Bangor might be the oldest city in Wales and one of the smallest in the United Kingdom, but underestimate this place at your peril. This is a student town with gusto and spirit coming out of its ears (not literally), a thriving centre of education and all the energy that comes from thousands of young, excitable people in a new town.

The city is a great base for exploring the north of Wales and Snowdonia National Park, with an impressive array of hotels, restaurants, pubs and bars covering all you might need. Caernarfon is just down the road, home to one of the most famous castles in Wales and an impressively high percentage of Welsh speakers — when independence comes, the fire will start here.

Bangor’s population increases by 50% during term time but those with a phobia of the young should not be turned off, as the burgeoning academics add their own flavour to the whole shebang. Those afraid of a bit of grime should take heed though — ‘rough around the edges’ doesn’t really do this place justice. Bangor is beautiful and Bangor is intimidating, often at the same time. The pier is gorgeous but falling apart, the pubs are homely but defiant. Bangor is a city that takes some patience but rewards those who offer it.

All this without mentioning Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch? The notoriously easy-to-pronounce is less than 10 minutes from Bangor by train. The temptation is strong, don’t deny it.