Ten Places All Bangor University Students Should Visit!

Welcome to Bangor! Here are 10 must-visit places every student should check out before they leave, and mostly free (or very low cost)!

Original Bangor University Portico

The original University in Bangor was funded by local quarrymen and farmers who wanted to give the local people of North Wales the chance to access higher education. They donated every week from their meagre wages and eventually Bangor University opened its doors on 18th October 1884. 

Then known as the University College of North Wales, the institution, which was based in an old coaching inn called the Penrhyn Arms, had 58 students and had ten members of staff.

Although the Penrhyn Arms has now been demolished the portico still remains. Follow Beach Road going out of Bangor and you’ll find it set back from the road, about 200 meters up from the Nelson pub.

Garth Pier

Built in the late 19th century during the Victorian era, Bangor Pier exudes a charming and nostalgic atmosphere. Its architectural style and design reflect the elegance and craftsmanship of that era.

At 1,500 feet (460 m) in length, it is the second-longest pier in Wales, and the ninth-longest in the UK.

The National Piers Society’s ‘Pier of the Year’ in 2022, the pier is renowned for its simplicity, offering stunning views of the Menai Strait and Anglesey, Llandudno and the mountains of Snowdonia.

The Pier has been featured in The Guardian newspaper for having one of the best views in the UK.

At intervals along the length of the pier deck, you will see pretty little Victorian kiosks, each of which contains a small enterprise to interest, and at the far end of the pier, the large dome of the Pavilion invites you to sample a snack and a refreshing drink

A minimal admission fee of 50p applies or a year-long pass costs £5.

Ashley Jones Fields

Ashley Jones Fields, Bangor Between Siliwen Road and the Menai Strait. Ashley Jones was a prominent Bangor solicitor who made a bequest to the City Council enabling them to buy these fields as a green space for the city. The stone circle is the Gorsedd Circle from the 1971 National Eisteddfod.

The footpath at the top of the fields is now lined with Sakura cherry trees, given as a gift to the city from the Japanese Ambassador in 2021, to celebrate the enduring friendship between Wales and Japan.

The blossom in spring already looks fantastic and will be a sight to behold in the future years.

Roman Camp

This is a CADW maintained site of a Norman Castle ruin, but is known locally as ‘Roman Camp’.

Now a peaceful wildlife haven but in the 12th century the hilltop was occupied by a fort. The woodland is mixed, reflecting the different soil types. This also shows in the wide range of plants, birds and animals in the area. The views of Bangor, the Menai Strait, Anglesey and surrounding countryside are simply stunning.

There are four points where you can access Roman Camp including an entrance in Garth Road not far from Bangor Pier and on the junction of Upper Garth Road and Love Lane. The path is routed on the slope on either side of Roman camp and through woodland.

Treborth Botanic Garden

Treborth Botanic Garden is part of the grounds of Bangor University, but anyone can visit. You’ll find peaceful native woodland and meadow, a mature orchard and hothouses full of cacti, succulents and orchids. The gardens are open daily, but hothouses only on certain days, so check before you go.

Two Dragons Chinese medicinal garden

The two dragons Chinese medicinal garden was inaugurated in 2014 and was formally opened in November 2016. It was funded by the Confucius Institute in collaboration with Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. The garden contains many plants that are medicinally significant in China and is approached through a specially constructed wooden Moon gate

The Size of Wales Garden

The Size of Wales Garden was awarded the Best in Category Award and a Gold Medal at world-renowned RHS Chelsea Flower Show and was relocated to its ‘forever home’ at Treborth in the summer of 2024, where it will be allow to develop for many years to come.

St Deiniol’s Cathedral

Standing on a site that has been used for Christian worship since the 6th century, St Deiniol’s Cathedral is a feast of Gothic columns and stained glass windows. Inside look out for a rare 15th-century oak carving known as the Mostyn Christ and also five tiny carved mice – the signature of famous furniture maker Robert Thompson.

The cathedral is open most days for you to look around, to spend some quiet time, reflect or join the Church of Wales services.

Lôn Las Ogwen

Lôn Las Ogwen is the first section of the National Cycle Network’s route 82 that runs from Porth Penrhyn in Bangor and enters the Snowdonia National Park at Bethesda.

It follows the route of the former railway line that brought slate down the valley from the Penrhyn Salte Quarry at Bethesda to the coast, where it was shipped around the world. The route is well sign posted with blue National Cycle Route signs.

The distance from Bangor to Idwal Cottage is 18km (11 miles) making it a day trip, but note the Lon Las Ogwen can be completed in sections.

The tunnel section of the Lon Las Ogwen is now open, making it possible to complete with route avoiding most main road sections.

The Trail is on the Guardian’s list of “Five of the best scenic bike rides in Wales” and with the new tunnel section.

No bike? No problem, the cycle path is popular with walkers, dog walkers and even the occasional horse rider.

Storiel Art Gallery and Museum

The collection at Storiel covers all periods of history from the surrounding area. Furniture, textiles, paintings and quirky curiosities.

Look out for the King of Bardsey’s crown and a Roman Segontium sword. The art gallery is home to contemporary works by local artists and there’s a café and a shop too.

Penrhyn Castle and Coastal Footpath

With the mountains rising behind it, Penrhyn Castle is a 19th century fantasy project built for a wealthy industrialist who owned a vast slate quarry in Bethesda.

Now owned by the National Trust, you’ll find ornate decoration, opulent furnishings and a fine art collection. The extensive gardens are ideal for kids to have adventures – or for just relaxing in the sun.

Part of the Wales coast path now runs through Parc Penrhyn, with views of the Menai Strait, Anglesey and Penrhyn Docks at Porth Penrhyn.

The Beatles Visit

In late August 1967, The Beatles visited Bangor to attend a seminar on Transcendental Meditation held by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi at Bangor Normal College (now the University’s Management Centre). Other attendees included Mick Jagger, Marianne Faithfull, and Cilla Black.

In 2002, Bangor University unveiled a plaque to commemorate the 35th anniversary of The Beatles’ visit in the Hugh Owen Hall at the Management Centre.

Beatles fans from all over the world have visited to see the plaque and spend a few minutes standing in the same place as the Fab Four, it’s a surreal experience.