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You don't have to be a student to enjoy the buzz of life in the homeplace of the University of Wales.

Whatever your age or lifestyle, here you will find not just intellectual inspiration, but interesting and intriguing conversation, fascinating tales of past and present, friendly banter, a social atmosphere and lots to see and do.

This is a lively, modern and forward looking destination, proud of its Welshness, but also with a worldly wise appeal.

Bangor is one of the smallest cities in Britain, but one which has established links with communities all around the globe, largely thanks to its much-respected university, founded in 1884 (tel: 01248 351151).

As such it has a cosmopolitan feel to it, an openess to new ideas and opinions, as well as a strong sense of the importance of community on a local and international level.

There were 8,000 students based in and around Bangor, according to the 2001 census figures and the university's reputation as a centre of excellence is growing all the time. Just a couple of years ago it was voted the best in Britain in a survey rating universities on the level of support and help they provided to students.

Bangor boasts all the public services and fun entertainment facilities you would expect from a thriving, 21st century city, from a historic cathedral to a worship place for soccer fans, Bangor City Football Club.

There are nightclubs and restaurants, terrace cafes, pedestrianised shopping centres and retail arcades.

The city is said to have the longest high street in Wales. And for walkers who prefer scenic views to shops, there is the Garth Pier, the second longest in Wales and ninth longest in the Britain, at 1,500 feet. Restored in the 1980s, it is now protected as a heritage site.

If that's not far enough to stretch the legs of visitors, they could move on to the North Wales Path, which at 60 miles, will take hardened trekkers from the city limits all the way along the coast to Prestatyn.

Bangor cathedral is worth a visit, whether to take part in one of the services, admire its architecture or just ponder its historical significance. It dates back to the sixth century.

Another ancient edifice of Bangor, Ysgol Friars, a free grammar school, is among the oldest in Wales, established in 1557 by an Anglesey-born doctor of law, Geoffrey Glyn.
On the cultural front, Bangor boasts an art gallery and museum (tel: 01248 353368), plus a theatre which offers a year round bilingual programme for all tastes, from Welsh and English dramatic performances to musical band, concert recitals, pantomime and childrens shows.

Theatr Gwynedd (tel: 01248 351 708) also houses a cinema, with a mainstream and alternative programme, and conference facilities.

The city plays host to regular multi-cultural entertainment festivals and an annual New Music Festival (tel: 01248 382181) is also becoming established as one of the nation's major classical music events, launched and run by a committee of volunteers. Today it includes everything from electro-acoustic concerts to chamber music and conceptual art displays.

This is a city to keep inquiring minds happy and relaxation seekers smiling.