Transport options, expert advice, helpful guides and brochures and more. Everything you need to organise your visit to the Vale of Glamorgan.
Plan your stay
make memories by the sea
Golden beaches, hidden coves and unforgettable coastal adventures
Some summer days stay with you.
The day you built the biggest sandcastle on Barry Island. The afternoon spent peering into rock pools at Dunraven Bay. The walk where you stopped at the clifftop just to take in the view.
Along the Vale of Glamorgan coast, there are 14 miles of Glamorgan Heritage Coastline to explore, with dramatic cliffs, wide beaches, hidden corners and plenty of reasons to come back.
Where will you make your summer memories?
The Vale of Glamorgan coast is one of Wales' most spectacular stretches of coastline. Spend the day building sand castles, rock pooling, walking dramatic cliff paths or simply enjoying the sea air. From Barry Island to Ogmore by Sea, every stretchof coastline offers something different.
For classic beach days
There are some days when only the seaside will do.
Head to Barry Island for sand, sea and all the fun of a proper day at the coast. Find your spot on Whitmore Bay, paddle in the sea and make time to explore beyond the beach.
For rock pools and dramatic cliffs, make for Dunraven Bay at Southerndown. Or spread out on the wide shoreline at Ogmore-by-Sea, with views stretching towards the dunes of Merthyr Mawr. Towels packed?
Walk the Glamorgan Heritage Coast
Lookup. Look out. Keep walking.
The Glamorgan Heritage Coast is 14 miles of unspoilt coastline, where paths trace dramatic clifftops and the landscape changes around every bend.
Walk from Llantwit Major with the coast beside you. Head towards Nash Point and its unmistakable lighthouse. Explore the grassy clifftops above Dunraven Bay or simply choose a shorter stretch and see where the path takes you.There is no need to rush the view.
Find a quieter corner
You’ve heard of Barry Island. But have you found Jackson’s Bay?
Have you followed the coast to Cwm Nash? Stood beneath the cliffs at Llantwit Major? Watched the sea from Nash Point?
The Vale rewards curious explorers. Leave a little room in your day for somewhere you didn’t plan to find.
It might become your favourite place.
Sunset spots
Chase the golden hour along the Vale of Glamorgan’s breathtaking coastline, where the sandy shores, rugged cliffs and endless sea views create the perfect spots to slow down, soak up the scenery and watch the sun set in spectacular style.
Don't take our word for it. Our sunset gallery will help you find your perfect spot.
Make a splash this summer
Paddle across calm waters at Barry Island. Catch a wave along the Glamorgan Heritage Coast. Try stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking or surfing with the sea breeze in your hair and the coastline stretching out ahead.
From first-time explorers to seasoned thrill-seekers, the Vale’s waters are made for making memories. No big plans needed. Just pick your beach, grab your board and see where the tide takes you.
🥰 One perfect summer day in the Vale - let us inspire you
Beach walk. Sea-view coffee. A market town wander. Lunch with a view. Ice cream. Sunset.
Sounds like a good day to us.
9am | Start by the sea
Begin at Ogmore-by-Sea with a morning walk and fresh airalong the Glamorgan Heritage Coast. Take in the sweeping views, stretch your legs and start summer at a slower pace.
Explore coastal walks
11am | Coffee with a view
Walking done. Coffee next.
Stop at Crafts by the Sea for a cuppa on the terrace over looking the coast. Add a homemade Welsh cake. You’re on holiday time now.
Find coastal cafés
12pm | Wander Cowbridge
Head inland to Cowbridge, the Vale’s historic market town.
Browse independent shops, duck into hidden arcades and take yourtime exploring the High Street. Visiting on a Saturday? Look out for CowbridgeFarmers’ Market.
Discover Cowbridge
1.30pm | Lunch overlooking the Vale
Make your way to Forage Farm Shop & Kitchen on the Penllyn Estate.
Seasonal food, local produce and views across the Thaw Valley. Findyour table and settle in.
There’s no rush.
Taste the Vale
4pm | Ice cream. Obviously.
Back to Cowbridge for a scoop — or two — of handcrafted Welsh dairyice cream from Fablas.
Choosing a flavour might be the hardest decision you make all day.
8pm | Chase the sunset
Finish your day back beside the sea at Ogmore-by-Sea.
Find your spot, watch the light change over the water and stay until the sun disappears.
Beach walk. Coffee. Cowbridge. Good food. Ice cream. Sunset.
That’s summer in the Vale.
Start planning your summer day
From sea air to something delicious
Beach days make you hungry.
Luckily,you’re never far from a good reason to stop. Find cafés and seaside treats around Barry Island, explore Penarth’s growing food scene or head inland to a Vale pub for a long, well-earned lunch. Coffee, ice cream, fish and chips or dinner with a glass in hand?
You choose.
Find places to eat near the coast
See what happens after everyone else goes home
The light softens. The beach quietens. And suddenly, leaving feels like a terrible idea.So don’t.
Find somewhere to stay near Barry, Penarth, Llantwit Major or the Glamorgan Heritage Coast and give yourself another day beside the sea. Tomorrow’s walk can wait until after breakfast.
Your coast. Your summer.
For sandy feet and salty hair. For rock pools, clifftops and roads that lead to the sea. Make memories by the sea in the Vale of Glamorgan.
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