iQ in the city: Bangor

Hidden away between the wonderfully scenic Anglesey and Snowdonia, Bangor is a small city in the north west of Wales. Since it’s a university town, there is a variety of things for students to do. iQ Ty Willis House is located in the town’s High Street, with the train station just down the road - and it only takes 15 minutes to walk to Bangor University. Here's our guide to what else you'll find on our doorstep.

Entertainment

Bangor Pier - 15 minutes

The Pier is one of the most scenic places in Bangor to go for a walk, relax and enjoy the amazing views. The path along the pier has a few places to get an ice cream in the summer, or a hot chocolate in the winter. The High Street with its vibrant atmosphere, bars and restaurants is also only a stone’s throw away from here.

Pontio Arts Centre - 9 minutes

Pontio is Bangor University's Arts and Innovation Centre, organising lots of fun activities and events, from laser and 3D printer training to plays and films. The building includes a few restaurants for a quick bite, including freshly made bagels and burgers, all at affordable prices.

Academi Night Club - 5 minutes

Located in Deiniol Road, Academi is the official student night club in Bangor, with regular student offers. From top 40 and boybands to jazz and karaoke, Academi hosts events, with music for all tastes, every week during the academic year.

Food and Drink

Belle Vue Hotel – 11 minutes

The cheap drinks, live music and delicious food make it the perfect start to a night out. With constant offers happening, pub quizzes and a beer garden to hang out, this pub will quickly become your local - and it’s all downhill on the way home.

Domino’s – 1 minute

Located right behind our building, Domino’s Pizza is a convenient option for our residents. Its regular discounts and location make it perfect if you’re feeling peckish after a night out.

Harp Inn – 2 minutes

Harp Inn is one of the oldest pubs in town with popular pub quizzes on Sundays. There’s a lively student atmosphere with something for everyone, from a game room, to an open-plan bar and outdoor area.

Chinese Take Away – 4 minutes

Whether you fancy eating in or out, Chinese Take Away offers a tasty selection of dishes and student-friendly prices. It’s located at 70 Caernarfon Road, close to the High Street and Ty Willis House.

Creperie Café – 10 minutes

This café, located in 19 Holyhead Road, serves delicious crepes and pancakes, both sweet and savoury, at affordable prices. Its cosy and chilled atmosphere is perfect for breakfast in the morning or an afternoon coffee.

Patrick's Bar – 12 mins

This popular bar is the perfect place to start a night out, with affordable drinks and music. Its location at 57-59 Holyhead Road is close to the city’s nightlife, so students often come here before heading to the club. They also have daily specials on the food menu.

White Lion Inn – 9 mins

The White Lion Inn is the perfect place to start a night out. At 289 High Street, the music and lights will get you right into the party mood. It's also popular for a few drinks during the week if you’ve got lectures in the morning and can’t stay out until sunrise.

The Castle – 6 mins

The Castle is a pub in Glanrafon Road which is especially popular with students.Their generous meals are good value, and there's a young and vibrant atmosphere.

Shopping

Deiniol Shopping Centre –  8 minutes

One of the most popular choices for shopping in Bangor is Deiniol Shopping Centre in the High Street. It should cover all your general shopping needs, whether you’re after food, technology or fashion. 

Supermarkets – 2 minutes

Whatever your preference is, there are lots of food shopping options in Bangor. As well as Iceland in Deiniol Shopping Centre, there is an Aldi in Garth Road, only 12 minutes away.

ASDA is less than a 2-minute walk away, in Farrar Road, and there's a Morrisons just 10 minutes from us.

Travel

If you want to make the most of your weekends and get out and about, the train station is only a 4-minute walk away and there are plenty of buses close by. Here are some of our favourites around the region which you can access via public transport.

Cineworld Llandudno - 20 minute train

At Cineworld you’ll be able to watch the latest international films, including 3D options. Located in Junction Leisure Park, surrounded by fast food chains, you can grab a bite while you wait for your film to begin. Don’t forget to bring your student card for discounted prices.

Snowdon and Llanberis Lake - 25 minutes bus       

Snowdon and Llanberis Lake is a beautiful, natural area of mountains, valleys and the Llanberis lake. Walk around the field, take photos in front of the lake and learn about the area’s history by taking the train tour. It is only £8.50 for a ticket and you’ll be able to enjoy the stunning views, even when the weather isn’t great. The train also stops regularly so passengers can take pictures.

Surf Snowdonia - 40 minutes bus

This 300 metre surf lagoon is located in the Conwy Valley of the Snowdonia mountains. It is achieved through a strong head high wave that rises at the centre of the lagoon, goes on for more than 150 metres, and then softly hits the shore and dissipates. Its fresh, clean air and the beauty of the lake’s surroundings will make you enjoy this nature adventure.

Zip World - 20 minutes bus

This zip-line is the fastest in the world and the longest in Europe, and it’s in Penrhyn Slate Quarry near Bethesda in North Wales. Zip World allows you to experience it yourself, or watch other zippers do so from a viewing area, which also offers amazing views of the scenic area. There is also an option to go on the Quarry Tour on one of their famous red trucks. 

Your iQ team will be happy to help you get to know Bangor better, so please ask at Reception if you need any help. And if you find somewhere in town that you think everyone else should know about, let us know on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram using hashtag #MyiQLife