheli on the way, and the TrawsCymru T2 also links the two. The road distance is about 9 miles. Bangor has the nearest mainline railway station, so visitors arriving by train usually change to the bus there.
How do I get to Penrhyn Castle from Bangor?
Penrhyn Castle is on the edge of Bangor and is reached by buses 5, 5C and X5 from the city centre in around ten minutes. It is run by the National Trust, so members get in free. The ground floor, cafes and most of the gardens are wheelchair accessible, but there is no lift to the upper floors.
Is Bangor Cathedral free to visit?
Yes, entry to Bangor Cathedral is free and donations are welcome. Highlights include the late 15th-century carved oak Mostyn Christ and the Bible Garden in the grounds. Storiel, the museum and gallery in the nearby old Bishop's Palace, is also free and makes an easy pairing.