Group Travel Guide Vale of Glamorgan - Visit the Vale

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Group Travel Guide Vale of Glamorgan - Visit the Vale
Vale of Glamorgan
                  Group Travel Guide

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www.visitsouthernwales.org
Group Travel Guide Vale of Glamorgan - Visit the Vale
Contents
                                                                               04                   06
                                                   Regional Overview                          Attractions

                                                           08                  10                   12
                                                      Activities       Accommodation       Refreshment Stops

                                                           13                                       15
                                                  Explore the
                                               Vale of Glamorgan        Event Highlights

                                                           16                  17                   18
                                                                         Tour Guides &       Maps & Travel
                                                   Coach Parking
                                                                       Vale Ambassadors      Information

The Glamorgan Heritage Coast   Vale of Glamorgan                                                            3
Group Travel Guide Vale of Glamorgan - Visit the Vale
e ll o…  S hw m  a e …  . B  on  jo u r …..
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 Welcome (or Croeso as we prefer to say) to Southern Wales
 You may already have an idea what to
 expect from a trip to Southern Wales.

 We are split into ten distinctive areas,
 each with their own character and
 charm. The areas of Blaenau Gwent,
 Blaenavon, Caerphilly, Merthyr and
 Rhondda Cynon Taf are well known
 for their history and heritage, whilst                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Discover The Vale of Glamorgan
 nearby Monmouthshire is more rural
 and famed for its fabulous food                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           Our name may make you think of
 and drink. Newport and Cardiff are                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        secluded routes through green hills
 thriving cities with some world class                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     but that’s not the whole picture. The
 attractions whilst along Bridgend                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         Vale (as it’s known locally) is actually
 and the Vale of Glamorgan is a mix                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        a coastal region just west of Cardiff
 of coastal resorts, market towns and       For more information visit our website                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         in South Wales, with a 14 mile stretch
 fabulous countryside.                      www.visitsouthernwales.org                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     of Heritage Coast. We’re the most
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           southerly point in Wales, along which
 We have plenty of castles and museums      or contact the tourism team:                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   runs the Wales Coast Path towering
 but we also have a National Park, the      tel - +44 (0)1446 704867                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       above cliffs, golden beaches, remote       Why choose the Vale? Cardiff, the
 start of the Wales Coast Path and an       email - tourism@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         coves, surf schools, boat cruises and      capital city of Wales is right on our
 Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.        To order the brochures for the other areas                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     through the Victorian seaside resorts      doorstep. In under 2 miles you can stroll
                                            of Southern Wales please contact                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               of Penarth and Barry Island.               from Cardiff Bay to Penarth Marina
 We also have some things you may                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     across the Cardiff Bay Barrage and
                                            +44 (0)845 6002639 or e-mail
 not associate with us. There are the                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Inland the Vale is an idyllic mix of       you’d be missing out if you visit Cardiff
                                            brochure@southernwales.com
 remains of a Roman amphitheatre and                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       rolling hills, country lanes, gentle       without popping over to the Vale.
 barracks, vineyards producing award                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       footpaths, well-kept farms with
 winning wine and a great big sculpture,                 Gwe
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                                                                                                                                                            Group Travel Guide
                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Rhondda Cynon Taf
                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Group Travel Guide                                                        Cardiff
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Group Travel Guide                                                                       beautiful cottages and historic
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 soaring 20 metres into the sky and              Blae avel Guide
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                                                                                                                                    Group Travel
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                                                                                                                                                                                              Group Travel Guide
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Caerphilly
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Group Travel Guide                                              Vale of Glam
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  4                                                                                                                                                                                       www.visitsouthernwales.org                                                                                                                                                          Vale of Glamorgan                                                                            5
Group Travel Guide Vale of Glamorgan - Visit the Vale
Attractions
Hunting for ideas for a group day out. Browse through the fantastic range of things to do in
the Vale of Glamorgan.

 Barry Tourist Railway & War Museum              Cosmeston Medieval Village                            Penarth Pier Pavilion                   Porthkerry Country Park
 Take a ride on a heritage                       Step back in time and enter                           Magnificently restored Art              Enjoy the great outdoors at
 locomotive and learn about the                  a superbly reconstructed                              Deco pavilion on Penarth                Porthkerry Country Park. With 220
 history of the railways, then visit             14th century village. Entry to                        Pier, complete with cinema,             acres of woods and meadowland,
 the Barry at War Museum at the                  Cosmeston Medieval Village and                        café, retail area and gallery.          including nature trails and an
 station. Open throughout the                    small museum is free. Guided                          Programme of exhibitions                onsite café in a sheltered valley
 year for families, groups and rail              tours are available daily by a                        and events.                             leading to a pebble beach and
 enthusiasts, offering a fun and                 costumed villager in character.                                                               spectacular cliffs, Porthkerry
 enjoyable trip.                                                                                                                               makes for a great day out.

 tel: +44 (0)1446 748816                         tel: +44 (0)29 2070 1678                              tel: +44 (0)29 2071 2100                tel: +44 (0)29 2070 1678
 email: john.buxton@cambriantransport.com        email: CosmestonLakes@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk          email: info@penarthpierpavilion.co.uk   email: porthkerry@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk
 web: www.barrytouristrailway.co.uk              web: www.visitthevale.com                             web: www.penarthpavilion.co.uk          web: www.visitthevale.com

 Cowbridge Physic Garden                         Dyffryn House & Gardens                               RNLI Experience Centre                  St Donats Castle & Arts Centre
 Originally part of the Old Hall                 Edwardian gardens with formal                         The RNLI Experience at Barry            This 12th century castle opens its
 Gardens laid out in the 18th                    lawns, ponds, arboretum,                              Island offers an innovative,            doors and gardens to visitors at
 century, this formal garden                     glasshouse and intimate garden                        enjoyable and memorable                 selected days during the summer,
 features plants traditionally used              rooms. Parts of Dyffryn House                         experience to learn more about          and welcomes group parties by
 for healing, cooking and dyeing                 are also open to visitors.                            the work the RNLI carry out to          arrangement. The Arts Centre
 fabrics.                                                                                              continue to save lives. Please call     plays host to a variety of arts
                                                                                                       for opening times prior to visit.       programmes, live performances
                                                                                                       Free entry.                             and cinema screenings.

 tel: +44 (0)1446 773264 or 07890 941502         tel: +44 (0)29 2059 3328                              tel: +44 (0)1446 734157                 tel: +44 (0)1446 799100
 email: rebeccaexley@aol.com                     email: dyffryn@nationaltrust.org.uk                   email: Nicola_Davies@rnli.org.uk        email: enquiries@atlanticcollege.org
 web: www.cowbridgephysicgarden.org.uk           web: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dyffryn-gardens                                                 web: www.stdonats.com

 Glyndwr Vineyard                                Hendrewennol Fruit Garden                             St Illtud’s Church & Galilee Chapel
 Glyndwr Vineyard is the oldest                  Hendrewennol Fruit Garden is                          Until 2013 a ruined ‘Galilee
 established and largest vineyard                a family run PYO soft fruit farm                      Chapel’ stood at the western end
 in Wales. Book a tour with a talk,              and a great place to visit. An                        of St. Illtud’s Church. Today the
 home cooked buffet and wine                     on-site shop and cafe, children’s                     ruin has been transformed into
 tasting. Tours and wine-tasting                 play area and Maize Maze offers                       an award winning Visitor Centre.
 by arrangement.                                 a great day out for all.

 tel: +44 (0)1446 774564                         tel: +44 (0)1446 781 670                              tel: +44 (0)1446 792439
 email: glyndwrvineyard@hotmail.com              email: shwmae@hendrewennol.com                        email: rblm2013@gmail.com
 web: www.glyndwrvineyard.co.uk                  web: www.hendrewennol.com                             web: www.llanilltud.org.uk

 6                                                                       www.visitsouthernwales.org   Vale of Glamorgan                                                                   7
Group Travel Guide Vale of Glamorgan - Visit the Vale
Activities
The Vale of Glamorgan has a great range of activities to suite your group visit. Here’s just a
taster of what you can experience during your visit.

 Amelia Trust                                      Capital Adventure Wales                                Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf              Southerndown Surf School
                                                   Wide range of outdoor                                  Pirate-themed adventure golf               Surf  lessons
                                                                                                                                                     Situated   in thewith  everything
                                                                                                                                                                        beautiful
 A working farm set in 160 acres
 of countryside in the beautiful                   adventure activities in and                            course close to the beach. 12              supplied.
                                                                                                                                                     countryside Half-day,    weekend,
                                                                                                                                                                     surrounding   the
 Vale of Glamorgan. A children’s                   around the Vale, including                             holes of mini golf set among               one-to-one      instruction
                                                                                                                                                     Victorian seaside     town offor adults
 park, myriad of woodland walks                    mountain biking, kayaking,                             waterfalls and rock gardens. Café          and   children.
                                                                                                                                                     Porthcawl    the Groups    welcome
                                                                                                                                                                       Grove Golf   Club is
 and lots of farm animals to visit                 canoeing, archery, rollerskiing                        for spectators.                            by  arrangement.
                                                                                                                                                     established    as oneCompetent
                                                                                                                                                                             of the most
 including a donkey sanctuary.                     and bushcraft.                                                                                    surfers
                                                                                                                                                     popularcan     hire wetsuits
                                                                                                                                                               courses   within theandarea.
 Amelia Trust has a visitor centre/                                                                                                                  equipment.
                                                                                                                                                     Welcoming non- members as
 cafe selling refreshments and                                                                                                                       well as offering very competitive
 home-grown produce.                                                                                                                                 membership packages, the Grove
                                                                                                          tel: +44 (0)1446 742517                    has  a loyal
                                                                                                                                                     tel: +44      and growing
                                                                                                                                                               (0)7964     985404 following
 tel: +44 (0)1446 782030                           tel: +44 (0)29 2053 1066                                                                          of golfers  and   their families.
 email: general@ameliatrust.org.uk                 email: info@capitaladventurewales.co.uk                email: northvalleyleisure@googlemail.com   email: southerndownsurfschool@live.co.uk
 web: www.ameliatrust.org.uk                       web: www.capitaladventurewales.co.uk                   web: www.smugglers-cove.co.uk              web: www.southerndownsurfschool.co.uk

 Challenge Wales | Wales’ Tall Ship                Slade Farm                                             St Brides Riding and Trekking Centre       Taskforce Paintball
 Challenge Wales is a 72-foot                      Discover daily life on the farm.                       Horse riding lessons for adults            South Wales’ premier
 yacht that offers groups and                      You will meet the animals and                          and children aged 4+, complete             paintballing centre with 12 zones
 individuals aged 12 to 25 the                     see outstanding wildlife. Set in a                     beginners or experienced riders.           across 30 acres. Also laser tag,
 chance to learn life skills through               beautiful 9 acre garden, including                     Welsh Riding and Trekking                  archery and low impact kids
 sailing training. No experience is                stunning views of Dunraven Bay,                        Association approved.                      paintball for 8 years and above.
 necessary. Booking required.                      Slade Farm Gardens are open for
                                                   tea & cakes, the perfect way to
                                                   finish your visit.

 tel: +44 (0)29 2022 0266                          tel: +44 (0)1656 880799                                tel: +44 (0)1656 880000 / 07980 278661     tel: +44 (0)29 2059 3900
 email: reservations@challengewales.org            email: info@sladefarmorganics.com                      email: info@valeriding.co.uk               email: office@taskforcepaintball.co.uk
 web: www.challengewales.org                       web: www.sladefarmorganics.com                         web: www.valeriding.co.uk                  web: www.taskforcepaintball.co.uk

  What’s occurin’
                                                                                                          Vale Golf Breaks
                                                                                                          Challenging links and
                                                                                                          championship parkland courses

                                    ing in the Vale
                                                                                                          with breath-taking backdrops

                       s ha p p en
                                                                                                          provide a real test of your golf.

  Che ck ou t w  ha t’
           ro u nd  at   w w w  .v is it thevale.com
  all year                                                                           visitthevale
                                                                                                          tel: +44 (0)800 6126295/ 01446 781323
                                                                                     @visitthevale        email: hello@valegolfbreaks.com
                                                                                                          web: www.valegolfbreaks.com

 8                                                                          www.visitsouthernwales.org   Vale of Glamorgan                                                                      9
Group Travel Guide Vale of Glamorgan - Visit the Vale
Accommodation
The area has a wide range of quality accommodation to suit every taste and budget, from
hotels, guest houses, bed and breakfast establishments and farmhouses to self catering
accommodation such as holiday cottages, caravan and camping sites.

 Holiday Inn Express Cardiff Airport            Holm House Hotel                                         The Bear Hotel                        The Copthorne Hotel
 If you are looking for a base from             A luxury boutique hotel located                          Set in a historic coaching inn        Situated in a beautiful lakeside
 which to explore the exciting                  in the tranquil setting of the                           which dates back to the 12th          setting and offers convenient
 coastline, valleys and castles of              Penarth cliff tops with panoramic                        century, this hotel with stone        access to Wales, Cardiff city
 South Wales, look no further                   views to the Bristol Channel and                         walls and timber-beamed ceilings      centre, Cardiff International
 than the Holiday Inn Express                   Somerset. Holm House offers 12                           is situated in the beautiful market   Airport and the Millennium
 Cardiff Airport.                               individual luxury bedrooms and                           town of Cowbridge, 7.5 miles          Stadium. The hotel offers a
                                                combines fine dining, afternoon                          from Dyffryn Gardens and 13           relaxed atmosphere, modern
                                                teas, lounge area, snug, bar and a                                                             facilities and outstanding service.
                                                luxury spa.                                              miles from Cardiff city centre.

 tel: +44 (0)1446 711117                        tel: +44 (0)29 2070 6029                                 tel: +44 (0)1446 774814               tel: +44 (0)29 2059 9100
 email: reservations@hiexcardiffairport.co.uk   email: reception@holmhousehotel.co.uk                    email: enquiries@bearhotel.com        email: reservations.cardiff@millenniumhotels.com
 web: www.hiexcardiffairport.co.uk              web: www.holmhousehotel.com                              web: www.bearhotel.com                web: www.millenniumhotels.co.uk/copthornecardiff

 Llanerch Vineyard                              Mount Rooms                                              The Vale Hotel                        West House Country Hotel
 Llanerch Vineyard is situated                  Accommodation in the heart of                            Nestled away in over 650 acres of     Situated in the historic west
 in the picturesque Vale of                     Barry. Forty four rooms, all recently                    beautiful Welsh countryside, the      side of Llantwit Major the hotel
 Glamorgan yet only 15 minutes                  refurbished providing high quality                       Vale Resort with its 143 bedroom      dates back to the 16th century.
 from the centre of Cardiff. Bed &              in a contemporary style. Barry                           is the perfect destination. We        This intimate, warm and inviting
 breakfast at Llanerch is provided              train station is minutes away and                        offer first class spa and golf        hotel is set in the glorious Vale of
 in the main farmhouse or in                    Cardiff airport is a 7 minute drive.                     breaks along with magnificent         Glamorgan countryside and is just
 studio rooms especially created                Perfectly situated within perfect                        resort facilities for all.            a short drive from the dramatic
 from the old winery buildings.                 distance to all local amenities.                                                               Glamorgan Heritage coastline.

 tel: +44 (0)1443 222716                        tel: +44 (0)1446 370145                                  tel: +44 (0)1443 667800               tel: +44 (0)1446 792406
 email: info@llanerch-vineyard.co.uk            email:info@themountrooms.co.uk                           email: reservations@vale-hotel.com    email: enq@westhouse-hotel.co.uk
 web: www.llanerch-vineyard.co.uk               web: www.themountrooms.co.uk                             web: www.vale-hotel.com               web: www.westhouse-hotel.co.uk

 Premier Inn, Barry Island
 Less than a 2-minute walk
 from Barry Waterfront, this
 contemporary hotel is a
 10-minute drive from Cardiff
 Airport and just 15 minutes to
 the centre of Cardiff. On-site
 Brewers Fayre pub/restaurant
 and free parking.                               There’s so much to do in Southern Wales that we
                                                 couldn’t fit it all into one brochure. Take a look at
 tel: +44 (0)871 527 9370                        our website for more ideas for your group visit.
 web: www.premierinn.com/en/hotel/BARISL/
       barry-island-cardiff-airport              www.visitsouthernwales.org

10                                                                        www.visitsouthernwales.org
Group Travel Guide Vale of Glamorgan - Visit the Vale
Refreshment Stops                                                                                             Explore The Vale of Glamorgan
Take time out from you tour to enjoy a spot of lunch or a refreshing tea or coffee at one of
the many cafés, pubs or restaurants throughout the region.
                                                                                                              1 Day Itinerary
                                                                                                              Take a tour around The Vale of Glamorgan and experience some of the best on offer to your
 Hendrewennol Fruit Garden           James Sommerin                       Llanerch Vineyard
                                                                                                              groups including a newly restored pier, Victorian Mansion, 12th Century Castle, award winning
                                                                                                              visitor centre and medieval castles.

                                                                                                                                     Stop 1 – Penarth Pier Pavilion
                                                                                                                                     The newly restored Penarth Pier Pavilion boasts a 70 seater
 Hendrewennol is a great place to    The restaurant has the luxury of     Llanerch Vineyard has great
                                     having panoramic views over the
                                                                                                                                     community cinema, arts, events and exhibition space, cafe, bar and
 visit for a day out in the Welsh                                         pleasure in offering you a choice
 countryside, as well as to pick     Severn Estuary which sets the        of dining experiences, in either                           restaurant and meeting spaces.
 fruit. Groups are welcome by        scene for a very relaxing dining     the Cariad Bistro or the Cariad                             www.penarthpavilion.co.uk
 arrangement.                        experience.                          Restaurant.
 Bonvilston, CF5 6TS                 Penarth, CF64 3AU                    Hensol, CF72 8GG
 www.hendrewennol.com                www.jamessommerinrestaurant.co.uk    www.llanerch-vineyard.co.uk                                Stop 2 – Dyffryn House & Gardens
                                                                                                                                     Within the gardens, a grand Victorian mansion overlooks the key
 Penarth Pier Pavilion               The Barn at West Farm                The Bear Hotel                                             aspects of the gardens. Parts of the ground and first floors have
                                                                                                                                     been restored and are unfurnished.
                                                                                                                                     www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dyffryn-gardens

                                                                                                                                     Stop 3 – St Donats Castle & Art Centre
 With stunning views over the        A luxurious exclusive venue          We are proud to offer you our
 Severn estuary, our café and        for private hire situated on the     extensive quality gastro menu,                             Come take a sneak peek at this remarkable castle just outside
 restaurant is open for breakfast,   Wales Coast Path overlooking         as well as Chef’s daily specials.                          Cardiff, once the home of newspaper magnate, William Randolph
 lunch and tea from 10am to          the Glamorgan Heritage Coast.        What you eat is locally-sourced                            Hearst and his Hollywood guests.
 5.00pm.                             Advance bookings necessary.          and prepared freshly to order.                             www.stdonats.com
 Penarth, CF64 3AU                   Southerndown, CF32 0PY               Cowbridge, CF71 7AF
 www.penarthpavilion.co.uk           www.barnatwestfarm.com               www.bearhotel.com                                          Stop 4 – St Illtud Church & Galilee Chapel
                                                                                                                                     Until 2013 a ruined ‘Galilee Chapel’ stood at the western end of St.
 The Fig Tree                        Whitmore & Jacksons                                                                             Illtud’s Church. Today the ruin has been transformed into an award
                                                                                                                                     winning Visitor Centre.
                                                                                                                                     www.llanilltud.org.uk

                                                                                                                                     Stop 5 – Slade Farm Organics, Safari and Garden Tours
 Set in a beautifully restored       With stunning views across
 Victorian beach shelter, the        Whitmore Bay, we offer quality,                                                                 Discover daily life on the farm. You will meet the animals and see
 award winning fig tree offers       locally sourced, lovingly prepared                                                              outstanding wildlife. Set in a beautiful 9 acre garden, including
 affordable traditional and          dishes. Groups welcomed by                                                                      stunning views of Dunraven Bay, Slade Farm Gardens are open for tea
 contemporary fresh food.            arrangement.
                                                                                                                                     & cakes, the perfect way to finish your visit.
 Penarth, CF64 3AU                   Barry Island, CF62 5TJ                                                                          www.sladefarmorganics.com
 www.thefigtreepenarth.co.uk

12                                                                           www.visitsouthernwales.org       Vale of Glamorgan                                                                           13
Group Travel Guide Vale of Glamorgan - Visit the Vale
Explore the Region - 2 Day Itinerary                                                                                   Day 2 (Continued)
With so much to do it can be challenging to know where to start. We’ve put together a                                                       Stop 3 – Dyffryn Gardens, The Vale of Glamorgan
sample two day itinerary for you, giving you the opportunity to visit some of the very best                                                 Covering more than 55 acres, Dyffryn Gardens feature a stunning collection of intimate
                                                                                                                                            garden rooms including a rose garden, Pompeian garden and an extensive Arboretum
attractions in the region.                                                                                                                  featuring trees from all over the world.
                                                                                                                                            www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dyffryn-gardens

  Day 1                                                                                                                                     Stop 4 – McArthurGlen Designer Outlet, Bridgend
                                                                                                                                            Situated right on junction 36 of the M4 Motorway, the undercover mall has over 90
                      Stop 1 – Llancaiach Fawr Manor, Caerphilly                                                                            shops selling high street and designer brand names at discounted prices.
                      Llancaiach Fawr Manor near Caerphilly is a 17th century manor house. Take a tour of                                   www.bridgenddesigneroutlet.com
                      the house and meet the servants who will tell you tales of what life was like for them
                      back in 1645.
                                                                                                                                            Stop 5 - The Royal Mint Visitor Experience, Rhondda Cynon Taf
                      www.llancaiachfawr.co.uk
                                                                                                                                            Take a look behind the scenes at Britain’s oldest manufacturing organisation. See for
                      Stop 2 – Cyfarthfa Park & Museum, Merthyr                                                                              yourself the people and processes that put the pounds and pennies in your pockets.
                      Imposing 1824 castle housing a museum with a collection of fine art and social                                         www.royalmint.com/en/the-royal-mint-experience
                      history items.
                      www.visitmerthyr.co.uk/attractions/cyfarthfa-park-museum.aspx

                      Stop 3 – Guardian Mining Memorial, Six Bells
                                                                                                                     What’s on in Southern Wales
                      Towering above the village of Six Bells is the Guardian Mining Memorial. Commemorating
                       the 1960 Six Bells mining disaster, the monument was unveiled in 2010.                        Time your visit right and not only will you stay in some great accommodation, get to sample
                       www.guardianwales.info                                                                        some great food and visit some top attractions, you’ll also get to enjoy some fabulous events.

                      Stop 4 – Blaenavon World Heritage Centre, Blaenavon                                            We’ve highlighted some of the most popular ones here, but there are hundreds more going
                      The Centre features an interactive Victorian school room, film and multi-media displays
                      which not only provide visitors with a unique insight into the significance of Blaenavon’s     on throughout the year.
                      Industrial Landscape, but also introduces them to the area’s many attractions.
                      www.visitblaenavon.co.uk                                                                       For a full list of events in the region, please visit www.visitsouthernwales.org
                      Stop 5 - Shire Hall, Monmouthshire
                      Built in 1724, the elegant building has a remarkable past. Once a centre of commerce                                                                  Steelhouse Festival,
                       and governance for the town, it also served as a courthouse.                                                                                          Blaenau Gwent
                       www.shirehallmonmouth.org.uk

                                                                                                                                          Nos Galan Road Races,                                       Isle of Fire, Vale of
                                                                                                                                          Mountain Ash                                                Glamorgan

  Day 2
                                                                                                                     RHS Flower Show
                      Stop 1 – Tredegar House, Newport                                                               Cardiff
                      Set in 90 acres of beautiful parkland on the outskirts of Newport is this 17th century
                      house. Now in the care of the National Trust, visitors can hear about the house’s
                      history and it’s eccentric former owners and view the art collection.
                      www.nationaltrust.org.uk/tredegar-house                                                                             Abergavenny Food Festival                                   The Big Splash, Newport

                      Stop 2 – Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff
                      As part of a visit to the Centre, behind the scenes tours are offered where you can discover
                      the secrets of the landmark building and find out what lies beneath the inscription. Special
                      deals are available for groups and there is ample coach parking nearby.
                      www.wmc.org
                                                                                                                                                                             Porthcawl Elvis          Blaenavon World Heritage
                                                                                                                     Merthyr Rising       The Big Cheese, Caerphilly         Festival                 Day, Blaenavon

14                                                                                 www.visitsouthernwales.org        Vale of Glamorgan                                                                                               15
Group Travel Guide Vale of Glamorgan - Visit the Vale
Coach Parking                                                                                  Tour Guides
Find out where to drop off your passengers, park your coach                                    Make sure you get the most out of your
                                                                                               visit to the region by hiring the services
or get further information about our main towns.
                                                                                               of a tour guide. Members of The Wales
                                                                                               Official Tour Guide Association are
The Vale of Glamorgan                                                                          the only guides officially recognised
There are coach drop-off and pick-up points near most of the main attractions, with longterm   to be able to guide in Wales. They can
parking available close to the main towns.                                                     provide highly trained, professional and
                                                                                               experienced Blue Badge Guides, who
Coach Parking
                                                                                               will help bring your journey to life.
Nell’s Point Car Park, Barry Island     –    CF62 5TR (designated bays)
                                                                                               There are dozens of guides, each with
Cliff Parade Car Park, Penarth          –    CF64 5BP (designated bays)
                                                                                               their own specialisms, interests and
Cymlau Car Park, Southerndown           –    CF32 0RP (non designated)                         language skills. Blue Badge Guides can
Brig-y-Don Car Park, Ogmore-By-Sea      –    CF32 0PR (non designated)                         take you all over the region, whilst Green   To find a guide to suit your needs please
                                                                                               Badge Guides offer a more specialist         visit www.walesbestguides.com
Rivermouth Car Park, Ogmore-By-Sea      –    CF32 0QU (non designated)
                                                                                               and localised expertise.

  For further information please contact the
  tourism team:
  Tel +44 (0)1446 704867
  Email tourism@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk                                                         Vale Ambassadors
                                                                                               For first-hand knowledge about what to
                                                                                               see and where to go, get in touch with
                                                                                               one of our Vale Ambassadors. There are
                                                                                               50 such volunteers who are eager to
                                                                                               share their enthusiasm for the local area
                                                                                               and their specialist knowledge. They
                                                                                               can be contacted by email or telephone
                                                                                               before you visit the Vale, and some are
                                                                                               available to greet you during your trip.

                                                                                                                                            For further information on
                                                                                                                                            our Ambassadors:
                                                                                                                                            see www.visitthevale.com
                                                                                                                                            Email tourism@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk
                                                                                                                                            Or call +44 (0)1446 704867

16                                                                www.visitsouthernwales.org   Vale of Glamorgan                                                                        17
Group Travel Guide Vale of Glamorgan - Visit the Vale
Lavernock Point
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              PENARTH
                                                                                    M4
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           160
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         A4

Maps and Travel Information

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  67
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               B42
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  67

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       Sully
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             B 42
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      55
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         A40

                                                                                                                                                                                         2(T)

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       Powys
                                                                                                                                                                                          A 42 3

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Dinas

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   Jackson's Bay
                                                                                                    32

                                                                                                                                                                                        A48
Easy to get to

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      23
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  A4

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Whitmore Bay
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              0
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     A405

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       94
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        BARRY

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   B42
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    55
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                A40
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         Wenvoe
We’re a different country with our own language                                                                                                                              T)

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    0
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            A4050
                                                                                                                                                                 32(

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  05

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          0
                                                                                                                                                            A42

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      A4

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Porthkerry A405
and culture, yet we’re surprisingly easy to get to.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   Cold Knap
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           226

                                                                                                                                                                  Peterston-super-Ely

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Dyffryn

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     Point
                                                                                                      Cowbridge and Penarth
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  A4

                                                                                                      to Barry, Barry Island,

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       6
We’re only around two hours down the M4 from

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    6
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          A4226 B42
                                                                                                                                       33
                                                           Scotland
London whilst Birmingham and the West Midlands                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                A4226

are only an hour or so from our borders.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         Bonvilston A48
                                                                                                                                                                                                 Welsh St Donats

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Rhoose
So in next to no time you could be here, immersing

                                                                                                                                 34
yourself in our culture and traditions and who knows
maybe even trying to get your tongue around our

                                                                                                                                M4
language. Croeso - or welcome in English.                       Manchester

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  St Athan
                                                                                                                                                  22
We’re not very big, but we certainly fit a lot in –

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           St Mary Church
                                                                                                                                                           A42

                                                                                                                                                                                                           COWBRIDGE
                                                        Wales    Birmingham

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Llanblethian
and getting around the region couldn’t be easier.                  England

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Coast
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               B4265
A comprehensive road system links all the major                       London

                                                                                                                                                                                          Pentre Meyrick
                                                                                                Heritage Coast
                                                                                                        A473
                                                                                                to Glamorgan
towns, while many towns and villages are well

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        70

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           LLANTWIT MAJOR
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           B42
served by the local train network which connects                                                                                                                                                               B4268
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           B4270

                                                                                                                                            St Mary Hill

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     Llantwit Major Beach
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Llysworney
with the mainline stations.

                                                                                                                                                                                        A48
                                                                                                                          35

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            i ta g e
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           Llandow
                                                                                                                                 3
                                                                                                                                  A47

                                                                                                                                                                                                     Colwinston

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               65

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            St Donat's
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             Nash Point
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           B42
                                                                                                                                                                            4
                                                                                                                                                            8
                                                                                                                                                                   B452
                                                                                                                                                           A4

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             Her
                                                                                            M4
                                                                                           36

                                                                                                                                                                                                                   St Brides Major
                                                                                                A4061
                                                                                                   A4063                                                                                  B4265

                                                                                                                                                  A48
                                                                                                                                A473

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     an
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       o

                                                                                                                                                                                        4

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        rg
                                                                                                                                                                                             2

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Dunraven Bay
                                                                                                                                                                                         B45
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     m
                                                                                                                                                                                                                            24
                                                                                                                                                                                                                   B45

                                                                                                                                 A48
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            G     la

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Ogmore-by-Sea
                                                                                         Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the                                                                                                                                                                                                            Published by: Southern Wales Tourism
                                                                                         accuracy of this publication, Southern Wales Tourism
                                                                                         cannot accept responsibility for any errors, inaccuracies                                                                                                                                                                                                  Photographs: Southern Wales Tourism would like
                                                                                         or omissions, or for any matter in any way connected                                                                                                                                                                                                       to thank Mike Chapman, Rob Moore, The Vale
                                                                                         with or arising out of the publication of the information                                                                                                                                                                                                  of Glamorgan Council, Visit Britain and © Crown
                                                                                         contained within this brochure. The brochure may not                                                                                                                                                                                                       Copyright Visit Wales for the use of their images
                                                                                         be reproduced in part or in whole without the prior                                                                                                                                                                                                        in the publication.
                                                                                         consent of the publisher.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Map © Collins Bartholomew Ltd
                                                                                         This publication is available in Welsh.                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Design: Mediadesign

                                                                                         www.visitthevale.com
                                                                                           @visitthevale
                                                                                           visitthevale
18                                                     www.visitsouthernwales.org
Food Tours
Away from the coast, the geology of this region has produced a rolling, fertile
landscape with a mild climate, affectionately known as the 'Garden of Cardiff'.
It's not your average garden, though - the Vale's harvest is an absolute feast.
Perhaps as you’d expect we have an excellent range of organic meat, eggs,
milk, honey and preserves, and places to pick your own fruit and veg. Almost
as abundant are pies, breads, cakes, confectionary, coffee and ice cream.
We're experts in producing wines and ales, ciders and perries. And last but not
least, you'll find delicious Glamorgan sausages - a local vegetarian recipe using
cheese, leeks and breadcrumbs, from a time when meat was scarce.

                                                 Loving Welsh Food
                                                 Enjoy a Welsh Food tour, meet local
                                                 producers and sample their produce, from
 Food Adventures                                 ice cream and jam to Welsh cakes and wine.

 Food Adventure: unique food and drink           I love cooking, all kinds of cuisine and I’m
 tours, classes and experiences.                 very proud of the fabulous food and drink
                                                 we have here in Wales. I’ve been lucky
 Discover some of Wales’ finest food             enough to travel abroad with my work as
 and drink producers, restaurants and            a Broadcaster and Welsh Food Promoter
 hidden gems. We’ve used all our foodie          and found that not many people know a
 knowledge, contacts and passion to              lot about Welsh food and drink. Hopefully
 organise some very special days that you        “Loving Welsh Food” can help change
 can only experience with Food Adventure.        that! I offer food & drink tours for groups
 Join us on a Food Adventure and discover        and individuals and also offer tours and
 exceptional places, faces, plates and spaces.   workshops in French and Italian.

 tel: +44 (0)7542 689 608                        tel: +44 (0)7810 335 137
 email: info@foodadventure.co.uk                 email: sian@lovingwelshfood.uk
 web: www.foodadventure.co.uk                    web: www.lovingwelshfood.uk
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