BANGOR'S 458-metre pier has been named one of Britain's 10 best piers for dining, nightlife and 'good old seaside fun' by The Guardian.
The article ranked Bangor Pier as 'Best for overnight stays' and highlighted the Pier Master’s House at the entrance, which has been turned into a holiday let and can be booked through Pass The Keys.
The historic house, which had previously been vacant since 2022, has been transformed into a seafront holiday stay and has undergone a complete refurbishment. It is part of an initiative by the Friends of Bangor’s Garth Pier (FBGP), with profits generated to be reinvested directly into the upkeep of the pier.
The Piermaster’s House itself is steeped in history and predates the pier.
Originally associated with the ferry crossing that once operated between Bangor and Anglesey, the building later became part of the pier’s operation following its construction in 1896.
The Guardian also highlighted smaller Victorian kiosks dotted along the pier, which house independent businesses selling gifts, artworks and local food.
The article said: "Bangor’s 458-metre (1,500ft) pier stretches out halfway across the Menai Strait, backdropped by the Eryri mountain range (Snowdonia).
"To coincide with its 130th anniversary this year, the Pier Master’s House at the entrance has been turned into a holiday let (from £140 a night, sleeps six). The pavilion at the far end is now a cafe, and the smaller Victorian kiosks dotted along the pier house independent businesses selling gifts, artworks and local food.
"There is a programme of weekend events over the summer, from busking and children’s fun days to a dog parade."
Bangor Pier is one of only 3 Grade II* listed piers in the UK and is a Victorian gem, holding great architectural and historical significance. Standing proudly since 1896, it is the longest pier in Wales and one of the longest across England and Wales.
Bournemouth Pier was named Best for Adventure. It boasts the world’s first pier-to-shore zip wire, a 250-metre dual line starting from the end-of-the-pier tower.
As well as the PierZip, it has RockReef, an indoor climbing centre with 28 climbing walls, an aerial obstacle course, a vertical slide, a “leap of faith” and caving tunnels.
Britannia Pier, Great Yarmouth, earned the title of 'Best for traditional seaside fun'.
The article made mention of Llandudno Pier, stating: "Britannia pier won the coveted 2026 Pier of the Year award, taking over from last year’s winner Llandudno, and beating runners-up Herne Bay and Swanage.
"The current owners bought it in 2022 and have spent £2.2m restoring and upgrading it. Its attractions include a theatre, fun fair, arcades, fish and chip shop, pub and nightclub."
Also on the list are Penarth Pier, Glamorgan (Best for culture); Roker Pier, Sunderland (Best for exploration); Clevedon Pier, North Somerset (Best for beauty); Best for nightlife (Royal Pier, Aberystwyth); Best for variety (Blackpool); Gravesend Pier, Kent (Best for history); and Sandown Pier, Isle of Wight (Best for rainy days).
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