Cardiff Hotel Guide - Barry Island Beach hotels in Cardiff, United Kingdom.

Attached to the southern side of Barry town is a small peninsula known as Barry Island. Although not technically an island, it has a charm and character all of its own, and is home to the traditional seaside attractions and atmosphere for which Barry is famous. It’s also one of the main draws to the area, bringing thousands of tourists each year for its good old-fashioned beach fun, fish and chips, and amusements.

The Beauty of Barry’s Beach

Of course, the main attraction is the beach itself. The golden crescent of sand at Whitmore Bay and smaller beaches at Jackson Bay buzz with people throughout the summer months. The large tidal range here also means that at low tide, the beach is huge and great for playing games.

The whole area is ideal for families, with the promenade sat just behind the beach protecting it from the road and making it a much safer environment for families with young children. It’s also a great place to get candy floss, play on the amusements or sample the fish and chips - in short, there’s everything you would expect of a classic British beach holiday.

Where to Stay for Barry Island Beach

There are plenty of hotels, guesthouses and other accommodation within touching distance of the sea spray on Barry Island. Choose between classic family-run B&Bs and more modern chain hotels - it’s all here in Barry. There’s also a range of price options too, from affordable and comfortable accommodation right up to more luxurious lodgings.

Stay on the island and it’s just a short walk from your hotel to the beach. As a peninsula, Barry Island is easy to get around and you can be on the beach within minutes from most places.

Gavin and Stacey on Barry Island

In recent years, Barry Island became famous again as the setting for one of the BBC’s most treasured programmes. Gavin and Stacey, written by Ruth Jones and James Corden, started out on BBC Three but soon grew in popularity and moved to BBC One. A huge hit around the world, much of the show was set and filmed in and around Barry Island.

This means that Barry has become something of a place of pilgrimage for fans of the show keen to see where Stacey lived, the amusements where best friend Nessa worked, or Uncle Bryn’s house. The show affectionately caricatured the good humour and warm welcomes you can expect on Barry Island.

Enjoy Barry Island

Barry Island beach is a quintessentially British holiday destination where you can enjoy all the classic activities of the seaside. Relax on the beach, stroll the promenade, play games and have great fun as a family. With lots of reasonably priced accommodation options and great access by road, rail and air, Barry Island and the beach continues to be a big draw for visitors.