Coastal paths, nature areas and historic sites come together in the Vale of Glamorgan. When planning your stay, you can focus on the experiences that interest you most: walks along the Glamorgan Heritage Coast, landscapes filled with waterbirds, or gardens and churches with a long history. The Vale of Glamorgan is home to the southernmost point in Wales; Cardiff is only a few miles away.
Coastal paths and beach landscapes
A 9-mile section of the Wales Coast Path runs through the Vale of Glamorgan. The Wales Coast Path covers 60 kilometres along the Glamorgan Heritage Coast, from Gileston in the east to Porthcawl in the west. On the section known as the Church, College and Lighthouse Walk, the route passes the coast, nature reserves and old churches. Before setting out on a walk, check local conditions, terrain and access.
For a shorter route, try Vale Trail 3: this 3-mile walk leads to Celtic crosses and the coast. If you would like to walk further, you can extend it by 2 miles. The route goes to St. Illtud’s Church and along the Glamorgan Heritage Coast; on the way, you’ll see carved Celtic stones and coastal views.
Cwm Nash beach can be reached by walking along a tree-lined path beside Nash Brook. At low tide, rock pools and golden stretches of sand are revealed; peregrine falcons nest on the cliffs. The combination of access on foot and a tidal landscape makes this a distinctive coastal option. At Nash Point Lighthouse there is a visitor centre, with views stretching west along the coast to the Gower AONB. Check access conditions before visiting.
The café at Nash Point serves Welsh cakes and local Fablas ice cream. Café and product offerings may vary seasonally; check current conditions before travelling.
Nature areas and paths
Cosmeston Lakes Country Park covers more than 100 hectares of land and water; some areas are designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Large flocks of waterbirds draw the eye to the 12 hectares of open water. Bicycles are welcome in the park, but are not permitted on the boardwalks. This lets you explore the water and parkland, with the exception of the boardwalks for cyclists.
Porthkerry Country Park offers a different landscape: its 220 acres include woodland and meadows, as well as nature trails and an adventure play area. At Dyffryn Gardens, the 55 acres feature an arboretum, a tropical house, kitchen gardens, themed garden rooms, lawns and natural play areas. The gardens are Grade I listed. The two places offer different highlights: parkland with paths and a play area in one, and a diverse garden landscape in the other.
Churches, gardens and history
St. Illtud’s Church is one of the oldest Christian sites in Britain and is a Grade I listed building. Celtic crosses dating from the 8th to 10th centuries are displayed in the restored Galilee Chapel. This makes the walk on Vale Trail 3 a good way to combine coastal views and heritage.
Porthkerry Viaduct also tells the story of the local area: it was built during construction of the Vale of Glamorgan Railway in the 1890s. Another trace of the past can be found at Cosmeston Medieval Village. During excavations in Cosmeston Lakes Country Park in 1978, the remains of a community more than 600 years old were discovered; this led to an archaeological project to restore the village. Visitors can join a tour with a costumed guide or take a self-guided audio tour using a portable audio system. Check current visitor options before travelling.
Practical information for your stay
Dyffryn Gardens has step-free paths and accessible toilets; wheelchairs and mobility scooters can be borrowed free of charge. Booking in advance is recommended. As facilities may change, check conditions before your visit. All-terrain beach wheelchairs are available at Barry Island, helping more visitors reach the sandy beach at Whitmore Bay. Check and book this service in advance. These practical details can be just as important when choosing your excursions as deciding whether you would prefer to visit a path, a park or a historic site.
Discover more destinations: Wick, Llantwit Major, Rhoose, Penarth, Cowbridge, Barry, Monknash, Pontyclun, Dinas Powys, Dyffryn, Peterston-super-Ely.
For the main travel overview: Wales.
