Shepherd's huts with hot tubs near Bangor, Gwynedd

Sandwiched between the Isle of Anglesey and Snowdonia National Park, Bangor is a lively student city that makes a great base for exploring the wider North and West Wales regions. History buffs will find a lot to love about Bangor—home to an originally 6th-century cathedral, imposing Penrhyn Castle, and the Victorian Garth pier—while adventurers will relish the city’s nearby watersports, walking, and biking offerings, including the North Wales Coast Path which starts in Bangor. Culture fiends shouldn’t skip Storiel, while campers are well-catered to by farmyard campgrounds, caravan parks, and glamping sites.

Where to go

Snowdonia National Park

Snowdonia National Park is dominated by craggy snow-capped peaks and Welsh-speaking mountain villages like Beddgelert, as well as glacial lakes, the Coed-y-Brenin Forest Park and its mountain biking trails, and stretches of sandy coastline, including one of the only nudist beaches in Wales. Explore on foot or horseback, by train or bike, before pitching your tent at campgrounds at the base of mountains, glamping pods near slate quarries-turned-adventure activity centres, or caravan parks near the coast.

Isle of Anglesey

Replete with glamping grounds, caravan parks, and seaview campsites, Anglesey off the coast of northwest Wales is a must-visit for lovers of adventure and the great outdoors. Not only is Anglesey home to several castles, this secluded and historical island is looped by a scenic coastal path and is the ideal place to try sea kayaking, coasteering, and surfing.

Llŷn Peninsula

Campers will be spoilt for choice on the Llŷn Peninsula—also known as Snowdon’s Arm—a scenic spot home to numerous Blue Flag beaches, surfable and sailable seas in Abersoch and Pwllheli, and charming seaside towns, as well as glamping pods, caravan parks, and sea view campsites. Go to one of the coolest pubs in the region (it’s situated quite literally on the beach!) or walk the coastal path before visiting nearby Bardsey Island, a birdwatching hotspot.

When to go

Bangor is warmer over the summer months between June and September, although this is also peak tourism season. September is a good time to visit the city if you plan to go further afield and explore but this is also when the annual university cohort arrives, and Bangor proper can therefore feel rowdier than usual. Both spring and autumn are generally quieter and pleasant (even for camping), while February welcomes the annual Bangor Music Festival.

Know before you go

Several camping stores sit in Bangor and the surrounding areas, so don’t worry if you’ve forgotten any essential items.
Bangor is well-connected by road and rail with other English and Welsh destinations, including Liverpool, Holyhead, Manchester, Cardiff, and even London.
The student population in Bangor means that dining options are abundant and usually affordable.
You can buy ferry tickets for Dublin (which depart from Holyhead) in Bangor city centre.