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13th Biennial Challenger Conference for Marine Science8th -11th September 2008 |
The city of Bangor sits alongside the Menai Straits 9 miles from Caernarfon and 16 miles west of Llandudno. It has a long history which can be traced back to 525 AD. Changes in the route from London to Anglesey and Ireland put Bangor on the main route between London and Dublin. Bangor then grew and the population increased, soon becoming the most important town in North Wales. The pier was opened in 1896 and thousands of holidaymakers landed there each summer from the Liverpool pleasure steamers. Bangor railway station, which serves the city, is located on the North Wales Coast Line from Crewe to Holyhead. This historic university and cathedral city is dominated by the "college on the hill" and lies at the eastern entrance of the Menai Strait.
The areas in and around Bangor also offer a wide variety of activities including walking, cycling, fishing, golf and watersports to name but a few. For the best view of the surrounding countryside, take a stroll along the ornate Victorian pier. Just outside the town is the famous neo-Norman Penrhyn Castle built for the slate magnate Lord Penrhyn, and now run by the National Trust.
From Bangor you can explore the soaring peaks of Snowdonia National Park, beautiful wide sandy beaches and rugged coastlines, lush green valleys and old-fashioned market towns and villages. The rich history of the area is reflected in the numerous castles which are everywhere in North Wales, from little stone keeps to imposing 13th century fortresses.
PLACES OF INTEREST
National Slate Museum
Padarn Country Park,
Llanberis,
Gwynedd.
LL55 4TY.
Tel: 01286 870630
Fax: 01286 871906
Email: slate@museumwales.ac.uk
Web: http://www.museumwales.ac.uk
Snowdon Mountain Railway
Llanberis,
Caernarfon,
Gwynedd.
LL55 4TY
Tel: 0871 720 0033
Fax: 01286 872518
Email: info@snowdonrailway.co.uk
Web: http://www.snowdonrailway.co.uk
Gwynedd Museum & Art Gallery
Ffordd Gwynedd,
Bangor,
Gwynedd,
LL57 1DT
Tel: 01248 353368
gwyneddmuseum@gwynedd.gov.uk
Beaumaris Castle
Beaumaris,
Anglesey
LL58 8AP
Tel: 01248 810361
Web: http://www.cadw.wales.gov.uk
Caernarfon Castle
Caernarfon,
Gwynedd
LL55 2AY
Tel: 01286 677617
Web: http://www.cadw.wales.gov.uk
Conwy Castle
Conwy,
Gwynedd.
LL32 8AY
Tel: 01492 592358
Web: http://www.cadw.wales.gov.uk
Penrhyn Castle,
Bangor,
Gwynedd.
LL57 4HN
Tel: 01248 353084
Fax: 01248 371281
Email: penrhyncastle@nationaltrust.org.uk
Web: http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk
BEAUMARIS
The picturesque 13th century castle town of Beaumaris nestles by the Menai Strait enjoying stunning views to the Snowdonia mountains. Nowadays there is a varied selection of shops and numerous eating places in Beaumaris, catering for every taste from a sandwich to five course feasts. Beaumaris provides the facilities for relaxing in its idyllic surroundings, enjoying fun with the children or pursuing more energetic pursuits, all tastes are catered for, sail your own boat or observe the puffins and seals from a pleasure cruise. Cycle along leafy lanes or go fishing, play on the numerous golf courses, swim from safe clean beaches, take a walk and enjoy breathtaking scenery, or go horse-riding.
CAERNARFON
The Royal town of Caernarfon has a superb setting, with the mountains of Snowdonia as a backdrop and wonderful views across the Menai Strait to Anglesey. Dominated by its majestic castle and ancient mediaeval walls, it was made famous around the world by the investiture there of Prince Charles as Prince of Wales in 1969. Begun in 1283 by Edward I, Caernarfon Castle is one of Europe's greatest mediaeval fortresses, and the castle walls, with their bands of coloured stone were modelled on the walls of Constantinople. Inside the Queen's Tower is the Royal Welsh Fusiliers Regimental Museum, and there is an audio-visual presentation in the Eagle Tower.
CONWY
Dominated by its castle built by Edward I, the walled town of Conwy overlooks the estuary of the River Conwy over towards Deganwy. The castle itself is one of the most impressive examples of mediaeval military architecture and offers spectacular views of both the estuary and the mountains. Visitors can also walk along part of the town walls between Uppergate Street and Berry Street.
LLANDUDNO
With its unique combination of Victorian style and Edwardian elegance, Llandudno is the largest holiday resort in Wales. Dubbed the Queen of Welsh resorts, it stands on a peninsula jutting out into the Irish Sea, between the twin headlands of the Great Orme and Little Orme.
The town boasts two superb beaches - the North Shore, backed by an imposing crescent of large Victorian hotels, with its graceful pier (at 2,220ft it’s one of the longest in Britain), has all the ingredients for a memorable family holiday. In contrast, the West shore is quieter, with miles of sandy shoreline backed by sand dunes, with superb views westwards along the coast towards the Isle of Anglesey and Puffin Island.
BETWS-Y-COED
Betws-y-Coed is North Wales' most popular inland resort, where the River Conwy meets its three tributaries flowing from the west, the Llugwy, the Lledr and the Machno. It is situated on the picturesque Conwy Valley Railway line which runs from Llandudno to Blaenau Ffestiniog. It is well worth taking a ride on the train up to Blaenau just for the scenery. At the railway station is the Conwy Valley Railway Museum with a miniature railway, shop and buffet coach restaurant. The old 14th century church of St Michael's is one of the oldest in Wales and has much of interest. Of exceptional interest are the many bridges in the area.
LLANBERIS
Dominated by the grandeur of the Snowdon massif, Llanberis is flanked by two lakes, LIyn Padarn and Llyn Peris, and is one of the most popular mountain tourist centres in the National Park. The lakes, the forests and the remains of the huge Dinorwig slate quarries blend together to provide something of interest for young and old, whatever the weather. You can even take a train from the village to the top of Snowdon, the highest mountain in Wales.
For a complete guide of places to visit and things to do please refer to these links:
http://www.nwt.co.uk/home.php
http://www.snowdonia-wales.net/todo/snowdonia.asp
http://www.star-attractions.co.uk/main.htm
http://www.beautiful-northwales.com/activities
http://www.wales1000things.com/index.asp