Things to do, Days Out, Vale of Glamorgan, South Wales

Experience the Vale of Glamorgan…

Coast, countryside, character and stories shaped by the sea, right next door to Wales’ capital city of Cardiff.The Vale of Glamorgan is a place where you can start the morning on a bracing clifftop walk, spend the afternoon in a market town, and finish the day by the sea. Set along the South Wales coast, just west of Cardiff, the Vale brings together beaches, heritage, countryside, independent places to eat and stay, and some of Wales’ best-loved seaside stops.

From the traditional pier and promenade at Penarth to the family favourite of Barry Island, the coast is a big part of the Vale’s story. Follow it west and you’ll find the Glamorgan Heritage Coast, with dramatic cliffs, coastal walks, fossil-rich beaches and views across the Bristol Channel. At The Bendricks, dinosaur footprints add a prehistoric twist to a day by the sea, while places such as Llantwit Major, Southerndown and Ogmore-by-Sea make it easy to slow down and explore at your own pace.

Inland, the Vale has a gentler rhythm. Cowbridge and the Rural Vale offer historic streets, independent shops, country pubs, castles, churches, gardens, walking routes and villages that reward a little extra time. It is a good place for short breaks, family holidays, dog-friendly days out, coastal adventures, food-led weekends and relaxed stays close to Cardiff.

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Barry & Barry Island

Barry is a vibrant coastal town with a bustling High Street and the Goodsheds and Innovation Quarter - a shopping, eating and relaxing destination. Barry Island is famous for golden beaches, family amusements, colourful beach huts and “Gavin & Stacey”.

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Cowbridge & The Rural Vale

One of Wales’ most fashionable places - independent shops and cafés, historic buildings and a Physic Garden. Nearby are majestic castles and Dyffryn House & Gardens, while the beautiful countryside beyond is home to award-winning food and drink producers.

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Llantwit Major & the Glamorgan Heritage Coast

Historic market town packed with interesting buildings and a fine collection of Celtic carved stones at St.Illtud’s Church. Nearby, 14 miles of unspoilt Glamorgan Heritage coastline offer cliff-top walks and beaches for rockpooling, surfing and sandcastles.

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Penarth

Elegant seaside town with a Victorian pier, Art Deco Pavilion, and modern Marina. Splendid parks link the coast to the traditional town centre with its independent shops and arcade. Just moments from Cardiff Bay.

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