Glamorgan Heritage Coast
For a choice of accommodation on the Glamorgan Heritage coast visit the
Stretching from Penarth to Porthcawl the Glamorgan Heritage Coast is a spectacular mix of rugged cliffs, golden sandy beaches and pretty little towns and villages.
At the heart of the Glamorgan Heritage Coast is the traditional seaside resort of Porthcawl. Situated on what is known locally as Southern Wales’ Golden Coast, the town, as well as being a magnet for family holidays, is the watersports capital of Wales. Just around the headland from the town centre is Rest Bay, Wales’ number one surfing spot. Rest Bay is fast gaining a good reputation for great surfing with more and more surfers coming from far and wide, eager to avoid the overcrowded beaches of Cornwall. For those new to the sport there are plenty of opportunities locally to learn the skills needed from a range of qualified instructors. Even if you don’t fancy catching some waves yourself, it great fun to sit on the rocks and watch the professionals at it against spectacular sunsets.
If surfing is not your thing then there is an abundance of other watersports available in the area to tempt you – Scuba diving, sea kayaking, kite surfing to name a few. If you prefer your adrenaline pumping activities to be on dry land then why not try your hand at climbing, abseiling or quad biking – all available in the area. If you want an activity that’s less strenuous then how about a spot of walking. There are some fantastic walks available along the coast or inland to the Heritage Hills. Ask at local Tourist Information Centres for details.
If all that sounds a bit too energetic, don’t worry. Porthcawl has a range of bars and cafes lining the seafront where you can sit back, relax and watch the world go by.
Head east out of Porthcawl along the coast to discover many other glorious sandy beaches including Ogmore by Sea (watch out for the picturesque Ogmore castle en route) and Southerndown before arriving at the Glamorgan Heritage Coast’s second seaside resort at Barry Island. Safe sandy beaches and a fairground mean this is a popular place for family holidays. In fact, the beach at Barry Island's Whitmore Bay has been awarded a Blue Flag, meaning it is one of the cleanest beaches in Europe.
A little further along the coast from Barry Island, is the Vicorian Seaside town of Penarth with its timeless pier and promenade. Penarth Marina has been rejuvenated in recent years and is home to the Cardiff Bay Barrage, a spectacular piece of engineering. Take in the views here across the bay to the City of Cardiff.
Not all the action is along the coast however. Head inland to discover traditional Southern Wales. Pick up some local produce or crafts at Llantwit Major or Cowbridge, two traditional market towns with a wonderful selection of independent traders. Further west is the slightly larger town of Bridgend with big name high street stores sitting next to the independent retailers and an indoor market. Just outside the town is the Bridgend Designer Outlet, an undercover shopping paradise containing over 90 famous designer stores.
For more information on the Glamorgan Heritage Coast visit www.glamorganheritagecoast.com or download a brochure here
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