Bangor: Locals disagree with ‘worst seaside town’ ranking

Bangor received one-star ratings for food and drink, tourist attractions, and shopping, and two stars for everything else.

Ray Mills said that the city’s high street was “absolutely horrific,” but noted that the area was not geared towards tourism in the way other places along the north Wales coast, such as Llandudno, are.

“It’s probably the safest city in Britain and it’s beautiful,” said Ray, enjoying the sun above the Menai Strait.

“People don’t find the right places. People need to find the right places to enjoy Bangor.”

Outside her Georgian home near Bangor’s pier, with views stretching down to Beaumaris and the Irish Sea, Alwen Gwyn said that Bangor was blessed with a great local community and “there’s always something going on, but you had to look for it”.

“It’s not just the pier. It’s all over Bangor. Music going on in the small venues, so there’s definitely a community here that’s trying to make a difference.

“So when you read really negative press, ‘dissing’ the place, it’s just disheartening. It’s a really, really nice place to live.”