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From its magnificent unspoilt and protected Heritage Coastline to its abundance of quality shopping in its four main towns, the Vale of Glamorgan has so much to offer. Take a walk with us through Barry, Penarth, Llantwit Major and Cowbridge for just a snapshot of what makes the Vale so great.
THE UNDISCOVERED TOWNS
There’s so much more to the Vale than the natural attractions. In this issue, we take a closer look at our County’s main towns...
WHAT WE LOVE ABOUT. . .
Llantwit Major
This fantastic coastal town is steeped in history. Besides its wonderful beach, it possesses a medieval town hall, the ruins of a manor house, a historic church and the foundations of a Roman villa.
Llantwit came to prominence after 350 years of Roman rule. With the foundation of a monastery by St Illtyd in the 5th century it rapidly became a seat of learning as well as religion.
■ Llantwit has many fine eateries and you can enjoy a traditional lunch at one of the many pubs or why not treat yourself to a real bistro experience at Illtud’s 216.
■ It has a pedestrianised shopping area, with clothes and jewellery boutiques but the town retains a number of fine old buildings such as the 15th century town hall, inns and pubs and also a medieval gatehouse.
■ Visitors to Llantwit benefit from free parking next to the train station adjoining the pedestrianised area.
■ Access to the town has greatly improved with the recent re-opening of the Vale train line.
Visitors to Llantwit often comment how friendly the people are. Local resident Dianne Bach says, “Visitors love the history and community feel of the town. We get a lot of visitors who come to walk the coastal paths.”
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WHAT WE LOVE ABOUT. . .
Cowbridge
Cowbridge is a picturesque market town situated in the heart of the Vale of Glamorgan where you can enjoy a personal and more relaxed shopping experience and is known for its high quality boutiques.
■ Cowbridge is regarded as the ‘Bond Street’ of the Vale with fabulous range of boutiques such as Havana and High Society, Blushbaby, Terminal 9, Pebble, Becki’s and En Vogue to name but a few.
Leighton Salt Jones of Pencoed who is a regular visitor to Cowbridge says, “Cowbridge is unique because you can enjoy a complete quality town centre shopping experience and get away from the out of town developments which all seem the same and uniform wherever you go. Also, because the majority of the shops are independent, you know you’re supporting real local businesses.”
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WHAT WE LOVE ABOUT. . .
Penarth
During the Victorian era Penarth became a highly popular holiday destination, known as ‘The Garden by the Sea.’ Its traditional seafront continues to attract visitors from across the UK and beyond.
■ Over recent years Penarth has become a more cosmopolitan town with new trendy bars such as Ocho’s.
■ The Washington Gallery is well worth a visit and also serves food (their soups and salads are highly recommended).
■ Penarth is has excellent shops such as Hamptons for gifts, Vernon’s, Image and Julie T for clothes and Guilli Guilli for children’s clothing.
Penarth resident Tony King says, “Penarth is a fantastic town and there’s a real buzz about it these days.”
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WHAT WE LOVE ABOUT. . .
Barry
Barry is the largest town in Wales. In 1881, it had a population of 488. By the 1920’s this had grown to 40,000 due to the development of Barry docks, exporting coal around the world. Today it is 50,000.
■ Holton Road is the commercial centre of the town, the focal point being King Square, dominated by the grand town Hall which has been recently returned to its original glory.
■ The Tuesday weekly market has been established for over ten years and offers a wide range of goods on the pedestrianised area of Holton Road.
Sally Morgan of Barry says, “I’m very impressed with the regeneration of the Town Square - it’s created a real focal point. There are some great new shops and I love what’s been done with the library.”
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Vale Christmas events
BARRY
Christmas Lights Switch-On
Fri 21st November, 4pm - 8pm
Free fun packed event including special guests, live music and street
entertainers. Switch on at 6pm.
COWBRIDGE
Christmas Reindeer Parade
Sun 30th November, 12 noon
Cowbridge welcomes Santa and his elves as they travel through the
town on a sleigh, pulled by real live reindeer. Activities include Santa’s
grotto at 2pm, music from local bands and choirs and the Christmas
lights switch on at 5pm.
PENARTH
Christmas Lights Switch-On
Sun 30th November, 2pm - 6pm
Penarth Town Council is pleased to present the illumination of their
Christmas lights. The event starts at 2pm with a festive parade. Also live music and entertainment.
LLANTWIT MAJOR
Christmas Lights Switch-On
Sat 6th December, 2pm - 6pm
Santa’s Grotto in the Town Hall followed by a lantern parade to the
Precinct for lights switch-on at 5pm. Funfair in Town Hall car park plus
stalls/entertainment on the Precinct. |
For more information contact
Russell Grant
Senior Economic Development Officer
07976 112363
BSC, Hood Road
Innovation Quarter
The Waterfront
Barry CF62 5QN
01446 724336
For more information visit
www.valeofglamorgan.gov.uk |
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