The Bear has origins as far back as the 12th Century- Probably best known as being the inn where they changed the horses on the mail run from Cardiff to Swansea- During the 18th Century Napoleons troops were held in the Bear Pit en route to London after a failed invasion at Fishguard- This famous Coaching Inn is steeped in history - Nowadays this privately owned 3 star hotel is famed for its fine home cooked food- friendly atmosphere and really good ale Explore Cardiff with the excellent St Davids shopping centre- home to over 100 shops and 25 bars and restaurants and the largest John Lewis store outside London With FREE parking at the hote- including 2 designated disabled parking bays- hop on the local bus just outside the hotel which will take you straight into the city centre The surrounding area is rural with numerous interesting places to visit- Museum of Welsh Life/ Castell Coch/Ogmore Valley and many more- You may fancy a walk along one our section of the Wales Coastal Path which includes the fine beaches on the Heritage Coast or Gower- On a clear day Devon is visible from the local cliff tops Brecon Beacons and the Welsh Valleys are close by with breathtaking views- Some of the Valleys still have the mining houses visible as you drive through The hotel is on the main high street of the beautiful town of Cowbridge- This quaint market town boasts some fabulous boutique shops lingering walks around the Roman wall and some of the most beautiful town houses