Beaches & Coast

Sandy beaches, fossilhunting, cliff walking and fantastic views...

You'll love the Vale for its coastal variety. Such a convenient and cwtchy county, with almost every kind of beach, bay, cove and cliff you can think of. All of them are within just a few miles of each other, all within easy reach of our towns, villages, attractions and activities, all within 25 miles drive of the Welsh capital, Cardiff, and all with the most exceptional views.

The Vale coastline attracts sandcastle builders and surfers, fossil hunters and history buffs, and is absolutely perfect for walking, hiking and wildlife lovers. Approximately 25 miles of the Wales Coast Path run along our coast, and 14 miles of this is made up by the world famous and dynamic Glamorgan Heritage Coast.

Views to write and text home about...

On a clear day from Penarth, you can see Sully Island, FlatHolm and Steep Holm, the English coast, and all the way up the Bristol Channel to the two Severn bridges. From Barry, you can gaze all the way across the water to Somerset and even Glastonbury Tor and the Mendip Hills.

Nash Point, with it's Lighthouse and the Cliff Top Cafe, area highly recommended visit for the views. From here you can see all the way from North Somerset to Ilfra combe in Devon. On clear days with binoculars you can see out into the Atlantic, or glimpse Lundy Island. And in the other direction, view the South Wales coast down to the Gower Peninsula or the Pembrokeshire coastline.

Natural beauty, rugged rocks, sandy havens and clifftop walking

Whatever you do, don't miss Lavernock, Rhoose, Llantwit Major, Monknash, Southerndown and Ogmore-by-Sea for some quieter spots. There's a little bit of everything to tempt your beach-trekking taste-buds. From sandy, duned havens to spectacular limestone cliffs and beaches. Such a wonderful section of coast. We remind ourselves regularly just how lucky we are.

Sandcastles, fairgrounds, a pretty pier, and long promenades...

Two of the most popular and famous areas to visit along theVale coastline, are Barry and Barry Island, and Penarth. Both have lovely days out to offer.

Penarth has its promenade and pier, and you just can't resist a walk on a pier, can you. There's nothing quite like it to experience the water all around and beneath you, the sound of the waves, the cool breeze off the water, and the outstanding views. There's gentle walking and fantastic views available too from Penarth's cliff-top walks.

Barry and Barry Island have five different beaches, with vast expanses of sand, or rock-pools, or pebble beaches, and a fossil and dinosaur footprint hunters paradise at the Bendricks too. The pleasure park, promenades, and the high points between the bays, all make for a memorable visit and unforgettable views up and down the Vale coast and across to Somerset in England.

^{Header photo credit - @jamesharriesmultimedia}