Garth Pier, Bangor, North Wales
Bangor, on the north coast of Wales in Gwynedd, is not only the oldest city in Wales but also the gateway to the island of Anglesey. The historic Menai Bridges connect Anglesey to the mainland. Garth Pier stretches partly across the Menai Strait.
The town of just over 18,000 people is known for its university, cathedral and the nearby Penrhyn Castle & Garden. A recent attraction is Pontio, an arts center.
Piers
The primary function of a pier is to extend out into water that is deep enough for steamers and other larger pleasure boats to be able to dock in an environment that for most seaside resorts was one of shallow beaches.
They also became much more than that, as an extension of the promenade and also as a site for sundry entertainments.
History
Pier of the Year in 2022, Garth Pier aka Bangor Pier opened in 1896. It is the second longest pier in Wales (460 meters) after Llandudno Pier in nearby Llandudno.
The pier has cast-iron columns, with the handrails and rest of the structure built in steel. The octagonal kiosks on the wooden deck are a notable feature of the overall design.
Pleasure steamers would depart from the pier for Blackpool, Liverpool and Douglas in the Isle of Man. Threatened with demolition in the 1970s, the pier was restored in the 1980s and again in the 21st century (2017-2019).
Amusements
Visitors can access the pier for 50p. The kiosks on the pier house several cafes (Pier Pavilion Tea Room, Trac5, Whistlestop on the Pier and Put the Kettle On) as well as various shops.
The pier is also a popular spot for anglers, but for most visitors it is simply the promenade and refreshments that is the draw.
The Menai Strait here is also a great place to see a variety of birds including curlews, oystercatchers and redshanks.
From the beginning dogs were not allowed on the pier but that rule has been changed. Leashed dogs are permitted on the pier.
Access & Hours
Bangor Garth Pier, Garth Rd, Bangor
LL57 2SW, Wales
Bangor is on the A5 and A55 and is a 30-minute drive from Colwyn Bay. From Chester follow the A55 to reach the town. Bangor is a two-hour drive from Manchester on the M56 and A55. Aberystwyth down the coast is also around two hours by car on the A487.
There are trains from Bangor Station to Manchester Piccadilly via Colwyn Bay, Rhyl, Prestatyn, Flint, Chester Station and Warrington.
There are also trains to Wrexham General and Shrewsbury as well as regular services to Crewe Station on the Crewe to Holyhead line.
Further trains from Bangor run to Manchester Airport, Euston and Birmingham International.
From the station buses run to various local attractions including Garth Pier, Aber Falls, Penrhyn Castle, and Zip World in Penrhyn Quarry.
Some recommended places to stay include The Management Centre, the three-star Menai Hotel & Bar, and the three-star Traxx Hotel, near to Bangor Station.
See a listing on hotels in and near Bangor
Map
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