Vale Beaches

 

Whether you are seeking rugged cliffs, spectacular views, Heritage Coast, summer entertainment or sandy beaches, the Vale of Glamorgan has a wide variety of stunning beaches to be enjoyed!

 

Below is a brief desciption of the beaches in the Vale, starting with Penarth (just west of Cardiff) and continuing westwards to Ogmore by Sea (near Porthcawl).

 

Dogs on Beaches:     Find out from which beaches dogs are banned from May to September

Lifeguard duty in the Vale Easter holidays: Whitmore Bay (weekends only 10am - 6pm)   Summer holidays (dates vary annually, but as a guide mid July until early/mid September) Whitmore Bay, Ogmore, Southerndown, Rhoose and Llantwit Major beaches have lifeguards in place 7 days a week from 10am - 6pm

 

Penarth

 

Penarth Seafront

A stone and shingle beach overlooked by the esplanade, Penarth Pier, beautiful gardens and a pleasant range of places to eat and drink. Steps lead from the esplanade to the beach.

Parking: Street parking on the esplanade, car park on Cliff Top half a mile away.

Bus/Rail: Bus stop next to the pier. Railway station in Penarth town centre, 5 to 10 minutes walk away. For bus information please contact Traveline Cymru on 0871 200 2233.

 

Lavernock Point, Near Penarth

A small sandy beach with coastal walks near by. There is a cafe at Marconi Holiday Village.

Parking: Limited parking available near the church at Lavernock Point.

Bus: Bus number 94 stops on the B4267, approximately 15 minutes walk. For bus information please contact Traveline Cymru on 0871 200 2233

 

St Mary’s Well Bay, near Sully

The beach is a combination of sand and pebbles. There are coastal walks near by.

Parking: Car park at the Captain's Wife Pub, Swanbridge.

Bus: Bus number 94 stops on the B4267. For bus information please contact Traveline Cymru on 0871 200 2233

 

Sully Bay

A pebble / rocky beach with rock pools. Refreshments available at the Captain's Wife pub and Seashore Grill & Cafe Bar, Swanbridge.

Parking: Car park at the Captain's Wife Pub, Swanbridge.

Bus: Bus number 94 stops in the village of Sully, approximately five to 10 minutes walk. For bus information please contact Traveline Cymru on 0871 200 2233.

 

 

Barry and Barry Island

 

Jackson’s Bay, Barry Island

A small sandy bay close to the facilities available at Whitmore Bay, Barry Island. No restrictions on dogs.

Parking: On street parking nearby.

Bus/Rail: Regular bus and rail service. For public transport information please contact Traveline Cymru on 0871 200 2233

 

 

Whitmore Bay, Barry Island

A wide sandy Blue Flag beach located close to cafes, restaurants, and attractions. Whitmore Bay was used as a film location in the BBC comedy hit series Gavin & Stacey.

Parking: A large car park is located nearby.

Bus/Rail: Regular bus and rail service. For public transport information please contact Traveline Cymru on 0871 200 2233.

 

Watchtower Bay / The Old Harbour

West of Whitmore Bay and north of Cold Knap lies Watchtower Bay and the Old Harbour. At low tide there is a huge expanse of golden sand in Watchtower Bay with plenty of rock pools to explore around the edges of the bay, on Knap Point, and Friars Point.  Please note that the tide comes in very quickly at Watchtower Bay / the Old Harbour.  Please exercise caution and swim on beaches with lifeguard support (see the top of this page for details).

 

The Knap, Barry

A wide pebble beach popular with surfers. There are coastal walks near by.

Parking: A car park is situated within walking distance of the beach.

Bus: Nearest bus stop by the lake, approximately five minutes walk. For bus information please contact Traveline Cymru on 0871 200 2233.

 

Porthkerry, near Barry

A wide pebble beach adjoining Porthkerry Country Park. Facilities at the park include 18-hole pitch and putt, barbecue site, picnic areas, cafe, adventure playground, toilets, and a ranger service.

Parking: Two car parks in the country park.

Bus: Nearest bus stop at Westward Rise, approximately five minutes walk. For bus information please contact Traveline Cymru on 0871 200 2233.

 

Fontygary Bay, Rhoose

A sheltered beach backed by cliffs. A mixture of sand, pebbles and rock pools. Coastal walks available nearby.

Bus: Nearest bus stop at Fontygary Inn, approximately five minutes walk. For bus information please contact Traveline Cymru on 0871 200 2233.

 

Rural Vale

 

The Leys, Aberthaw

Mainly rock pools and pebbles in the sand at low tide. The beach is situated next to the power station. The beach is popular with fishermen.

Parking: Parking is available.

Bus: Nearest bus stop at Blue Anchor pub in East Aberthaw, half a mile away. For bus information please contact Traveline Cymru on 0871 200 2233.

 

Summerhouse Point, Boverton

A flat rock beach often used by fishermen. Located on a very quiet part of the coast, ideal for walkers and ramblers.

Bus: Nearest bus stop approximately two miles. For bus information please contact Traveline Cymru on

0871 200 2233.

 

Cwm Colhugh, Llantwit Major

Rock pools and sand with cliff top scenery. Cliff walks are all signposted with leaflets available from Llantwit Major Vistor Centre. Toilets and refreshments are available.

Parking: A car park is located alongside the beach.

Bus/Rail: One mile from nearest bus stop and Llantwit Major railway station. For public transport information please contact Traveline Cymru on 0871 200 2233.

 

Nash Point, Marcross

Located on the Glamorgan Heritage Coast, Nash Point has a rocky shore with rugged cliff scenery. Guided tours of Nash Point Lighthouse are available and a small cafe is open in the summer months.

Parking: Parking available with a small charge.

Bus: Nearest bus stop at Marcross, half a mile away. For bus information please contact Traveline Cymru on 0871 200 2233.

 

Dunraven Bay, Southerndown

A sand and pebble bay located on the Glamorgan Heritage Coast. Toilets and refreshments are available and the Heritage Coast Centre is nearby. The beach is connected to the Heritage Coast path.

Parking: Two car parks available with a charge.

Bus: Bus number 145 from Llanwit Major or Bridgend railway stations. For bus times please contact Traveline Cymru on 0871 200 2233.

 

Ogmore-by-Sea

Located on the Glamorgan Heritage Coast, Ogmore is a wide sand and pebble beach, popular for families, surfing and canoeing. Coastal walks are nearby.

Parking: Car park available with a charge. 

Bus: Bus number 145 from Llanwit Major or Bridgend railway stations. For bus times please contact Traveline Cymru on 0871 200 2233.