The Glamorgan Heritage Coast

Penarth

A small, genteel town between Cardiff and Barry, Penarth is quite different to them both. Often called ‘the garden by the sea’ due the large number of Italian gardens overlooking the Esplanade, it’s very much a Victorian and Edwardian seaside resort - complete with a recently restored pier. There is also the Turner House Art Gallery to enjoy and Cardiff Bay is just a mile long walk over the Barrage away.

Dyffrn Gardens

These gardens are regarded as some of the best in Britain. Designed in 1906 by famed landscape architect Thomas Mawson, they are to be found in the grounds of a Victorian manorhouse. There is a wide variety of garden types to explore including formal lily ponds, perfect croquet lawns, an arboretum and a wild garden.

Cowbridge

A picturesque market town in the Vale of Glamorgan, Cowbridge has a history dating back to Roman times. These days though, it is more well known as the ‘Bond Street of Wales’ due to the up-market nature of many of the shops in the high street. The town is still laid out according to a medieval grid pattern and you can discover more about its past at the Cowbridge Museum.

St Donat's Castle

This is a medieval castle in the village of St Donat’s that is actually more famous for its more recent occupants than previous hundreds of years of history. That’s because it was owned and restored by newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst, the model for Citizen Kane. He used it for entertaining film stars and celebrities. In the grounds is the St Donat’s Arts Centre, the largest venue in Glamorgan.

Llanerch Vineyard

Llanerch VineyardJust 15 minutes drive from Cardiff in the Vale of Glamorgan, you’ll find Wales biggest vineyard which produces over 20,000 bottles of wine per year. White and rosé Cariad wines are produced here and if you take the tour of the vineyards and surrounding gardens, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy a tasting session.

Find out more about Llanerch Vineyard

Porthcawl

This is one of Wales’ most popular seaside resorts and over recent years has somewhat rejuvenated itself. That means that you won’t just be able to enjoy the vast expanses of its blue flag winning beaches. The Edwardian promenade has been given fresh lick of paint and surfing has become a big draw too, with a variety of surfing academies springing up. For a more sedate day, check out the museum in the old police station.