We know that the weather can be hit and miss so we have asked our teams what their favourite local day trips are – for sunny, grey or rainy summer days!
Here are some of their suggestions for a great day out for the family…
Porthkerry Country Park
Porthkerry is a haven for wildlife, with 220 acres of woods and meadowland in a sheltered valley leading to a pebble beach and spectacular cliffs.
The park has a number of nature trails, picnic sites, a café and an adventure play area. Picnic tables and benches are situated a short distance from the main car park.
It’s free to enter, but you need to pay for parking. If you plan on visiting regularly it could be an idea to purchase season parking tickets.
Season Parking Tickets
Season tickets are available to regular visitors to our country parks.
- £30 for 6 months
- £50 for 12 months
Country park season tickets can be used in both Cosmeston and Porthkerry country parks.
Barry Island
Barry island is well known these days thanks to “Gavin & Stacey!” and you will see references to the show throughout the island. The island is most famous for its family amusements, rides, colourful beach huts and of course, the fantastic beach.
Don’t forget these other great locations to visit on the island:
- The Goodsheds & Innovation Quarter
- Romilly Park & the Knap Lake
- Fonmon Castle Park & Gardens
- Barry Tourist Railway & War Museum
- RNLI Visitor Centre
- Barry Island Pleasure Park
- Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf
- Beach Huts & Climbing Wall
- Wales Coast Path & Vale Trail 4
Cosmeston Lakes and Country Park
Take a look at this video the Vale of Glamorgan Council produced:
(18) Cosmeston Lakes Country Park – YouTube
Cosmeston has a variety of habitats covering over 100 hectares of land and water, some areas designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest protecting the rare and diverse plant and animal species.
The park is suitable for people with mobility impairments as all the paths are flat, accessible and even. There is also the medieval village where you can experience the 14th century. It is hosted by “villagers” in costume, perfect for kids!
Dyffryn Gardens
This beautiful house and garden dates back to the 7th century and is owned by the Vale of Glamorgan Council. The National Trust have taken over the maintenance so that we can enjoy it. It’s something fun you could do on a rainy day.
Tickets for a child is £5.50 each, or you could buy a family ticket for £27.50.
They regularly have different activities or events for children. Keep an eye out for anything your foster child might like! They also have a cafe and shop you can browse in.
Fonmon Castle
Fonmon is an exciting day out for children. There are many different activities, events and trails to explore. From dinosaurs to Alice in wonderland! There is something for everybody.
Here are the children ticket prices:
- Children: normal price £13.50
Online price: £11.00 - Under 3yrs: – free
