Barry Island
Price guide: Free
Barry Island, Barry, CF62
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#19 of 20
expert-rated things to do in Cardiff- Recommended for:
- Families with teenagers, Families with younger children, Stag / hen parties, Great views / scenery, History, People watching, Sightseeing
Expert review of Barry Island
Good old fashioned seaside fun just a short drive from the city.
Barry Island was famous long before the popular TV show Gavin & Stacey gave it celebrity status. It was a holiday haven for British families from the late 1800s, and was once one of the most popular destinations in the UK. Its decadence has long since faded but its legend lives on... I’ve actually met a gentlemen genuinely named after the place, as his parents fell in love there in the 70s!
The Island’s bold, brash pleasure park and obligatory arcades are a hit with the kids and the crumbling beach front carries a dignified air of a British seaside moulded by the Victorians. Both the sea and small sandy beach have been successfully cleaned up of late, the spiked cliff head offers a fine brisk stroll, and if you head back onto the mainland you’ll find the vast sloping greens, pretty woods and stony bay that is Porth Kerry Park.
Price advice:
Barry Island is free to explore to your heart’s content.
Expert tips:
Die hard Gavin & Stacey fans can get a guided tour of film locations for £20.
A return train from Cardiff central costs £5.60.
More information on Barry Island:
- Price guide:
- Type:
- Beach, Island, Theme park
- Address:
- Barry Island, Barry, CF62
- Website:
- http://www.barrywales.co.uk/theisland.htm
- Months open:
- All year round
- Opening times:
- The theme park is open from March to October.
- Indoor/outdoor?:
- Outdoor
