Paddington to Penarth? Less than 3 hours drive… Billericay to Barry Island? Just 3hrs 45mins!
If you’re looking for culture and charm, merriment and mystery, or even Gavin and Stacey, you’ll find what you’re looking for in the Vale, and all in the space of a handful of miles, as you explore its seaside, and its rural towns, villages and countryside. There are plenty of accommodation and food options, from camping and glamping to first-class resorts, and teashops and cafes to fine-dining restaurants.
The Vale boasts a traditional pier and easy-walking promenades, and long, sandy, family and doggy-friendly beaches, with all the fun of the fairground. Or you could choose dynamic cliff walks, affording unrivalled views across the Bristol Channel, or secluded bays, or pebble beaches. At The Bendricks, you can even see dinosaur footprints! The Glamorgan Heritage Coast is an exciting visit for fossil hunters!
A county chock-full of surprises, the Vale’s name perfectly captures the essence of rolling, green countryside, stretching as far as the eye can see, and with its remarkably varied coastline, you’ll be spoiled for choice. It’s the quintessential must visit UK coastal destination, with the second highest tidal ranges on Earth! There can be up to 15 metres between low and high tides!
Oxford to Ogmore? 2hrs 35mins… Cricklewood to Cowbridge? 3hrs 25mins..
The Bristol Channel waters begin their Vale journey in the east at Penarth, minutes from the ever-popular Cardiff Bay, with its restaurants, Welsh Senedd and Norwegian Church. They then continue westward, past the lighthouse on Flat Holm island, Wales’ most southerly point… Did you know that Marconi sent the first radio message over the sea from Flat Holm to Lavernock Point in the Vale, back in 1897? The plaque outside the Church of St Lawrence still commemorates this achievement.
Winding on, past Sully Island and waving to the beach-goers at Barry Island, the waters wend their merry way, via Rhoose and Llantwit Major, and on to lovely Sourtherndown and Ogmore-by-Sea.
Swindon to St Donats? 1hr 58mins… Leamington Spa to Llantwit Major? 2hrs 45mins…
Penarth and Barry combine town practicality with an air of the older world. Enjoy traditional and modern together. In Cowbridge and the rural Vale, you’ll find walking aplenty, with historic castles and churches, craft fares and markets. Head over to our ‘Vale Trails’ for a selection of memorable walks to suit all abilities.
Whether you’re planning to visit the stunning coastline of the Glamorgan Heritage Coast, or the peaceful Vale countryside and woodlands, or you’re looking for history and culture to explore, the Vale of Glamorgan is the place to holiday, and experience south Wales. It has everything you need and it’s a calming alternative to staying in the capital. With so much to see and do, it won’t be long before you’ll love the Vale, just as much as we do!
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