Bang on target An ancient site, home to a cathedral, a castle, a university, its own mountain, port and estuary, and a hub for arts and innovation – Bangor has a lot to offer visitors and locals road (now the A5) and the famous Menai suspension bridge, and the railway arrived in 1848, Bangor was firmly on the map. DID YOU Geographically KNOW? it’s an interesting Penrhyn is location, with a loosely modelled busy estuary, its own on Hedingham mountain backdrop Castle in Essex and islands just off its shore. The main part of the city sits to the Penrhyn Castle was the setting for HBO’s Watchmen series west, but has spread s the oldest city in Wales, Bangor has to incorporate a large housing estate to the an ancient reputation and historical east, while a ridge rises to the north of the status that is hard to beat. Its population high street, dividing the city centre from the of around 18,000 love their small but lively south shore of the Menai Strait. So the city city, and more come and go, as the university falls into distinct areas, each with its own attracts students from around the world. community and topography. This has been a dwelling place for many Two rivers lie within its boundaries: the generations: its origins date back to the Adda which flows from near the Faenol founding of a monastery by the Celtic saint estate, and the Cegin which enters Port Deiniol in the early 6th century, on the spot Penrhyn at the eastern edge of the city. This where the cathedral now stands. The city was an important port in the 19th century, gets its name from the old Welsh ‘bancor’ – exporting the slates from Penrhyn quarry. the wattle that once encircled the religious site. Over the centuries, it has seen uprisings, Recent redevelopment changes of hands, peace and battle, but in To this day Bangor is a flourishing city and general has thrived, adding markets and fairs, has benefitted from plenty of investment over governance and charters along the way. the years. The former Bishop’s Palace has been refurbished as Storiel, the new home for Gwynedd museum and gallery, and displays Great connections Bangor remained a small settlement until art and artefacts along with an information the early 18th century, when it became a hub for Ein Treftadaeth (Our Heritage). post town on the developing route between Facilities include a leisure centre with pool London and Dublin. Nearby at Bethesda, and of course the popular pier where you can what would become one of the largest slate enjoy tea and fresh scones. quarries in the world began production, and There’s good shopping along what’s once Thomas Telford built the Holyhead reputed to be Wales’ longest high street, as
well as out-of-town destinations such as the Deiniol and Menai shopping centres. Neither of the two cinemas once enjoyed by the town still stands, but a worthy replacement can be found at the Pontio arts and innovation centre, where audiences can enjoy theatre, film, music and other performing arts. Outdoor lovers will enjoy the surrounding countryside, and in particular the dramatic Penrhyn Castle, set in beautiful grounds on the outskirts of town and managed by the National Trust, as well as nearby GreenWood Park, a popular family attraction.
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Take in the view from the pier THINGS TO SEE AND DO Bangor Cathedral Cathedral Close, Bangor LL57 1RL Penrhyn Castle and Garden Bangor LL57 4HT Pontio Arts and Innovation Centre Deiniol Rd, Bangor LL57 2TQ Storiel Ffordd Gwynedd, Bangor LL57 1DT
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