Cowbridge Travel Guide

Trek Zone

Town

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the picturesque Vale of Glamorgan, Cowbridge is a charming town in the heart of Wales. With its rich history, stunning countryside, and vibrant community, this hidden gem offers a perfect escape for travelers seeking a tranquil and authentic experience.

Cowbridge's historic center is a delight to explore, with its narrow streets lined with Georgian and Victorian buildings. The town's iconic Cowbridge Physic Garden is a must-visit, showcasing a variety of medicinal plants and herbs in a beautifully maintained walled garden. Stroll along the bustling High Street, filled with independent boutiques, art galleries, and antique shops, where you can find unique treasures and souvenirs.

For history enthusiasts, Cowbridge Castle is a captivating attraction that narrates the town's past. Dating back to the 12th century, the castle ruins are an evocative reminder of Cowbridge's medieval heritage. Take a leisurely walk along the castle walls and imagine the lives of the people who once inhabited this formidable fortress.

Surrounded by rolling green hills and scenic countryside, Cowbridge offers an abundance of outdoor activities. Lace up your hiking boots and explore the picturesque trails of the nearby Glamorgan Heritage Coast, where you'll be rewarded with breathtaking views of rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, and the sparkling sea. Golf enthusiasts can tee off at one of the several prestigious golf courses in the area, combining their love for the sport with stunning landscapes.

Food lovers will be delighted by Cowbridge's culinary scene. The town boasts a range of eateries, from traditional Welsh pubs serving hearty dishes to elegant restaurants offering a modern twist on local ingredients. Indulge in mouthwatering Welsh lamb, freshly caught seafood, and delectable artisan cheeses, accompanied by a pint of locally brewed ale or a glass of fine Welsh wine.

Throughout the year, Cowbridge hosts a variety of festivals and events that showcase the town's vibrant community spirit. From the Cowbridge Food and Drink Festival, where you can sample the finest local produce, to the Cowbridge Music Festival, featuring world-class performances in stunning venues, there is always something to celebrate in this lively town.

Alternative names: Population: 3.8 thous.Elevation: 95 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 51°27'42"N, 3°26'58"W

Location

WalesUnited Kingdom

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Cowbridge Top Attractions

Cowbridge Attractions - What to See and Explore

Cowbridge offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: St Quintins Castle, Cowbridge Physic Garden, Cowbridge town wall, Cowbridge Town Hall. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Forts and castles
St Quintins Castle
St Quintins Castle is a castle located in the village of Llanblethian, Cowbridge, Wales. It is a scheduled monument and a Grade II listed building and is under the care of Cadw. The site was first occupied with a defensive structure in about 1102 and the gatehouse and further building work took place around 1312.
Garden • Park
Cowbridge Physic Garden
The Cowbridge Physic Garden is located in Cowbridge, Vale of Glamorgan in South Wales. The 0.5 acres physic garden was created by the Welsh Historic Gardens Trust in 2004, and was opened in June 2008 by Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall. who is its patron.
City wall
Cowbridge town wall
Cowbridge town wall is a Grade II*-listed medieval wall in the small market town of Cowbridge in the Vale of Glamorgan, south Wales. The walls were built by about 1300.

Town • City hall
Cowbridge Town Hall
Cowbridge Town Hall is a public building in the High Street of Cowbridge in South Wales. The town hall, which is the meeting place for Cowbridge with Llanblethian Town Council, and also houses the town clerk's office, the committee rooms and the Cowbridge Museum, is a Grade II* listed building.
Church
Church of the Holy Cross
The Church of the Holy Cross is a medieval church in Cowbridge in the Vale of Glamorgan, south Wales. Initially a chapel of ease to Church of St John the Baptist, Llanblethian of Cowbridge as a medieval market town. Believed to have been built in the 13th century, the church has an unusual tower design.
Forts and castles • Gothic Revival architecture
Old Beaupre Castle
Old Beaupre Castle is a ruined medieval fortified manor house located in the community of Llanfair, outside Cowbridge in Wales. It is known in historic documents under the names Beawpire, Bewerpere, Bewpyr and Y Bewpur. It is a Grade I listed building and is presently under the care of Cadw.
51°26'14"N • 3°28'2"W
Llanmihangel Place
Llanmihangel Place is a Grade I listed manor house in the Vale of Glamorgan, South Wales. It became a Grade I listed building on 16 December 1952. The house dates back to the 12th century, when it was constructed as a single-storey dwelling.
Church
Church of St John the Baptist
The Church of St John the Baptist is a medieval church in Llanblethian in the Vale of Glamorgan, south Wales. Believed to have been built in the 12th century, the church boasts an unusual tower, consistent with the style more common in the south west of England.

Day trips

Cowbridge – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Cowbridge, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Queen Street (Cardiff), National Museum Cardiff (Cardiff), St Fagans National History Museum (Cardiff).

12 milesE
Street, Shopping district, Shopping
Queen Street, Cardiff
Nestled in the vibrant city of Cardiff, Queen Street stands as a bustling shopping district that beckons locals and tourists alike with its wide array of retail offerings. This pedestrianized thoroughfare is one of the main commercial hubs in the capital of Wales...
12 milesE
Art and Welsh history in a grand setting
National Museum Cardiff, Cardiff
National Museum Cardiff stands as a cultural beacon in the heart of Wales' capital city, offering a rich blend of art, history, and natural science. This esteemed institution, located in the civic centre of Cardiff, is known for its diverse collections that span across...
7.7 miE
Museum, Specialty museum, History museum
St Fagans National History Museum, Cardiff
St Fagans National History Museum, nestled in the outskirts of Cardiff, United Kingdom, offers a unique window into Welsh life through the ages. This open-air museum, one of Europe's leading open-air museums and Wales's most popular heritage attraction, stands as a...
26 milesNE
Museum, Historical place, Specialty museum
Big Pit National Coal Museum, Blaenavon
Nestled in the rugged landscape of Wales, the Big Pit National Coal Museum offers a profound journey into the country's industrial past. As a key part of Blaenavon's UNESCO World Heritage Site, this authentic coal mine provides a poignant reminder of the community...
11 milesW
Theme park, Beach, Amusement park
Coney Beach Pleasure Park, Porthcawl
Nestled along the coast of Porthcawl, Coney Beach Pleasure Park offers a traditional seaside amusement experience that has been delighting visitors for generations. This vibrant amusement park is a staple of the local community and a must-visit destination for tourists...