The Vale of Glamorgan

The Vale of Glamorgan is characterised by gentle rolling hills, genteel towns, pretty villages and a splendid natural coastline.

Seaside fun - Barry Island is a great favourite for fun filled seaside holidays. It's a bright, bustling and cheerful resort, with sandy beaches and an exceptional range of attractions. It's a resort which has almost been purpose-built for activity-packed family holidays - though its main attraction, sandy Whitmore Bay, is a decidedly natural one.

The bay's sheltered crescent of south facing sands is neatly framed by two headlands and landscaped gardens. Just a stone's throw away, behind the promenade, is the large colourful Pleasure Park with a choice of rides and amusements unrivalled in Wales.

Victorian Charm - Only a few miles from Cardiff, Penarth preserves the look and atmosphere of a small Victorian seaside resort. Its seafront Esplanade, bedecked by colourful gardens, comes complete with an ornate pier which enjoys commanding views of Cardiff Bay. Penarth also boasts a modern marina, while the town itself is a thriving and pretty shopping centre. For the more active there's an excellent range of watersports, especially sailing and water skiing.

Another way to take to the waters is by a trip on the Waverley (the world's last sea-going paddle steamer) or its sister cruise ship, the Balmoral, both of which sail regularly from the pier in the summer.

A Green Alternative - The rural Vale of Glamorgan is an enticing green alternative to the coast. It's an area of rich, gentle farmlands and hidden wooded valleys dotted with charming country towns and villages. Capital of the rural Vale is Cowbridge, a prosperous, elegant market town of speciality shops and fashionable eating places.

Rich in History - The Vale is rich in history. Many castles were constructed here by Norman warlords. Llantwit Major is perhaps the Vale's most historic place.

This delightful little town of narrow medieval streets, cosy inns and quaint old dwellings grew up around an ancient seat of Christian learning, the oldest in Britain.

Visit: Vale of Glamorgan