WATIO - Bangor, Gwynedd

Bangor, Gwynedd - North Wales is easily accessible from the A55 coast Road and Railway station, here are 5 things you should look for when visiting.

1. Upper Bangor is accessed by turning Left and uphill from the Train Station, past Morrisons supermarket (Previously a hospital) . Upper Bangor is where the majority of Halls of Residence for students are. In Upper Bangor are a Health food shop, Convenience store and Niche Clothing and Bookshops, it has The Menai Hotel, Rascals Cafe Bar, takeaways, and The Glob (Globe, Traditional Welsh pub). From here you can continue walking to the Football stadium and Menai Bridge with excellent views of the Straits, or college road will take you to the Main Arts building which dominates Bangor's skyline. From the Main Arts building you can take a pleasant stroll down through University Gardens (not as pleasant on the way up!) which takes you back to the town centre.

2. Look up! If you walk Right and downhill from the rail station you will soon be on the Long High street, here are restaurants, takeaways and shops, however, try to look up at the architecture as you pass as many of the buildings have significant chimneys and names on them. Take the time to look up past the Pontio Theatre and arts centre to the University building, spectacular. Following the High Street for a time you will find the Ancient Cathedral from which Bangor takes its name.

3. Look down! Downhill from the Cathedral is the museum, fascinating and free to enter. The Museum has artefacts from Gwynedd’s Prehistory as well as interesting things from far more recent times, also a lovely café, gift shop and selection of ice creams. Following the High Street from the Ancient Cathedral there is a History trail in slate laid out on the floor street detailing events in Bangor's history, follow it and enjoy, you’ll pass many shops and restaurants, but try and look beyond the bright colours to the old architecture beneath.

Once at the end of the high street you are not far from the deceptively named Beach road, football pitch, skate park and the Pier. (Not much of a beach admittedly) Looking out over the water you can see an old skeleton of a shipwreck, and see over to the docks, once far busier than they are today. In the distance you can take in Beaumaris, The Great Orme, and Llanfairfechan, the majestic Carneddau mountain range are visible most days.

4. There are restaurants and bars by the pier which in itself is well worth an explore, having stunning views of Anglesey and Snowdonia. Nearby is the swimming pool and a short, flat walk back into the centre. Outside the swimming pool is a stone circle , sadly not an ancient monument, but a Gorsedd, a ring of stones placed for an eisteddfod. Passing the pier a short walk through the trees brings you to Ashley Jones’ field affording good views of Anglesey and also home to another Gorsedd stone circle. Continue further up the road to return to upper Bangor.

5. To understand the city best then consider a visit to Penrhyn Castle, leave at least 4 hours free for this, now in the care of the National Trust it is an impressive folly , not built for defence, but rather to show off the immense wealth accrued by its owner from the slate quarry nearby, from Bangor Dockside there is a trail which goes all the way to Bethesda and the quarry which follows the old small gauge railway track, it is wide and well maintained and a nice trail which is never too far from the public transport network.

If you're visiting North Wales, then try not to miss a visit to Bangor.