Cowbridge
One of the most fashionable places in the area, rural Cowbridge
plays host to a fantastic food and drink festival each autumn. The
town has an abundance of culture, and the South Gate on Town Mill
Road shows the only surviving gateway of the original walled town.
It is an extremely rare example of medieval town gates in Glamorgan
and dates from the early 14th century.
Dyffryn Gardens and Country Parks
Only a few miles from Cowbridge are the outstanding Grade 1
listed gardens of Dyffryn House. Formal lawns, fountains and pools
combine to create a visual masterpiece that is ablaze with colour
throughout the seasons. You can also get away from it all and relax
at Cosmeston Lakes Country Park and Porthkerry Country
Park.
Legendary Tinkinswood
For a magical tale or two, head to the burial chambers at
Tinkinswood and St Lythans. The Tinkinswood Megalithic Burial Chamber was built
in 4000BC, making it even older than Stonehenge.
A mile to the south is the St Lythans Burial Chamber, which is
believed to possess many magical properties. On midsummer’s eve,
the capstone is said to rotate three times, while at Halloween the
stones are reputed to make wishes come true.
Castles
Not as old as the burial chambers, but just as interesting, are
the many castles in the
area. These include Ogmore Castle, which was originally a motte and
bailey castle of earth and timber.
Walking and cycling
Lace up your walking boots and explore the numerous walking paths which dissect the
Vale, either along the coast or further inland to help you enjoy
the area's biodiversity. The Vale's gentle hills
and quiet country lanes are also perfect for
cycling, either for a leisurely ride or a speedy lung-buster
in the style of Olympic champion Nicole Cooke, who grew up in
Wick.
Country pubs
The area is blessed with traditional country pubs and a growing
number of restaurants of a consistently high standard, meaning that
people travel from Cardiff to the Vale to eat these days.
Find out about other places to go and things to do in the Vale.
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