Welcome to Barry Island

If you’ve seen the BBC’s award-winning TV series Gavin & Stacey, you will be familiar with the tidy seaside vibes of Barry. Backdrop to many of the iconic scenes, Barry plays almost as big a role as the main characters. But you don’t need to be a fan to enjoy the town’s attractions.

Lots of them are found on a small peninsula known as Barry Island. In the past it really was an island, but during the Victorian era the docks were built in between, connecting it back to the mainland.

These days Barry is rather up and coming – a favourite for Cardiff locals to pop over to for its sandy beach, leafy parks and great independent shopping and dining.

Right at the front of Barry Island, Whitmore Bay is a huge crescent of golden sand. It’s ideal for families to have fun in the sun, with its wide, gently shelving sands. The promenade with its columned colonnade is full of busy cafés, fish and chip shops, amusement arcades – basically all the things you need for a great seaside day out. If you’re a little less mobile, there are free all-terrain wheelchairs for hire. And you can even hire one of the iconic traditional beach huts too. Ice cream anyone?

Perfect for teens and grown ups who like a little action and excitement, Barry Island Pleasure Park will definitely get your pulse racing. There’s a rollercoaster, log flume, dodgems and a waltzer. Younger kids will find plenty to keep them amused too, with trampolines, pedal boats and traditional fairground attractions.