Barry Island Beach Tours and Activities

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


Top Barry Island Beach Hotel & Accommodation Deals

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
2 Bed House Near Beach with Free Parking

2 Bed House Near Beach with Free Parking

3 out of 5
7 Clos Y Fulfran, Barry, Wales
2 Bed House Near Beach with Free Parking
12 Clos Yr Wylan

12 Clos Yr Wylan

3 out of 5
12 Clos Yr Wylan, Barry, Wales
12 Clos Yr Wylan
Beautiful coastal home with stunning ocean views!

Beautiful coastal home with stunning ocean views!

Barry
Beautiful coastal home with stunning ocean views!
Goodstay Lodges by Urban Space

Goodstay Lodges by Urban Space

2 out of 5
Goodsheds, Hood Road, Barry, Wales
Goodstay Lodges by Urban Space
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
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

Barry Island Beach offers a delightful blend of activities for tourists, including boutique shopping for unique finds and a relaxing day at the beach. Enjoy a refreshing city break with stunning coastal views, and for golf enthusiasts, there are excellent golf courses nearby to tee off. This vibrant destination combines leisure and fun, making it a perfect spot for a memorable vacation.

Shopping

The nearest shopping centres are Mermaid Quay, 11.3km away, and St. David's, 12.9km away, both offering vibrant shopping experiences with various shops and entertainment. If you're up for a drive, check out Friars Walk Newport, located 112.9km away, for more diverse shopping options.

Recreation

Experience the energetic atmosphere at Principality Stadium, perfect for sports enthusiasts. For music lovers, St. David's Hall offers captivating performances. If you fancy golf, Cottrell Park Golf Resort provides a stunning outdoor setting to unwind while enjoying a round on the greens.

Adventure

Explore the stunning landscapes of Lower Blaen y Glyn, a hiking trail 9.7km from Barry Island Beach, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. For a thrilling experience, try karting at TeamSport Cardiff, located 11.3km away. Don't miss the scenic Church, College and Lighthouses Walk, 14.5km from the beach.

Nightlife

Barry Island Beach offers vibrant nightlife with a visit to New Theatre for a cultural experience, located 12.9km away. For amusement, the Cardiff Bay Carousel is a fun choice, only 11.3km away. Cineworld Cardiff, also 12.9km away, is perfect for a romantic movie night.

*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 is a vibrant destination for tourists, offering a mix of culture and outdoor fun. Visitors can enjoy the scenic Barry Island Pleasure Park, explore the attractions around Cardiff Bay, and relax on the beautiful beach. For a taste of history, nearby castles add to the charm, making it a family-friendly spot with plenty to do and see. Don't miss out on the local experiences that Barry has to offer!

  • Cardiff Bay: Just 9.7km from Barry Island Beach, Cardiff Bay offers stunning coastal scenery and vibrant outdoor activities. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the waterfront, dine at lovely cafes, or partake in water sports for a refreshing experience.
  • Cardiff Castle: Located 12.9km away, Cardiff Castle is steeped in history and romance. Explore its impressive architecture, fascinating exhibitions, and lush gardens, making it a perfect spot for culture enthusiasts and couples alike.
  • Barry Island Pleasure Park: Only 483m from the beach, this amusement park is a family favourite, featuring thrilling rides and games. Experience the fun and adventure that make it a perfect day out for all ages.

Best time to go to Barry Island Beach

The best time to visit Barry Island Beach can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Barry Island Beach falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Barry Island Beach falls in January, 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 CloudyAverageSlightly 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 SunnySlightly HighAverage
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

To save money on your trip to Barry Island Beach, consider visiting in October or during December to January when accommodation prices are lower. Mondays are the most affordable days to stay, while Saturdays are pricier. Use Expedia's search tool to find budget-friendly hotels by sorting prices from lowest to highest, and consider eco-friendly options. Additionally, bundling your hotel, flights, and activities through Expedia can lead to further savings. Keep an eye out for accommodation deals and price promises to maximise your budget while enjoying your holiday.

  • 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: Expedia's search tool is designed to help you find the perfect accommodation tailored to your budget and preferred location. You can easily sort the results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring you see the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type. For instance, if you check the Eco-certified filter, you'll discover a selection of sustainable and eco-friendly hotels ready for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your Barry Island Beach hotel stay with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.