Fans of Gavin & Stacey will recognise the iconic seaside loaction
With miles of heritage coastline, waymarked trails, ocean views, and cosy café stops the Vale of Glamorgan is a brilliant place for short walks. A marked and numbered Vale Trails series will take you through coastal and countryside routes with the most scenic views and historical features.
The Vale has an abundance of short coastal walks thanks to its unique heritage coast with Jurassic features. Stretching from Aberthaw to Porthcawl the Glamorgan Heritage Coast offers walkers 14 miles of unspoilt coastline via waymarked trails that wind through small villages, rural farmland, and sprawling beaches.
When I crave ocean views, ice cream, and a timeless beach-town vibe my favourite stroll is from the Cold Knap in Barry to Jackson’s Bay, which passes through a famous filming location.
If you’re up for a longer adventure tackle the Vale’s seven-mile park and seaside walk, known as Vale Trail Four, starting at Limpert Bay car park. But for a leisurely wander this shorter route is ideal.
The journey from Cold Knap to Jackson’s Bay along the Wales Coast Path covers about 2.5 to three miles and takes about an hour or so. Along the way you’ll pass Watchtower Bay, the lively Barry Island, and the rugged headland of Nell’s Point.
Gavin & Stacey fans will be delighted as the walk takes you right past Barry Island. Cap off your stroll with a spin at Nessa’s slot machines and a treat from Marco’s cafe where you can get an affordable bacon bap and a coffee.
The walk starts at the Cold Knap car park in Barry (CF62 6TF), near Knap Gardens and beach, providing easy access to the Wales Coastal Path. Parking charges at this location have been suspended until spring 2026 so for now it’s free to park there but make sure you check when you visit.
Here the pebble beach meets the mighty Bristol Channel which is home to the world’s second-highest tidal range, rising and falling an impressive 12-14m.
Just behind the beach you’ll find the lovely Knap Gardens. These Grade II-listed grounds feature a harp-shaped lake where ducks and swans glide and there’s also a fresh new skatepark, a lively model boat club, and winding coastal paths leading toward Porthkerry Park.
This area once buzzed with swimmers at Knap Lido, which opened in 1926 as one of the UK’s largest outdoor pools. Its golden era lasted until the 1980s when sun-soaked European getaways and heated pools drew crowds elsewhere.
The lido closed its doors in 1996 and, despite passionate local protests, demolition began in 2004. Many still dream of its return as a beloved swimming spot.
Plod onwards to Watchtower Bay, which is one of the quieter beaches in the Barry Island area. At high tide the pebble beach here is flanked by rocks on one side and low-rise cliffs. When the tide recedes a vast expanse of sand is exposed that you can walk across
The old watch house still stands on the beach having been built in the 1860s to keep watch over the harbour. It serves as a reminder of the area’s seafaring days when the port bustled with life in the 16th and 17th centuries.
From here wander on to Barry Island and Whitmore Beach, which has a lively mix of shops, cafés, and arcades. Don’t miss the legendary Marco’s, made famous by Gavin & Stacey.
The Welsh Italian family-owned café is a thriving local business with many tourists and fans of the programme flocking to take selfies, feast on bacon baps, and enjoy proper cups of tea.
Some of the show’s most memorable scenes were shot in Barry Island including classic moments outside Stacey’s house and the retro amusement park where the characters bonded over chips and banter.
The show’s enduring popularity draws fans from near and far eager to walk in the footsteps of their favourite characters and relive scenes brought to life on screen.
Nessa, the show’s hilarious multitasker with multiple jobs, is best known for operating the slot machines on the Island. Fans can step right up to Nessa’s Slots located along the seafront.
The arcade now doubles as a treasure trove of Gavin & Stacey merchandise so you can play and shop in one go. Look for it on the Western Promenade of Barry Island.
Fans also used to make a pilgrimage to Boofy’s, which often had queues out its doors and as featured in the background of countless episodes of Gavin & Stacey.
Sadly the chippy closed “for good” in the new year after 25 years on Barry’s seafront. Locals and regulars were devastated to hear the news, claiming Barry “wouldn’t be the same” without Boofy’s famous fish and chips.
However it’s just been replaced by Farnham’s with customers able to get the first taste of their award-winning fish and chips in the spring sunshine. The team said they have “always” wanted to open a shop on Barry Island.
The announcement comes after Farnham’s at Fontygary was one of four Welsh fish and chip shops named among the best in the UK on a prestigious list published annually by a fish-and-chip magazine. Fry Magazine announced their top 50 Best Fish and Chip Takeaways in Britain in January and Farnham’s made the cut.
Fancy a detour? Head to Trinity Street where the terraced houses served as the location of Gwen and Stacey’s home. Just up the road you’ll find Uncle Bryn’s house too.
From Barry Island follow the coast past a row of colourful beach huts winding around Nell’s Point and onward to Jackson’s Bay.
This sandy bay is sheltered from the wind, offers unspoilt coastal views, is dog-friendly all year round, and features public toilets, a small coffee shack, and a wood-fired sauna.
Just beyond Barry Yacht Club and the lifeboat station the Knotty Yachty hut awaits inside the club railings ready to serve up coffee and tasty snacks.
At the hut you can treat yourself to a local coffee from the Welsh Coffee Co, grab your dog an indulgent puppuccino, or pick up a piping hot panini.
The hut also serves tea, hot chocolates, smoothies, milkshakes, pastries, cakes, hot dogs, sausage rolls, and pasties. It’s open Wednesday to Sunday from 8.30am to 2.30pm during the off-peak season and from 8.30am to 4.30pm during peak seasons. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs find out What’s On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here.
The sandy bay is also the perfect place for a dip in the sea (if you like cold water that is) as you can warm up after in Môr a sawna. This wood-burning sauna seats up to 10 people and offers epic views of both the beach and harbour and is well worth a visit.
If you fancy paddleboarding here you can book a session with Island SUP, an ASI-accredited stand-up paddleboarding school and club operating at Jackson’s Bay, Whitmore Bay, and the Water Activity Centre.
Led by UK champion Kerry Baker they offer lessons, coastal adventures, and club sessions for all levels on the sheltered waters of Jackson’s Bay.
From Jackson’s Bay choose to continue your journey or retrace your steps back to Cold Knap after a lovely coastal adventure.
Planning a short walk in the Vale of Glamorgan
Serious hikers should consider using a detailed OS Explorer map to find walking routes and public rights of way in the Vale. You can also download the AllTrails app to help you find your way.
Remember to also bring water for long walks. Download the Refill Wales App to find locations where you can fill your reusable water bottle with tap water for free.
Want to walk with pals? Join Ramblers Cymru for group walks across Wales with like-minded hikers.
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