All Places in Vale of Glamorgan

Cosmeston Medieval Village is a restored and reconstructed village from the medieval period situated near Lavernock in the Vale of Glamorgan. It was when the Cosmeston Lakes Country Park was being developed in the late 1970s that the archeological trust uncovered evidence of a 600-year-old village. Today visitors can travel back in time to 1350 to see how life was lived then. The village has free admission and is open all year round.

The two main beaches on Barry Island are Whitmore Bay between the two peninsulas of Friar’s Point and Nell’s Point, and the other is the smaller and secluded Jackson’s Bay around the headland and cliffs, connected by Clement Coley Walk. Little Island beach sits on the far side of Friar’s Point round near the old harbour, this is sometimes referred to old harbour beach. When the tide is out you have a massive expanse of sand and can make it over to the Knap. A good alternative is the two main Barry Island beaches of Whitmore Bay and Jackson’s Bay are busy. Car parking is by the old harbour or a walk from Whitmore Bay on the other side of Friar’s Point. To get to other facilities you need to head to Whitmore Bay.

Jacksons Bay beach is a secluded bay, backed by cliffs with one end being formed by the breakwater at the entrance to Barry Docks. Often overlooked by most people who stay on the larger beaches next door. Take the concrete footpath running from the east end of Whitmore Bay along the cliff top and you will eventually come to Jackson’s Bay. Beware in stormy weather or high tide as the path descends to the foot of the cliffs to reach the beach.  

Watch House Bay beach is a quiet sandy beach looking over to the old harbour on Barry Island. Watch House Bay is on the other side of Cold Knap Point and the busier larger Knap beach. When the tide is out you have a massive expanse of sand in front of you and can make it over to Little Island. It is often easier to use the facilities over on the main Knap beach but you do have a small amount of parking.

Penarth lifeboat station established in 1861 and now operates two inshore lifeboats. Station is only open by appointment, no shop.

Ogmore-by-Sea beach is a west facing beach with sand at low tide and rocks at high tide. The beach is to the East of the River Ogmore estuary and on the other side is Newton Bay beach and the large sand dunes of Merthyr Mawr. The rocky shoreline is popular as a rock climbing location. Depending on the wind can be popular with surfers, kitesurfers, windsurfers and kitebuggies.

Fontygary (Ffontygari) Bay beach is a pebble and sand beach backed by cliffs with rock pools. Fontygary Park holiday camp offers bars, play areas, indoor pool and health club plus luxury holiday homes for sale or hire. Bar on the Bay is open to the general public Friday and Saturday evenings.