Situated on the coast of the Vale in South Wales is ‘Barrybados’, or so it’s affectionately been nicknamed by the locals – there’s even a twitter account. In the 20th century it was home to a thriving Butlins holiday resort and pleasure park filled with amusement rides. After a period of decline, Barry Island has been redeveloped with a new seafront and investment into the pleasure park.
Along the seafront is the Wales Coast Path that links together the entire Welsh coast – head east and you’ll find Barry Docks, head west and you’ll wind up in Porthkerry beach and park. This section of Welsh coastline has been featured on BBC Wales’s Weatherman Walking (walking route map here).
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Tourism has had a further boost in recent years thanks to the hit BBC television series Gavin and Stacey, set in the nearby town of Barry with the beach front frequently popping up in episodes. Over the road from the sandy beach are a variety of gift shops selling souvenirs based around the hit series, as well as chippies and cafes including Cadwaladers.
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In the summer month’s the beach is popular with locals from inland wanting a day out at the beach. Barry Island beach is near to Cardiff, the capital of Wales with a train service running between the two.
In the winter the beach still draws in visitors, most of these appear to be nearby resident walking their dogs.
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