The Hen House, Bridgend

Vale of Glamorgan. Sleeps up to 5

Glamorgan Heritage Coast and Coastal Path near Dunraven Bay holiday cottageThe Glamorgan Heritage Coast is a fabulous jewel - glorious beaches, backed by limestone cliffs, great for fossil hunting, surfing, canoeing, rock pooling, horse riding and huge sand dunes (including The Big Dipper, one of the largest single dunes in Europe). There are 14 miles of Heritage Coastal Path, fine limestone cliffs with unique rock formations, flora, fauna, birds galore, sea angling from Witches Point, historic castles, pretty villages and ancient towns - a true 'box of delights' for all the family to delight in!Merthy Mawr, Ogmore CastleMerthyr Mawr is the prettiest village - roses round the doors, thatched roofs and cream teas, walk across 52 stepping stones over the River Ewenny to fascinating Ogmore Castle (check the tide times first!)Dunraven Castle near dog friendly holiday cottageDo visit the walled garden - all that remains of Dunraven Castle - and the iron age hill fort - truly spectacular views - perhaps the best view in South Wales?Cowbridge and Llantwit MajorDo explore Cowbridge (the Bond Street of Wales!) - boutique shops lining an ancient Roman Road and quaint Llantwit Major - narrow streets steeped in Welsh history and an ancient seat of learning for Welsh Saints. St Donats Castle and Atlantic CollegeSt Donats 12th century castle nearby, restored in the 1920's with an eclectic mix of medieval features salvaged from England and France by the Californian newspaper magnet Randolf Hearst as a retreat for his mistress is currently home to the internationally renowned Atlantic College, part of the United World Colleges. Sitting on the heritage coastline, the school houses 350 pupils from all over the world and has its own active RNLI Station, crewed by school staff and pupils. RNLIThe RIB (rigid inflatable boat) - the world's most widely-used craft for inshore rescue - was conceived, designed and built at Atlantic College under its founding headmaster, retired Rear-Admiral Desmond Hoare and was named by the RNLI after its birthplace. The patented design was handed over to the RNLI by Desmond Hoare with all the rights in 1973 , for the nominal fee of £1 - he did not cash the cheque. Dunraven Bay holiday cottage sleeps 5 and welcomes dogs5 guests can enjoy a memorable holiday at any time of the year in this dog friendly holiday cottage near Dunraven Bay on the Glamorgan Heritage Coast. The Vale of GlamorganThe Vale of Glamorgan has a wealth of history to discover - Neolithic, Bronze and Iron age - the hill forts overlapping with the Roman occupation and the remains are overlaid by the intervening years. From as early as 600 AD religion, defence and trade are intertwined throughout the area with many castles and religious buildings remaining. In the Dark Ages St Illtud's religious school at Llantwit Major had St David, the Patron Saint of Wales, as one of its pupils. St Fagans Folk Museum (Free)The nearby museum at St Fagans gathers together a fascinating range and variety of historic buildings from throughout Wales. Free, entertaining and educational. CardiffClose to the vibrant capital city and Cardiff Bay. Enjoy shopping, eating out, historic sites, boat trips and a huge variety of entertainment such as the Norwegian Church Arts Centre and the Wales Millennium Centre, Techniquest Science Discovery Centre - ideal for all the family, Craft in the Bay, The Welsh Assembly at the Pierhead, Butetown History and Arts Centre, Goleulong 2000 Lightship, a stunning international arts centre and more family fun at the Atlantic Wharf Leisure Village. The Gower Peninsula, 1 hour driveThis breathtaking Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is packed with glorious unspoiled beaches, dramatic coastal walks, sleepy villages and convivial inns. Well worth an hour's drive. Cottage holidays at The Hen House offer seaside fun on the Glamorgan Heritage Coast, country pursuits in the Vale and vibrant city entertainment with something for all.

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