"Bridgend" Bridgend by uglyscot

Bridgend Travel Guide: 23 reviews and 77 photos

The countryside near Bridgend is undulating and on a hill near Pen Coed are the masts and sails of a windfarm, but I wasn't quick enough to snap them. I can't make up my mind whether or not I approve of them. Yes, if it conserves energy; but not if it is a blot on the landscape.

The Outlet

Bridgend lies almost midway between Cardiff and Swansea.
We went there because we wanted to do some shopping at the Mcarthur Glen Designer Outlet. This is a group of nearly 100 shops and a food court, with Sainsbury's and a cinema nearby.

Bridgend

Bridgend or Pen y Bont is built on a sloping hillside. It was on the pilgrim route to St David's. They waded across the fast flowing river , and the town grew up around this point on the banks of the river Ogmore. The Old Bridge of 1425 was partly destroyed in a flood in 1775, then rebuilt.
It is reasonable sized town with a hospital, and of course the nearby outlet.
In fact Bridgend has long been a commercial hub. It was a market town in the 16th Century, and there were tanneries, potteries and a woollen factory in the area.

Pros and Cons

Pros:shopping at the designer outlet

Last visit to Bridgend: Oct 2005
Intro Updated Mar 24, 2009
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Reviews (9)

Panini with roasted vegetables [mushrooms and gree - Bridgend

Ice cream, paninis, baguettes Restaurants (2)

This cafe is in Bridgend Outlet Centre. It is an old established Italian cafe offering Hot drinks, toasted sandwiches,... more travel advice

fancy cup cakes Shopping (3)

Entering Bridgend McArthur Glen Outlet, a pink van catches the eye [November 2011]. It looks like an icecream van, but... more travel advice

River Ewenny stepping stones Off The Beaten Path (4)

Beside Ogmore castle are stepping stones at the most suitable place for a ford, which is why the castle was situated... more travel advice

Ogmore Castle Off The Beaten Path (4)

We followed brown castle symbols and found this wonderful spot by the river Ewenny. It is about two and a half miles... more travel advice

Travelogues (2)

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Comments (2)

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yurxlnc May 25, 2008 at 3:19 AM

See you've been castle gazing again. Looks an idyllic spot. Hope Wales keeps dry for you.
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evaanna May 19, 2008 at 2:29 PM

Cowbridge looks just lovely, with the stone or timber-framed cottages, the ancient church and graveyard. The outlet could be a real bargain if I didn't have to add the fare from Poland. Great updates.