Barry Off The Beaten Path Tips by aaaarrgh

St Donat's Castle and Arts Centre

About six miles west of Barry, on the coast, is the superb St Donats Castle, its stylish Arts Centre and Theatre, set in an old tithe barn.

There are a variety of events that take place throughout the year in the grounds. I went to a Craft Festival last summer - colourful, plenty to do, lots of crowds. See their website for details of events this year.

There are also large gardens, which step down to the sea.

The Castle dates back to the C13th. In the mid-20th century it was owned by William Randolf Hearst, a well-known American newspaper tycoon. He restored it and invited his Hollywood friends to stay. The castle is normally open during daytime events at the Arts Centre. Guided tours are also possible.

Directions
St Donats is near the village of Llantwit Major. Take the A48 from Cardiff or Barry to Cowbridge, head for Llantwit Major and look for signposts. Or take the coast road from Barry to Llantwit.

Phone: +44 (0)1446 799100

Website: http://www.stdonats.com/

Southerndown - beautiful cliffs and nice beach

For a beautiful unspoilt beach with marvellous cliffs, try to go to Southerndown beach. It is actually at Ogmore-by-Sea, at the mouth of the River Ogmore.

Large parts of the beach are made up of large smooth slabs of rock. The cliffs are layered, full of many colours and very high in places. fairly easy to climb (but I am not recommending you do this :-).

Aside from the large carpark, up the coastal path is the walled garden of Dunraven Castle. The 'castle' (a large house) was knocked down in 1963. But its garden, surrounded by high walls to protect it from the cold sea air, still remains.

You can usually guarantee there will be an Ice Cream van near the beach during the summer.

Directions:
Southerndown is about 8 miles west of Barry. Actually very close to the town of Bridgend. from Barry or Cardiff follow the A48 main road towards Bridgend until you see directions for Ogmore. Or take the coast road (B4265) past Llantwit Major until you find the
B4524 road to Southerndown and Ogmore-by-Sea.