Ynys y Barri or more commonly known as Barry Island is a seaside resort based in the town of Barry in Vale of Glamorgan, South Wales. You may recognise this vibrant resort from the BBC television series Gavin and Stacy, Being Human and many other fantastic British dramas. There’s a reason why this town is so popular and that’s because there’s something for everyone here! From relaxing in one of the famous colourful beach huts to exploring family fun in the amusements.
Here are our top five things that you shouldn’t miss while visiting Barry Island:
1. Jacksons Bay
2. The Goodsheds & Innovation Quarter
3. Wales Coast Path & Vale Trail 4
4. Barry Island Pleasure Park
5. Beach Huts & Climbing Wall
Barry Island is a beautiful spacious sandy beach that can be visited all year round. This well-maintained beach has stunning views in all directions. The beach is clean, tidy and rubbish is regulated. There are rubbish bins on the promenade where you could dispose of your waste. The beach is located next door to, fish ‘n’ chip shops, fairs and arcades – a perfect location for a jam-packed family day out!
Parking and Accessibility
As of 2020 parking in or around Barry Island is between, £2 - £10 although there are options for all day/week parking too. The parking spaces are subject to availability, and we suggest arriving before peak hours. We highly recommend the Bron-Y-Mor car park with a limited of 70 spaces we suggest that you get there early. According to Parkopedia 2021 parking is free for up to 9 hours.
Barry Island is accessible for members of the public with limited mobility however there are some steep hills and uneven floor surfaces. Please bare this in mind when visiting. There are benches and places to perch around the beach and high street most with beautiful sea views - perfect opportunity to grab some fish and chips to watch the day go by.
Public toilets can be found around the beach and high street.
History
Barry Island has an impressive history going far back as prehistoric. Middle Stone Age Microlith Flint Tools have been found at Friars Point and Stone Aged Axe-heads were discovered in St. Andrews Major. Fast forward to new culture and a Celtic British tribe settled in Barry Island they called themselves, Silures. What evidence do we have to prove this? I’m glad you’ve asked…there have been five Bronze Age burial mounds, recorded on Friars Point.
Shops and Food
Barry is a vibrant town bursting with culture, heritage, and some fantastic shops. The high street is full of independent shops which offer a range of services/items including but not limited to, hairdressing, café, restaurants, takeaways, seaside beach shops and so much more!
With ice cream vans located near the beach and a range of shops selling beach toys, beach clothing, gifts and all of the buckets and spades you could wish for…you can buy and plan when you arrive! Barry Island has everything you need for a perfect family day out
Rubbish weather? Don’t fancy a takeaway? No problem! There are a range of restaurants and cafes who have some fantastic menus and classic ‘pub grubs’ with the options for indoor seating.
Reviews
“I think it was just the best town centre in Wales it felt very peaceful and relaxing atmosphere the people are friendly and helpful they’ll always make sure we are happy and is perfect to do skateboarding”
“There is a shop here for everyone. Great for small independent traders, lovely selection of gift shops. Fabulous coffee shops and cafes. Parking can be difficult. I visit at least once a week” .
“Beautiful clean beach, which is always kept very clean. Plenty of cafes to have refreshments, and shops for bucket and spades etc”
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