| Glamorgan Heritage Coast |
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The sea and the sky will be your travelling companions when you walk the spectacular Glamorgan Heritage Coast.
Dramatic plunging cliffs, secluded coves and breathtaking views across the channel make this 14 mile stretch of protected coastline a must for those who love to walk in the fresh sea breezes.
From Aberthaw to Porthcawl the Glamorgan Heritage Coast is rich in wildlife and natural beauty and the footpath allows you to discover areas of coastline and countryside hidden to all but those on foot.
You can find out more about the history, flora and fauna of this fascinating stretch of coastline by calling at the Glamorgan Heritage Coast Visitor Centre at Southerndown.
You will also discover some superb beaches for summer days at the seaside at Ogmore, Southerndown and Barry Island. A dramatic change of scenery heralds the western stretch of the Glamorgan Heritage Coast when you reach the windswept sand dunes of Merthyr Mawr Warren- the largest dune system in Europe.
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| Barry Island |
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Happy, noisy, bustling and always full of excitement - Barry Island offers the great traditional seaside summer day out.
Everything you expect from a seaside holiday is here - long sandy beach, penny arcades and sea front shops to tempt your taste buds with ice-creams, candy floss and fish and chips.
Whether you prefer to relax on the beach or enjoy an action packed afternoon at the pleasure park - the emphasis is on fun.
The kids will love the beach where they can make sand castles, splash in the waves and enjoy the summer entertainment. The south facing beach of Whitmore Bay is a sweeping crescent of perfect golden sand with a rocky headland at each end where there are rock pools just waiting to be explored at low tide!
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| Barry Island Railway Heritage Centre |
| Return to the age of steam - visit the historic station buildings dated 1896 and view the exhibits in the museum. These tell the fascinating story of how Barry owes its existence to the railway. On `Steam Days` travel behind a full sized steam locomotive and view carriages and wagons being restored in the purpose built workshop.
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| Llanerch Vineyard |
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Visit the largest vineyard in Wales producing estate bottled Cariad welsh wines. Take the vineyard trail and taste the international award winning wines. The extensive 20 acre estate includes a 7 acre vineyard, landscaped gardens and a country park of woodland and lakes for your enjoyment.
Open March 1st - December 24th, 10am - 5 pm
Charges: Adults £3.00 includes wine tasting. Children £1.00
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| Dyffryn Gardens |
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A garden for all seasons
Over 55 acres containing many small theme gardens, heather bank, arboretum, glass house and cacti collection, with picturesque walks throughout the gardens.
Admission Charge
Open: March - Weekends only 10.30am - 4.30pm April - October - Daily 10.30am - 8pm
Winter months - please check prior to visit.
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| Cosmeston Lakes Country Park & Medieval Village |
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Stroll through 200 acres of park land, past two beautiful lakes, picnic areas, adventure play ground, visitor centre, shop and café. Step inside a living Medieval Village, take a guided tour (available daily) with one of their costumed village folk, around the reconstructed Medieval Village on the site of an original 14th Century settlement.
Open: All Year
Charges: Country Park - Free of charge.
Medieval Village tours charged as advertised.
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| Cardiff |
| Cosmopolitan, vibrant, shoppers paradise, just some of the words to describe the Welsh Capital City of Cardiff. Cardiff has everything a capital city can offer - history, culture, fine architecture, superb entertainment, excellent restaurants, first class shopping, and acres of beautiful parks. Superb new developments are taking place across the city, blending perfectly with its rich cultural heritage. The fastest growing city in Europe is only 20 minutes away !
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| Museum of Welsh Life |
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St. Fagans, Cardiff
Within a 100 acre parkland, over 40 authentic buildings will give you a fascinating insight onto how people in Wales have lived, worked and spent their leisure time since Celtic times. See the craftsmen demonstrating traditional crafts and you can even buy freshly baked bread from our own bakery.
Free admission.
Open: October - June 10am - 5pm. July - September 10am - 6pm
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| South Wales.org |
| An excellent tourism website that's packed with loads of information about the area.
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| Simon's Cycle |
| A well known local bike shop that hires every kind of bike from a unicycle to a tandem ! |
