Whitmore Bay

Whitmore Bay is what most people think of when they talk about Barry Island, and has all the ameneties you’d expect for a suburban resort: amusement arcades and fish’n’chips abound.
Just behind is a small fairground, which I recall visiting when I was a small child — I used then to think it was quite impressive!
The bay has also now been made famous by featuring extensively in the TV series ‘Gavin and Stacey’. Up until the 1960s, however, it used to be packed during Bank Holidays with people coming on day trips from the mining communities in the valleys: newsreel footage shows every inch of sand covered with families! It’s rather quieter than that, now, but still popular for day trips.

The larger of the two beaches on the island, this is very popular with holiday makers and local walkers. It’s a surprisingly huge beach with soft golden sand and long headlands on either side. Ideal for families throughout the season for swimming and sunbathing. There is usually a coastguard presence. There are horse and carriage rides along the beach in summer, and many tourist and beach shops, cafes and fast food outlets around the promenade. The famous Pleasure Park lies behind the beach. The island railway station is fairly close (by foot) and you can journey to Cardiff from here.