Barry Island Beach Tours

Photo by Melanie Hartshorn
Photo "Barry Island Beach" by Roy Haworth (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo "Barry Island Beach" by Jeremy Segrott (CC BY) / Cropped from original


If you’re looking for a quintessential Welsh seaside experience, look no further than Barry Beach in the picturesque Vale of Glamorgan.

Sun worshippers have been flocking here since Victorian times to what is essentially a small island, though joined now to the mainland since 1896 by a small pier. The site of a Butlins holiday camp during the 1960’s, Barry Beach is perfect for families, with its signature calling card being Barry Island Pleasure Park. Come here for crowds, candy floss and sticks of rock, the scream of the rollercoaster and the thump of the dodgems.

When the fun of the fair has worn you out, the Blue Flag winning Barry Island Beach offers great swimming, a range of seaside shops, delicious fish and chips, more ice cream than you can eat in a month of sundaes and wonderful views of the two craggy limestone headlands.

Barry Island Beach is the generic name for what are actually several distinct coves: Whitmore Bay, which lies between the two peninsulas of Friar’s Point and Nell’s Point Jackson Bay, nestling between Nell's Point and Little Island and Old Harbour beach around Friar's Point is the third destination, offering a massive expanse of sand at low tide.

Sporting activities enjoyed here include beach volleyball, snorkelling, windsurfing, sea-kayaking and some rather good fishing. Anglers catch whiting and even the odd sea bass when conditions are right here. In recent years, several TV shows have helped popularise this dramatic coastal area, in particular, the comedy show Gavin and Stacey.

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Barry Island Beach

The Mount Rooms

The Mount Rooms

4 out of 5
Porthkerry Road, Barry, Wales
The Mount Rooms
Barry Island Paget House · Barry Island Beachfront Getaway + Private Parking

Barry Island Paget House · Barry Island Beachfront Getaway + Private Parking

Vale of Glamorgan
Barry Island Paget House · Barry Island Beachfront Getaway + Private Parking
Gails Guest House

Gails Guest House

3 out of 5
3 Plymouth Road, Barry, Wales
Gails Guest House
Stunning sea views - Barry's Retreat by Tŷ SA

Stunning sea views - Barry's Retreat by Tŷ SA

Barry
Stunning sea views - Barry's Retreat by Tŷ SA
Premier Inn Barry Island

Premier Inn Barry Island

3 out of 5
Triangle Site, Fford Y Mileniwm,The Waterfront, Barry, Wales
Premier Inn Barry Island
Goodstay Apartments by Urban Space

Goodstay Apartments by Urban Space

4 out of 5
Hood Road, Barry, Wales
Goodstay Apartments by Urban Space
Goodstay Lodges by Urban Space

Goodstay Lodges by Urban Space

2 out of 5
Goodsheds, Hood Road, Barry, Wales
Goodstay Lodges by Urban Space
Ashley Suite by Koya Homes

Ashley Suite by Koya Homes

Vale of Glamorgan
Ashley Suite by Koya Homes
Judah Suite by Koya Homes

Judah Suite by Koya Homes

Barry
Judah Suite by Koya Homes
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Barry Island Beach

Enjoy a memorable stay at Barry Island Beach, where outdoor experiences abound, from sunbathing on the sandy shores to exploring scenic coastal paths. Discover engaging exhibitions at local galleries and partake in available trips that showcase the area's rich history. Don’t miss major attractions like the iconic Pleasure Park and the vibrant waterfront, perfect for family fun and relaxation.

Shopping

Enjoy shopping at St. David's, an 8-mile shopping center from Barry Island Beach, bursting with family-friendly vibes and entertainment options. Also, visit Cardiff Market, 8 miles away, for local goods and city energy. If you're up for a drive, Bray's Cider & Farm Shop is 30 miles away.

Recreation

Experience the electrifying atmosphere at Principality Stadium, just 7 miles from Barry Island Beach, where sports events come to life. Enjoy a round of golf amidst the scenic views at Dinas Powys Golf Club, located 4 miles away, or immerse yourself in entertainment at St. David's Hall, 8 miles away.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of karting at TeamSport Cardiff, located 7 miles from Barry Island Beach, where adventure vibes abound. Enjoy the scenic beauty while hiking the Lower Blaen y Glyn trail, located 6 miles away, perfect for outdoor lovers and nature enthusiasts.

Nightlife

The nightlife at Barry Island Beach offers a blend of culture and fun. Enjoy a captivating performance at the New Theatre, just 8 miles away, or take a thrilling ride on the Cardiff Bay Carousel, located 7 miles from the beach. Adventure awaits at AJ'z Activity Centre, 26 miles away.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Barry Island Beach

Barry Island Beach offers a delightful mix of attractions for visitors, including beautiful urban parks, historic castles, and stunning bays. Travelers can enjoy cultural experiences, outdoor activities, and family-friendly fun. Key highlights include the vibrant Barry Island, the scenic Cardiff Bay waterfront, and various must-see attractions that make this destination a perfect getaway for all ages.

  • Cardiff Bay: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Cardiff Bay, a picturesque waterfront known for its stunning views and outdoor activities. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the promenade, take in the scenery, and explore the nearby cafes and shops.
  • Cardiff Castle: Step into history at Cardiff Castle, where romance and culture intertwine. This impressive fortress offers guided tours that reveal its rich past, along with beautiful gardens and stunning architecture that transport you back in time.
  • Barry Island Pleasure Park: Dive into family fun at Barry Island Pleasure Park, just a short walk from the beach. With thrilling rides and games, it's the perfect spot for adventure and laughter, making it ideal for visitors of all ages.

Best time to go to Barry Island Beach

The best time to visit Barry Island Beach is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January42.1°F (5.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February42.4°F (5.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
March44.6°F (7.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April48.0°F (8.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May53.2°F (11.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
June58.5°F (14.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
July61.7°F (16.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August61.2°F (16.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
September58.3°F (14.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October53.8°F (12.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
November48.0°F (8.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
December44.4°F (6.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Barry Island Beach

For a budget-friendly trip to Barry Island Beach, consider visiting during the cheaper months of October and December to January, and aim for a Monday stay to save on accommodation. Use Expedia's search tool to find and sort eco-friendly hotel options by price, and take advantage of package deals that combine flights, hotels, and activities. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can provide exclusive discounts and OneKeyCash for future bookings. Look for last-minute deals to maximize savings on your stay while enjoying the free attractions at the beach.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Barry Island Beach are October and December to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to July, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Barry Island Beach is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Barry Island Beach is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to narrow down your options based on your budget, preferred location, and desired hotel type. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified option will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Barry Island Beach with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

Explore a world of travel with Expedia