Llantwit Major - Great shopping and a day out to remember

As part of a series encouraging you to discover our distinctive towns, this blog post focusses on the historic town of Llantwit Major.

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This charming town exudes history: Britain’s oldest seat of Christian learning was established here by St Illtud around the 5th century. Today, among the ancient stone walls and meandering cobbled streets, you’ll discover an eclectic assortment of independent shops and eateries.

With a constantly changing array of vintage furniture, fashion, fabric, teddy bears and dolls houses, Pretty Vintage Things is a marvellous place to browse around. At Stwff-Stuff, which has another branch in Cowbridge, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to gifts for others or a treat for yourself. Their range includes toiletries for him and her, snazzy lunch bags and water bottles, and delicious Welsh jams and preserves.

For ladies’ fashion and accessories head to Sloan & Co and Rio Fashions, and pick up some pretty blooms at The Flower Shop. While Health Conscious helps you explore dietary changes, complementary therapies and lifestyle adjustments, Nickleby’s Bookstore feeds your mind with new and second-hand literary choices. The staff at both stores are enthusiastic and know their subject very well indeed.

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For some refreshment, Llantwit Major’s oldest public bar, at the 12th century Old Swan Inn, offers a roaring log fire in the winter and a popular beer garden in summer. After a drink, why not collect a Tapas Takeaway or dine at The Cwtch Restaurant. Café Velo is popular with cyclists and non-cyclists alike – for delicious coffee and cakes. Their flapjacks will power you through an afternoon of retail therapy, and you can always stop for a rest on the benches in the tranquil churchyard.

The leisurely stroll from the town centre down to Cwm Colhuw beach is a perfect addition to a shopping trip. Pop into Llantwit Ice Cream first, so you’ve something to enjoy on the walk. There are milkshakes and waffles, as well as an amazing selection of ice creams, and the lickable frozen yoghurt for dogs will go down well with your pooch.