Barry is located on the south coast of Wales some 7 miles south west of Cardiff in the Vale of Glamorgan. Barry with it's little brother on the seafront, Barry Island, is a popular seaside resort, with attractions including the famous Barry Island Pleasure Park and several beaches. Set between sea and country the town enjoys panoramic views of the Bristol Channel, and is close to the rural Vale of Glamorgan. It is close enough to Cardiff to enjoy the many attractions in the city, but without the disadvantages of having to live in the city, indeed it is a favourite place of residence for people whose work is in Cardiff.

The history of the town is a rollercoaster ride itself with Barry changing from a small village, in 1881, with barely 100 residents, to the largest coal exporting port in the world in the space of some 30 years. But the coal industry on which the port had relied collapsed as quickly as it had grown and Barry's future depended on the tourist trade.

Fortunately for Barry the railways that had been used to bring in the coal from the south Wales valleys were now bringing in the miners and their families for holidays on the beautiful Whitsand Bay beach.

In the mid 20th century the Butlins Barry Island holiday camp would attract holiday makers in droves and you would be hard pressed to find a place for your deckchair on the golden sands of Whitmore Bay. But fashions change and now it was the turn of the holiday camps to close and with their demise came a decline in the once booming tourist trade.

Today the visitor numbers may not be as great but there is more room on the golden sands, and indeed a wider variety of beach activities with surfing, and beach volley ball to name just a few.

Barry Island Pleasure Park is still attracting the crowds but Barry town also offers plenty of alternative sport and entertainment facilities, with a popular sports centre and a fine modern leisure centre. If you dont like sand between your toes, or in the sandwiches, take a walk to Friar's Point, the headland to the west of Whitmore Bay where you may sit and appreciate the view. Or visit Cold Knap Point and the pebbly Knap beach which is slightly futher to the west.

Knap beach leads to Porthkerry beach and the beautiful Porthkerry Park. The Park, in a sheltered valley, contains nature trails, picnic sites, cafe, play area, barbecue area and mini golf courses all within 220 acres of woodlands, streams and meadowland.

Barry is a great centre for a holiday in Wales with a choice of hotels and guest-house accommodation, and being close to the city of Cardiff with it's many attractions and the beautiful Vale of Glamorgan it's a perfect location for touring South Wales.....