To the south of Cardiff, on the banks of the Bristol Channel, lies the seaside resort of Barry, which features Barry Island. With a regular train service, visitors are drawn to this lovely part of Wales for its beaches and seaside entertainment -  all of which made an appearance in the hugely popular TV show Gavin and Stacey. Barry is the perfect destination for a family holiday thanks to its numerous attractions, beautiful scenery and friendly, welcoming locals.

With its proximity to Cardiff, Barry makes a great base, away from the bustle, to explore the capital city.

Barry Island

 

1. Discover Barry Island Pleasure Park

Attracting people from around the world, Barry Island Pleasure Park is a must-do for anyone, kids and adults alike. 

The park offers 17 rides, ranging from the child-friendly gentle rides to white knuckle screamathons, arcades and stalls, and a wide choice of street food and traditional fairground snacks, including freshly made candyfloss, delicious ice cream and freshly cooked fish and chips. 

Entertaining visitors since 1897, Barry Island’s Pleasure Park maintains its popularity by continually adapting to changing tastes and trends with adrenaline junkies, and it doesn’t look like stopping anytime soon. 

Barry Island Pleasure Park

 

2. Explore History at the Barry War Museum

Owned and managed by the Barry at War Group, Barry War Museum gives visitors the opportunity to experience authentic living history. Using real reports and stories of Barry residents, the museum simulates the horrifying reality of soldiers fighting on the Western Front. The trenches on display show how tough their life was, while a genuine air-raid shelter replicates life for those left to keep the home fires burning in 1940s Barry. Containing cooking equipment and brands that many visitors will recognise, an authentic kitchen dating from WWII shows how tough providing for a family whilst having food items rationed was. Necessity really was the mother of invention. 

Allowing visitors to understand and experience the reality of living during World War II, the museum is a fascinating place and should be on everyone's list of things to do. 

 

3. Enjoy a Day Out at Whitmore Bay Beach

With a glorious stretch of sweeping golden sands and a wide promenade, Whitmore Bay Beach is the archetypal family beach.

Known by locals as Barrybados, the bay is sandwiched between two protective limestone headlands. Popular with surfers, the beach has been awarded a Blue Flag for cleanliness, water quality and safety, and has a lifeguard service, meaning that you can relax while your children enjoy the waves. After a day spent exploring the rock pools and building the biggest sandcastle you can, the Pleasure Park is nearby, or there are climbing walls, crazy golf courses and amusement arcades if you prefer. 

The brightly painted beach huts are available to hire, and there are numerous events and performances to enjoy throughout the year. Everyone loves a day spent relaxing on the beach, but Whitmore Bay offers something very special to its visitors. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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4. Porthkerry Country Park

You’ll find 220 acres of woodland at Porthkerry Country Park with nature trails, picnic sites, café and play area. The park is a haven for wildlife with meadowland leading to a pebble beach. It is also well known for its imposing viaduct which has kept watch over the park since the 1890’s.

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