Barry Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Barry, South Wales with our comprehensive travel guide featuring top attractions, must-see destinations, and local customs. Discover things to do, food and drink, transportation, and safety tips.


Introduction to Barry

Barry, located in South Wales, is a charming town that boasts stunning natural scenery, a rich history, and a lively cultural scene. From exploring historic museums to hiking through the picturesque countryside, there is no shortage of unique experiences for visitors to enjoy in this Welsh gem. In this comprehensive tour guide, we’ll explore the top places to visit, things to do, and local customs so that you can make the most of your trip to Barry.

List of Places to Visit in Barry

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Barry Island Museum: This interactive museum allows visitors to learn about the history of the seaside resort of Barry Island as well as the town of Barry itself.

  • Romilly Park: This Victorian-era park has a beautiful lake and is a great spot for a picnic or a stroll.

  • St. Mary’s Church: A stunning Gothic Revival church that dates back to the 13th century.

Natural Attractions of Barry: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Porthkerry Country Park: A nature reserve that features woodlands, meadows, and stunning views of the Bristol Channel.

  • Barry Sidings Countryside Park: This park has a scenic cycle path that runs parallel to the River Taff, and is perfect for those looking for an easy bike ride.

  • Glamorgan Heritage Coast: Located just a few miles from Barry, this stunning coastline offers breathtaking views of the sea and rugged cliffs.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Barry

  • The Vale Ways Cycle Route: This relatively flat 21-mile trail is perfect for cyclists of all levels and passes through some of the most scenic parts of the Vale of Glamorgan.

  • The Ely Trail: This 11-mile trail runs beside the River Ely, through fields and woodland, and ends at Cardiff Bay.

  • Garth Hill: This challenging hike offers panoramic views over the surrounding landscape and is a great option for experienced hikers.

Best Things to Do in Barry: Activities and Tours

  • Barry Island Pleasure Park: A classic seaside amusement park that has everything from roller coasters to carnival games.

  • Coastal Walk: A stunning walk along the coast of Wales that starts at Barry Island and ends at Llantwit Major, covering 14 miles.

  • Cardiff Castle Tour: Cardiff Castle, located just a few miles from Barry, is a must-see for history buffs and castle enthusiasts alike.

Week-Long Itinerary for Barry

Day Activity
Day 1 Visit Barry Island Museum and take a stroll along Barry Island Beach
Day 2 Hike Garth Hill and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding countryside
Day 3 Take a leisurely bike ride along the Vale Ways Cycle Route
Day 4 Explore the town of Barry and its historical sites, including St. Mary’s Church
Day 5 Grab lunch at Cowbridge, a charming town just a short drive from Barry
Day 6 Take a day trip to Cardiff and explore its many attractions, including Cardiff Castle and the National Museum of Wales
Day 7 Hike along the stunning coastline of the Glamorgan Heritage Coast

Food and Drink Scene of Barry

Must-Try Dishes

  • Welsh Cawl: A hearty stew made with lamb or beef, vegetables, and potatoes.

  • Glamorgan Sausages: These vegetarian sausages are made with cheese, leek, and breadcrumbs and are a staple of Welsh cuisine.

  • Welsh Rarebit: Toasted bread topped with a mixture of cheese, milk, mustard, and beer.

Local Beverages

  • Brains Beer: A popular beer brewed in Wales.

  • Penderyn Whiskey: Wales’ first whiskey distillery produces this award-winning single malt whiskey.

Where to Stay in Barry: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Aberthaw House Hotel: This charming hotel is located just a short walk from Barry Island Beach and offers comfortable rooms and a restaurant.

  • Tadross Hotel: A family-run hotel located in the heart of the town of Barry, just a short walk from St. Mary’s Church.

  • Barry Backpackers: A budget option for travelers, this hostel is located just steps from the train station and offers dorm-style rooms with shared bathrooms.

What to Buy in Barry: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Welsh ‘Love Spoons’: Hand-carved spoons that are a traditional Welsh gift and symbol of affection.

  • Welsh Leek: A popular ingredient in Welsh cuisine and a unique souvenir to bring home.

  • Penderyn Whiskey: Bring home a bottle (or two) of Wales’ award-winning whiskey.

Local Culture and Customs of Barry

Welsh culture is rich and colorful, with a long history of music, literature, and art. In Barry, visitors will encounter friendly locals who are proud of their Welsh heritage and traditions. One custom to be aware of is the Welsh language - while many people in Wales speak English, Welsh is also an official language and is spoken by a significant portion of the population.

Best Time to Visit Barry

The best time to visit Barry is during the summer months, when the weather is mild and the natural scenery is at its most stunning. However, visitors should be prepared for crowds during peak tourist season. The fall and spring months also offer pleasant weather and beautiful foliage, but fewer crowds.

Do’s and Don’ts of Barry

Do:

  • Try Welsh cuisine, including traditional dishes like Welsh Cawl and Glamorgan sausages.

  • Learn a few Welsh phrases to impress the locals - ‘diolch’ (thank you) is a good place to start.

  • Explore the stunning natural scenery of the Vale of Glamorgan and the Glamorgan Heritage Coast.

Don’t:

  • Assume that everyone speaks English - while many people in Wales do speak English, Welsh is also an official language.

  • Forget to try Welsh beer and whiskey, two of the country’s most popular beverages.

  • Leave without trying a ‘Welsh Cake’, a sweet pastry that is a popular snack in Wales.

Safety and Health

Safety in Barry

Barry is generally a safe destination for travelers, with low levels of crime. As with any destination, visitors should take the usual precautions to protect their belongings and avoid dangerous areas at night.

Health in Barry

Visitors to Barry should be aware of the potential for inclement weather, particularly during the winter months. Those with respiratory issues should also be aware of the potential for air pollution in urban areas.

Getting to Barry: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Barry

Cardiff Airport is the closest airport to Barry, located about 5 miles from the town. Visitors can easily take a bus or taxi from the airport to Barry.

Bus Stations Near Barry

Barry has a bus station that serves both local and regional routes. Visitors can take a bus from Cardiff or other nearby towns to reach Barry.

Other Options

Visitors to Barry can also reach the town via train, with regular service from Cardiff.

How to Get Around in Barry

Barry is a relatively small town and is easily walkable, with most attractions and amenities within walking distance of each other. Visitors can also rent bicycles to explore the town and surrounding countryside.

Where to Go Next from Barry: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Cardiff: Just a short drive or train ride from Barry, Cardiff is a vibrant city with plenty of shopping, dining, and cultural attractions.

  • Brecon Beacons National Park: Located about 40 miles from Barry, this stunning natural park is a must-see for hikers and adventure seekers.

Conclusion

Barry, South Wales is a hidden gem that offers visitors a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, fascinating history, and Welsh hospitality. Whether you’re looking to explore museums, hike scenic trails, or simply soak up the local culture, Barry has something for everyone. Use this comprehensive tour guide to plan your trip and get ready for a memorable adventure in Wales.

Barry Island Promenade Barry Island Promenade