Barry Island Beach

Photo by Melanie Hartshorn
Photo "Barry Island Beach" by Roy Haworth (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo "Barry Island Beach" by Jeremy Segrott (CC BY) / Cropped from original


If you’re looking for a quintessential Welsh seaside experience, look no further than Barry Beach in the picturesque Vale of Glamorgan.

Sun worshippers have been flocking here since Victorian times to what is essentially a small island, though joined now to the mainland since 1896 by a small pier. The site of a Butlins holiday camp during the 1960’s, Barry Beach is perfect for families, with its signature calling card being Barry Island Pleasure Park. Come here for crowds, candy floss and sticks of rock, the scream of the rollercoaster and the thump of the dodgems.

When the fun of the fair has worn you out, the Blue Flag winning Barry Island Beach offers great swimming, a range of seaside shops, delicious fish and chips, more ice cream than you can eat in a month of sundaes and wonderful views of the two craggy limestone headlands.

Barry Island Beach is the generic name for what are actually several distinct coves: Whitmore Bay, which lies between the two peninsulas of Friar’s Point and Nell’s Point Jackson Bay, nestling between Nell's Point and Little Island and Old Harbour beach around Friar's Point is the third destination, offering a massive expanse of sand at low tide.

Sporting activities enjoyed here include beach volleyball, snorkelling, windsurfing, sea-kayaking and some rather good fishing. Anglers catch whiting and even the odd sea bass when conditions are right here. In recent years, several TV shows have helped popularise this dramatic coastal area, in particular, the comedy show Gavin and Stacey.

Popular places to visit


Top Hotel Deals

The Mount Rooms

The Mount Rooms

4 out of 5
Porthkerry Road, Barry, Wales
The Mount Rooms
Barry Island Paget House · Barry Island Beachfront Getaway + Private Parking

Barry Island Paget House · Barry Island Beachfront Getaway + Private Parking

Vale of Glamorgan
Barry Island Paget House · Barry Island Beachfront Getaway + Private Parking
Gails Guest House

Gails Guest House

3 out of 5
3 Plymouth Road, Barry, Wales
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Stunning sea views - Barry's Retreat by Tŷ SA

Stunning sea views - Barry's Retreat by Tŷ SA

Barry
Stunning sea views - Barry's Retreat by Tŷ SA
Beautiful coastal home with stunning ocean views!

Beautiful coastal home with stunning ocean views!

Barry
Beautiful coastal home with stunning ocean views!
Goodstay Apartments by Urban Space

Goodstay Apartments by Urban Space

4 out of 5
Hood Road, Barry, Wales
Goodstay Apartments by Urban Space
Goodstay Lodges by Urban Space

Goodstay Lodges by Urban Space

2 out of 5
Goodsheds, Hood Road, Barry, Wales
Goodstay Lodges by Urban Space
Joseph Suite by Koya Homes

Joseph Suite by Koya Homes

Vale of Glamorgan
Joseph Suite by Koya Homes
Leah Suite by Koya Homes - Sea View

Leah Suite by Koya Homes - Sea View

Barry
Leah Suite by Koya Homes - Sea View
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Barry Island Beach

Barry Island Beach offers a delightful mix of activities for visitors, including sunbathing on its sandy shores, exploring the vibrant amusement park, and enjoying seaside cafes. You can also take leisurely walks along the promenade, indulge in water sports, or visit the iconic Barry Island Pleasure Park for family-friendly fun. With its breathtaking views and lively atmosphere, Barry Island Beach is the perfect destination for a memorable seaside getaway.

Shopping

For shopping near Barry Island Beach, visit St. David's shopping centre, 12.9km away, offering a vibrant mix of entertainment and family-friendly options. Cardiff Market, also 12.9km away, provides a bustling atmosphere for local goods. If you're up for a drive, Bray's Cider & Farm Shop is 48.3km away, perfect for unique gifts.

Recreation

Principality Stadium, a renowned sports venue, offers an electrifying atmosphere just 11.3km from Barry Island Beach. Cardiff International Sports Village, 9.7km away, provides a tranquil setting for relaxation and wellness. For outdoor enthusiasts, Brynhill Golf Club, located 3.2km from the beach, promises invigorating golf amidst beautiful scenery.

Adventure

Embark on an invigorating hike at Lower Blaen y Glyn, located 9.7km from Barry Island Beach, where breathtaking scenery awaits. For thrill-seekers, TeamSport Cardiff offers an exhilarating karting experience, situated 11.3km away. Explore the scenic Church, College and Lighthouses Walk, 14.5km from the beach, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.

Nightlife

Barry Island Beach offers a vibrant nightlife with options like the New Theatre, showcasing cultural performances and romantic evenings just 12.9km away. For thrill-seekers, the Cardiff Bay Carousel, located 11.3km away, adds fun, while Cineworld Cardiff, also 12.9km away, provides a cinematic escape.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Barry Island Beach

Barry Island Beach offers a delightful mix of urban parks, historic castles, and scenic bays for visitors to explore. These points of interest cater to those seeking cultural experiences, outdoor adventures, and family-friendly activities. Whether you're wandering through the lush parks or admiring the stunning coastal views, there’s something for everyone to enjoy during your stay at this charming seaside destination.

  • Cardiff Bay: A stunning waterfront area, Cardiff Bay is perfect for leisurely strolls, enjoying outdoor scenery, and taking in the fresh sea air. With a variety of cafes and restaurants, it’s an ideal spot to relax and savour local delicacies.
  • Cardiff Castle: Rich in history and surrounded by beautiful gardens, Cardiff Castle offers a romantic glimpse into the past. Explore its majestic architecture, fascinating exhibitions, and enjoy panoramic views of the city from its towers.
  • Barry Island Pleasure Park: Located just a short walk from the beach, this amusement park is a family favourite. With thrilling rides and fun attractions, it promises a day filled with adventure and laughter for visitors of all ages.

Best time to go to Barry Island Beach

The best time to visit Barry Island Beach can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Barry Island Beach falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Barry Island Beach falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January42.1°F (5.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February42.4°F (5.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
March44.6°F (7.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April48.0°F (8.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May53.2°F (11.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
June58.5°F (14.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
July61.7°F (16.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August61.2°F (16.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
September58.3°F (14.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October53.8°F (12.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
November48.0°F (8.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
December44.4°F (6.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Barry Island Beach

To save money on your trip to Barry Island Beach, consider visiting in the cheaper months of October or December to January, when accommodation prices drop. Aim to book your stay on a Monday for the best rates, avoiding the pricier Saturday. Use Expedia to search for budget-friendly options and consider bundling your hotel, flights, and activities for added savings. Additionally, take advantage of public transport for affordable travel around the area, and look into free activities like beach walks and local parks to enhance your experience without breaking the bank.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Barry Island Beach are October and December to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to July, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Barry Island Beach is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Barry Island Beach is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. To discover the most affordable prices and offers, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some money by combining your hotel booking for Barry Island Beach with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

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