Welcome to Bangor

The cathedral and university city of Bangor is located on the north-west coast of Wales where the Menai Straits enter Conwy Bay, in the county of Gwynedd, approximately 235 miles north-west of London and 51 miles west of Chester.

The city has a population of around 20,000. Administratively it is within the local government district of Gwynedd (one of 22 principal areas of Wales) which covers an area of approximately 2,548 sq kms.

It is a busy and ancient town with some notable historic buildings, including the 12th-century cathedral of St.Deiniol. It is home to the University College of North Wales, which gives the town added vitality during term times, and is a good base for visitors to explore the beautiful countryside of the nearby Snowdonia National Park. Bangor claims to have the longest High Street in Wales.

The town's history dates from 525AD when a Celtic monastery was founded here by St.Deiniol, the first Bishop of North Wales. This makes it the oldest diocese in the country.

The town's economy is heavily concentrated in the service sector, mainly health, education and tourism, with Bangor University being a significant factor. There is a small manufacturing base and a significant but declining primary sector involved in agricultural and fishing.

It is believed the name Bangor derives from the defensive wall or 'bangor' which protected the 6th-century monastic settlement which was here.