A few of our favourite places

Monknash Beach - This is almost too special to share. Within half an hour ( without children) of leaving the house and after walking past either the pub(!) or through fields, past meandering streams and waterfalls you will reach Monknash beach. Rocky when the tide is in but with beautiful sand at low tide. Because it takes effort to get to in low season this beach can be found completely empty and even in the peak of summer it is never too busy!

Nash Point - It is easy to see why this location inspires so many artists and writers. Not one but two historic lighthouses overlooking the Nash Sand Banks and the beautiful walk down the hill to Cwm Nash. And as a bonus there is a great cafe on the top of the cliff, ice creams , coffees and hot bacon rolls. This is 5 minutes by car or 30-40 minute walk.

Southerndown - Southerndown, also known as Dunraven Bay, is a predominantly sandy beach, with rocky areas exposed at high tide. It is located along the Glamorgan Heritage Coast, and is enclosed by spectacular cliffs.

The beach itself is popular for swimming, and watersports such as canoeing and surfing. It has some excellent rock pools which can be explored at low tide. The rocks here are rich in fossils, and it is one of the best beaches in the area for fossil hunters.

The beach is surrounded by open countryside. A path runs along the cliff tops towards Ogmore to the North West, offering good views out over the Bristol Channel. Care should be taken when walking here as there are no safety barriers. A short walk in the other direction leads to the ruins of Dunraven castle and hill fort.

Cowbridge - Just 15 minutes away by car, the bustling market town of Cowbridge. Its high street is lined with independent shops and there are also three supermarkets should you need to stock up. We can happily recommend, pubs, bars, cafes and restaurants of which there are many great ones to try out.

Cardiff - The vibrant capital is just 35 minutes away by car. Visit Cardiff Bay for a boat ride, theatre performance or a fablas welsh ice cream. Or head to the centre and the brilliant Cardiff Castle and the array of shops in both the historic arcades and the new St Davids II shopping centre.

Dyffryn Gardens - This National Trust property is just 25 minutes car drive away. Well worth a visit for its beautiful landscaped gardens.

Ogmore by Sea - Castle and Beach - We are completely spoilt for choice around here ! Ogmore-by-Sea is a popular sand and shingle beach , with the sandy part exposed at low tide. The mouth of the River Ogmore runs into the sea over the beach, to the north of the town.

The beach at Ogmore has the reputation as being one of the cleanest beaches in the region, and is popular for a variety of activities, including swimming, surfing, fishing, and walking. The name ‘Ogmore’ is thought to come from the large caves located nearby (ogof is Welsh for cave).

The beach looks out towards Tusker Rock, named after a Danish Viking who colonised the local area, which is completely visible at low tide. Today the rock is a popular place for diving.

Food and Drink

Plough and Harrow, Monknash - Just a 15 minute stroll away down country lanes is the historic, award winning Plough and Harrow. Amazing selection of real ale and great traditional pub food.

Horseshoe Inn, Marcross - 25 minute walk away - another great pub in Marcross near to Nash point. Again great food and drink! How spoilt are we ?!

Lamb and Flag, Wick - Charming Welsh Village pub, in Wick. You can walk here within half an hour across the fields. Fabulous food. Named one of Welsh Coastal Life Magazine’s ‘Top 10 Restaraunts’