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Barry Island

Made mostly famous by the television series ‘Gavin and Stacey’, Barry Island has always been popular as a destination thanks to the pleasure park and the lovely Whitmore Bay.

Aptly nicknamed Barrybados by the locals, Barry Island is a fun place to visit – Whitmore Bay which was featured prominently on the popular television show is a large sandy beach backed by a promenade that houses a small funfair, park area and ice cream parlours. It’s a fantastic location for traditional family holidays by the seaside.

Planning a visit to Barry Island? Here’s all you need to know about this popular coastal town…


A day out to Barry Island

Barry Island

What is there to see and do in the town?

Enjoy a spot of retail therapy

The bustling town of Barry offers plenty for its visitors. Along the High Street, you’ll find an excellent assortment of shops and cafes – most of which are owned by locals to the area. There’s also an upmarket High Street Shopping Quarter where you can browse through a unique selection of luxury stores, from handmade children’s toys to designer clothes and beautifully prepared flower bouquets from the local florists.

If you’re looking for some special gifts to take back to your family, we’d recommend taking a look through Homemade Wales. This charming shop offers everything from Welsh greeting cards to handmade chocolates and ceramics. It’s one of those places that you’ll pop in for souvenirs to take back to friends, and end up buying plenty for yourself!

Tuck into tasty food

Need to grab a bite to eat? Be sure to stop by Hang Fire Southern Kitchen. Inspired by the USA, this popular eatery serves up delicious barbecue and wood-fired dishes that are sure to make your mouth water. Even if you don’t like the sound of pulled pork and beef brisket, you can still tuck into tasty veggie options like ‘Coal Baked Beets’ and their popular ‘Not Chicken Burger’ made from seitan.

Keep the family entertained

For those who feel like having a break from the beach, the Porthkerry Country Park offers a variety of lovely walks and plenty of spaces to enjoy a picnic on the grounds. With over 220 acres to explore, you’ll get to wander through pretty meadowland before reaching a quiet pebble beach.

For those with young families, you’ll find lots to keep the kids entertained in Barry, with excellent attractions including the Barry Island Pleasure Park and Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf nearby. Love a good theatre show? Aptly named, The Small Space is the smallest theatre in Wales. Hosting a variety of intimate performances throughout the year, it’s a great way to spend an evening.

What else is there to see in the local area?

For those interested in boats, a short walk from Whitmore Bay through a small park takes you to Jackson’s Bay and the entrance to Barry Docks. This quiet sandy bay is perfect for dodging the crowds and enjoying an undisturbed afternoon by the shores of Barry Island.

If you love looking around botanical gardens, the pretty Dyffryn Gardens are just a 15-minute drive away from the resort. Owned by the National Trust, they’re an absolute delight to walk around during the spring and summer months.


Spend a weekend by the seaside from one of our delightful coastal cottages. From spacious family homes to cosy cabins for two, you’re bound to find the perfect home with us. What are you waiting for? Take a look and start planning your next break today!