Conveniently located halfway between Cardiff andSwansea, and a stone’s throw from the BreconBeacons and the Gower Peninsula, Bridgend is a thriving market town. Settled sincepre-Roman times, it is steeped in history. From its Norman castles, beautifulbeaches and areas of outstanding natural beauty, to its bustling shoppingdistrict, fine restaurants and excellent sporting facilities, there is trulysomething for everyone in Bridgend.
Bridgendsits on the River Ogmore, and is named after the old bridge that crossed it. In2009 a riverside walkway was opened along the river.
Sport inBridgend
Bridgendhas a long history of rugby and football, with the Bridgend Ravens rugby unionteam dating back to 1878. For those who enjoy the great outdoors, Bridgend has an abundance offacilities: cycling, surfing, mountain biking, hiking, golf, tennis andswimming are all well catered for.
Shopping inBridgend
Bridgendtown centre offers a diverse range of independent shops, from traditionalbutchers to bespoke jewellers. The bustling indoor market is a great place tobuy food and local artisan produce, or simply to put your feet up and have acoffee whilst watching the world go by. Just a short drive out of the centre oftown you will find plenty of retail parks offering discount designer clothesand much more.
Eating andDrinking in Bridgend
From traditional Welsh fare to international cuisine, Bridgend’s wide range ofcafes, restaurants and pubs will have something to satisfy the most demandingfood lover.
Things to Seeand Do in Bridgend
Bridgendboasts three Norman castles which once formed a defensive triangle protectingthe area. The ruins of Newcastle Castle stand on Newcastle Hill, overlookingthe town centre. A second ruin, Coity Castle, is in Coity Higher to thenorthwest. To the south lies the third ruin, Ogmore Castle,in the nearby seaside village of Ogmore-by-Sea.
For nature lovers, the Gower Peninsula was declaredthe first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the UK in 1956 and can bereached by train, bus or car. The BreconBeacons National Park is also a short drive away, and on summerSundays and Bank Holidays the National Park operates a Beacons Bus service fromBridgend.
How about a day at the beach? Nearby Sker Bay, PinkBay, Rest Bay and Southerndown are hugely popular with surfers, and the localsurfing academies offer training courses for beginners. If that all sounds abit strenuous, why not relax on a secluded beach such as Tresilian Bay orDunraven Bay? Or head down to Ogmore-by-Sea and get onto the Glamorgan CoastalPath for some excellent walking.
BryngarwCountry Park is the largest in the region and offers a variety ofnatural habitats as well as excellent amenities for visitors. The beautifulOriental Garden is definitely worth a visit.
Nearby Kenfig Pool is Glamorgan’s largest naturallake, and a national nature reserve, offering spectacular views and importantwildlife habitats. Local legend has it that a lost city lies beneath the water.
Visit Bridgend
There’s everything you need in Bridgend for an enjoyableholiday, whether you want to keep busy with invigorating activities or justtake it easy and enjoy the warmth of the relaxed Welsh welcome.
