The UK’s worst seaside town has been named, with a popular Welsh seaside resort awarded the title.
Consumer magazine Which? declared Bangor the worst seaside town after a whopping 4,744 people voted in a survey during January 2024. It placed Bamburgh in Northumberland at top, but gave Bangor a disappointing score with only 42 percent of votes in its favour.
Contrastingly to Bangor’s last place finish, some Welsh towns, specifically Portmeirion and St Davids, Pembrokeshire, held impressive rankings.
However, visitors voiced that Bangor itself still has several redeeming features such as an “excellent amenity” base and “wonderful pier”.
Despite struggling with closed shops in the town centre, it is complimented for its array of “really good restaurants” and serves as an ideal starting point to explore destinations like Snowdonia National Park, reports Wales Online.
Rory Boland, editor of Which? Travel, urged: “From wild, unspoilt stretches of remote coastline to charming traditional bucket and spade resorts, the UK’s seaside towns offer something for everyone.
“While you may have your own favourite coastal spot, this year’s survey shows that it’s worth looking beyond the most famous resorts this summer, to the lesser-visited hidden gems in every corner of the UK.”
Boland, a graduate of Bangor University, reflected on the recent result for Bangor, stating: “No one would dispute that Bangor has hit hard times of late, particularly with so many shops closing along its pedestrianised high street.
“But part of the problem too is that many of its best attractions, set back from the main town, are little known. The 1,500ft, grade II Garth Pier is a Victorian triumph and remains much the same as when Lord Penrhyn opened it in 1896.
“Stretching into the Menai Straits, the views across to Anglesey and back on to the peaks of Eryri saw it named pier of the year by the National Piers Society in 2022.”
He added: “It’s not the only award winner. Tiny Whistlestop cafe, also on the pier, has previously been named best traditional Welsh restaurant in the country.
“Stop by for a warm welcome and homemade Bara Brith. There is no real beach and Bangor won’t ever compete with more dedicated seaside resorts, but it does sit amidst some of the most spectacular landscapes in Wales.
“The university means there are plenty of cultural events for a city of 16,000, and accommodation is affordable.”
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