Bangor has once again found itself at the centre of a media storm after being placed at the bottom of a Which? survey of UK seaside destinations, and then gleefully ridiculed in the media by journalists who have probably never been anywhere near Bangor, branding the city as “Britain’s worst seaside town”. But for anyone who knows this historic city, the label isn’t just lazy, it’s completely wrong.
The first and most obvious point? Bangor isn’t a seaside resort. There’s no sandy beach, no arcades, no deck chairs, and no candyfloss-lined promenade. This isn’t Blackpool. It’s not even trying to be. Yet Bangor was inexplicably dropped into a ranking meant for classic British holiday destinations like Tenby or Llandudno, and unsurprisingly, was then criticised for failing to live up to expectations it never set.
Instead of fair evaluation, the result has been a flood of lazy headlines, riddled with outdated stereotypes and one-dimensional negativity. What they ignore is what Bangor actually is: a cathedral city, home to an award-winning university, and a city steeped in 1,500 years of history.
“This isn’t a beach town, and it never claimed to be,” said a local business owner. “Bangor is a cathedral city with over a millennium of history, thriving student life, and some of the most breathtaking scenery in Britain right on our doorstep.”
A City Worth Celebrating
2025 marks Bangor 1500, a city-wide celebration of Bangor’s founding by Saint Deiniol in the year 525 AD. No other place on that seaside list can claim such heritage. The anniversary is being marked with a year of events, exhibitions, concerts, community festivals, and a huge military parade featuring over 200 service personnel and veterans.
Bangor Cathedral has stood at the heart of the city for fifteen centuries. That’s not something you can overlook. This city isn’t just surviving, it’s thriving, innovating, and honouring its past while building its future.
But you wouldn’t know any of that from the Which? survey or the media articles. They failed to mention the award-winning Garth Pier, was recently crowned Pier of the Year by the National Piers Society. They ignored The Guardian’s recognition of Bangor as home to some of the best coastal views in the UK, with panoramas of the Menai Strait and Eryri (Snowdonia). They overlooked the vital role of Bangor University, the city’s arts venues, independent shops, and proud Welsh-speaking community.
They also attempted to frame Bangor as “unsafe”, a claim at odds with reality. Bangor is a safe and welcoming city, particularly popular with students, families, and outdoor enthusiasts.
There’s real pride here, and the Bangor 1500 celebrations are proving just how strong that sense of community is.
More Than a Beach. More Than a Headline.
Bangor is a city of contrasts and opportunities. It’s the gateway to Eryri, a hub for higher education and research, and a place where Welsh culture isn’t just preserved, it thrives. Bangor offers something deeper and more authentic than any packaged seaside getaway.
Of course, like any community, Bangor faces real challenges, and the High Street, like many others, has seen much better days. But reducing it to a tabloid punchline or a poorly scored tourist rating is not just unfair and simply ignorant.
Bangor doesn’t have donkey rides or novelty rock. It has 1,500 years of legacy, resilience, and pride, and that’s something no beach town can rival.
So while clickbait headlines may try to sneer, the people of Bangor are celebrating. The city doesn’t need to win a beauty contest it never entered. It stands proudly on its own terms – past, present, and future.
