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.

Plan a trip to see Barry Island Beach

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Celtic International Hotel Cardiff Airport
Holland House Hotel Cardiff By Sunday
The Suite, 82 Cathedral, Private Parking

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Barry Island Beach

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
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
Goodstay Apartments by Urban Space

Goodstay Apartments by Urban Space

4 out of 5
Hood Road, Barry, Wales
Goodstay Apartments by Urban Space
Leah Suite by Koya Homes - Sea View

Leah Suite by Koya Homes - Sea View

Barry
Leah Suite by Koya Homes - Sea View
Celtic International Hotel Cardiff Airport

Celtic International Hotel Cardiff Airport

3 out of 5
Port Road, Barry/Cardiff, Barry, Wales
Celtic International Hotel Cardiff Airport
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, Wales, offers a variety of exciting activities for visitors. Explore scenic nature trails that showcase the area's stunning landscapes, perfect for leisurely walks and nature enthusiasts. For those seeking adventure, kite surfing provides an exhilarating way to experience the beach and its breezy conditions. Whether you prefer a peaceful stroll or thrilling water sports, Barry Island Beach has something for everyone to enjoy.

Shopping

For shopping near Barry Island Beach, visit St. David's shopping mall and Cardiff Market, both 12.9km away, offering a blend of family-friendly shops and local goods. If you're up for a drive, check out Bray's Cider & Farm Shop, located 48.3km away, for unique local products.

Recreation

Principality Stadium, located 11.3km away, offers an exhilarating sports atmosphere. Cardiff International Sports Village, 9.7km away, is perfect for wellness and relaxation activities. Brynhill Golf Club, only 3.2km from the beach, provides a scenic outdoor experience with its beautiful golf course.

Adventure

Embark on an exhilarating hike at Lower Blaen y Glyn, located 9.7km from Barry Island Beach, where breathtaking scenery awaits. Experience the thrill of karting at TeamSport Cardiff, 11.3km away, or enjoy a scenic outdoor stroll on the Church, College and Lighthouses Walk, situated 14.5km from the beach.

Nightlife

The nightlife at Barry Island Beach offers vibrant experiences. Enjoy a romantic evening at the New Theatre, only 12.9km away, or try your luck at Les Croupiers Casino, 9.7km from the beach. For family fun, visit the Cardiff Bay Carousel, situated 11.3km away.

Find the best attractions near Barry Island Beach

Barry Island Beach offers a delightful mix of attractions for visitors, including urban parks, historic castles, and fascinating museums. Whether you're seeking cultural experiences, outdoor adventures, or family-friendly activities, there's something for everyone. Don't miss out on exploring Barry Island and the scenic Barry Waterfront for a complete experience of this charming seaside destination in Wales.

  • Cardiff Bay: Experience the stunning outdoor scenery at Cardiff Bay, located 9.7km from Barry Island Beach. Enjoy a vibrant waterfront atmosphere, picturesque views, and a variety of recreational activities that embody the beach vibes.
  • Cardiff Castle: Immerse yourself in romance and culture at Cardiff Castle, situated 12.9km away. This historic landmark features captivating architecture and lush gardens, offering a glimpse into Wales' rich history.
  • Cardiff University: Explore the cultural heritage at Cardiff University, also 12.9km from Barry Island Beach. This historic institution boasts beautiful architecture and a lively campus atmosphere, perfect for soaking in the local culture.

Best time to go to Barry Island Beach

Visitor numbers around Barry Island Beach is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. 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.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January42.1°F (5.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February42.4°F (5.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
March44.6°F (7.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April48.0°F (8.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
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 CloudyAverageAverage
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

Visiting Barry Island Beach can be budget-friendly with free entry and nearby attractions like Cardiff Bay. For savings, consider travelling in April or December to January, as these are the cheapest months for accommodation. Mondays also tend to have lower hotel rates than Saturdays. Use Expedia to compare prices, find hotel deals, and package your flights and activities for even greater savings. Look for "Eco-certified" stays to support sustainable travel while keeping costs down. Explore free activities and enjoy the beautiful Welsh coast without breaking the bank!

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Barry Island Beach are April 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: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, preferred location, and desired type of accommodation. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" option will showcase sustainable and eco-friendly hotels currently available. To discover the most affordable rates and special offers, simply arrange the price filter from low to high.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some money by combining your hotel stay at Barry Island Beach with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.