Bridgend

Travel Guide
Bridgend
Conveniently located halfway between Cardiff andSwansea, and a stone’s throw from the BreconBeacons and the Gower Peninsula, Bridgend is a thriving market town. Settled sincepre-Roman times, it is steeped in history. From its Norman castles, beautifulbeaches and areas of outstanding natural beauty, to its bustling shoppingdistrict, fine restaurants and excellent sporting facilities, there is trulysomething for everyone in Bridgend.

Bridgendsits on the River Ogmore, and is named after the old bridge that crossed it. In2009 a riverside walkway was opened along the river.

Sport inBridgend

Bridgendhas a long history of rugby and football, with the Bridgend Ravens rugby unionteam dating back to 1878. For those who enjoy the great outdoors, Bridgend has an abundance offacilities: cycling, surfing, mountain biking, hiking, golf, tennis andswimming are all well catered for.

Shopping inBridgend

Bridgendtown centre offers a diverse range of independent shops, from traditionalbutchers to bespoke jewellers. The bustling indoor market is a great place tobuy food and local artisan produce, or simply to put your feet up and have acoffee whilst watching the world go by. Just a short drive out of the centre oftown you will find plenty of retail parks offering discount designer clothesand much more.

Eating andDrinking in Bridgend

From traditional Welsh fare to international cuisine, Bridgend’s wide range ofcafes, restaurants and pubs will have something to satisfy the most demandingfood lover.

Things to Seeand Do in Bridgend

Bridgendboasts three Norman castles which once formed a defensive triangle protectingthe area. The ruins of Newcastle Castle stand on Newcastle Hill, overlookingthe town centre. A second ruin, Coity Castle, is in Coity Higher to thenorthwest. To the south lies the third ruin, Ogmore Castle,in the nearby seaside village of Ogmore-by-Sea.

For nature lovers, the Gower Peninsula was declaredthe first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the UK in 1956 and can bereached by train, bus or car. The BreconBeacons National Park is also a short drive away, and on summerSundays and Bank Holidays the National Park operates a Beacons Bus service fromBridgend.

How about a day at the beach? Nearby Sker Bay, PinkBay, Rest Bay and Southerndown are hugely popular with surfers, and the localsurfing academies offer training courses for beginners. If that all sounds abit strenuous, why not relax on a secluded beach such as Tresilian Bay orDunraven Bay? Or head down to Ogmore-by-Sea and get onto the Glamorgan CoastalPath for some excellent walking.

BryngarwCountry Park is the largest in the region and offers a variety ofnatural habitats as well as excellent amenities for visitors. The beautifulOriental Garden is definitely worth a visit.

Nearby Kenfig Pool is Glamorgan’s largest naturallake, and a national nature reserve, offering spectacular views and importantwildlife habitats. Local legend has it that a lost city lies beneath the water.

Visit Bridgend

There’s everything you need in Bridgend for an enjoyableholiday, whether you want to keep busy with invigorating activities or justtake it easy and enjoy the warmth of the relaxed Welsh welcome.

Days Inn by Wyndham Bridgend Cardiff M4
Days Inn by Wyndham Bridgend Cardiff M4
2.5 out of 5
M4 J36 Motorway, Bridgend, Wales
The price is RM179 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
RM179
per night
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Stay at this hotel in Bridgend. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular ...
8/10 Very Good! (611 reviews)
Cheap and cheerful
"Cheap an cheerful! Check in was easy and staff were friendly. The room was big and clean but a little run down. For the price, it was very comfortable and I'd be happy to stay again!"

Reviewed on 17 Mar 2024

Days Inn by Wyndham Bridgend Cardiff M4
Best Western Premier Heronston Hotel & Spa
Best Western Premier Heronston Hotel & Spa
3 out of 5
Ewenny Road, Bridgend, Wales
The price is RM354 per night from 14 Apr to 15 Apr
RM354
per night
14 Apr - 15 Apr
Stay at this 3-star spa hotel in Bridgend. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
7.8/10 Good! (550 reviews)
"Ideal accommodation for bossiness trip, leisure facilities a bonus however changing rooms a little small"

Reviewed on 23 Feb 2024

Best Western Premier Heronston Hotel & Spa
The Coed-Y-Mwstwr Hotel
The Coed-Y-Mwstwr Hotel
4 out of 5
Coychurch, Bridgend, Wales
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is RM643 per night from 15 Apr to 16 Apr
RM643
per night
15 Apr - 16 Apr
Stay at this 4-star golf hotel in Bridgend. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Coed-Y-Mwstwr Golf Club and Coity Castle are ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (70 reviews)
"Everything was excellent, from the staff to the food and the room. All the staff were really friendly and made our stay perfect. We had the coach house room - it was to a really high quality, comfy bed, great amenities and nice and quiet. Will definitely stay again"

Reviewed on 14 Mar 2024

The Coed-Y-Mwstwr Hotel
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.
The Spires Serviced Apartments Cardiff
The Spires Serviced Apartments Cardiff
3 out of 5
10 Cathedral Rd, Cardiff, Wales
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Cardiff. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (140 reviews)
"Perfect location for the city centre, the stadium and local restaurants and bars. Lovely building with lots of high quality apartments"

Reviewed on 20 Mar 2024

The Spires Serviced Apartments Cardiff
Orchard Lodge - Coastal Retreat
Orchard Lodge - Coastal Retreat
4 out of 5
Lon-Yr-Eglwys, The Orchard, Bridgend, Wales
Stay at this 4-star vacation home in Bridgend. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a terrace. Popular attractions Candleston Castle and Ogmore Castle are located ...
Orchard Lodge - Coastal Retreat
 Park Lane Aparthotel
Park Lane Aparthotel
4 out of 5
23-24 Park Place, Cardiff, Wales
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Cardiff. Enjoy free WiFi, a TV, and a kitchen. Popular attractions Principality Stadium and National Museum Cardiff are located ...
7.4/10 Good! (21 reviews)
"We were thrilled to find this property at a reasonable price and great location during Six Nations. Communication from the property was clear and timely. The shower had been damaged by a previous tenant, so I sent an email to the property and two friendly gents came to fix it within 2 hours. Great ..."

Reviewed on 11 Mar 2024

Park Lane Aparthotel
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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Bridgend

3.6
Guest rating
5 - Excellent
4
" "5 - Excellent 13.793103448275861%
4 - Good
11
" "4 - Good 37.93103448275862%
3 - Okay
12
" "3 - Okay 41.37931034482759%
2 - Disappointing
1
" "2 - Disappointing 3.4482758620689653%
1 - Terrible
1
" "1 - Terrible 3.4482758620689653%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
16 Sep 2019

Centre is pedestrianised which is pleasant.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller
19 Aug 2019

Saw very little of Bridgend as attending a wedding elsewhere.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller
22 Jul 2019

We passed it on the way.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
14 Jul 2019

I was pleasantly surprised. This area is really beautiful. It’s one one we’ve explored before but will again. Merthyr Mawr is a beautiful wooded area worth a visit.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
1 Apr 2019

Visit Porthcawl, particularly Rest Bay.