Slade Cottage, Bridgend

Vale of Glamorgan. Sleeps up to 9

Glamorgan Heritage Coast and Coastal Path The Glamorgan Heritage Coast is an area of outstanding natural beauty.A minutes walk from the cottage is the 14 mile long Heritage Coastal Path (dogs welcome) with flora and fauna, birds galore, sea angling from Witches Point (designated SSSI for its geological importance) - a dramatic and fascinating coastline. Still a relatively quiet and undiscovered treasure it is just a short drive from Swansea, Cardiff and the M4. The red limestone and shale cliffs with their unique rock formations are embedded with fossils exposed by the tides which have to be seen to be believed. Glorious beaches - at times wide and sandy, then rocky and rugged - great for surfing, swimming, windsurfing, canoeing, rock pooling and horse riding. Most beaches welcome dogs all year round but on some in restricted areas only during summer months. See beach signs. Merthyr Mawr Sand DunesThe huge Merthyr Mawr sand dunes include 'The Big Dipper'- one of the tallest dunes in Europe. The village of Merthyr Mawr is the prettiest with roses round the doors, thatched roofs and cream teas near PorthcawlOgmore Castle, Dunraven Castle and the Iron Age Hill FortOgmore's fascinating ruined Castle is reached by 52 stepping stones cross over the River Ewenny (check the tide times first!),Originally on the site of an Iron Age Hillfort, all that remains of Dunraven Castle, home of the ghostly 'blue lady', is the walled garden above Dunraven Bay. Cowbridge and Llantwit MajorDo go to Cowbridge with its boutique shops lining the ancient Roman Road and then to Llantwit Major where the quaint narrow streets, steeped in Welsh history, are an ancient seat of learning for Welsh Saints. St Donats Castle and Atlantic CollegeSt Donats 12th century castle, sitting on the heritage coastline is the longest continually inhabited castle in Wales. Extensively 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 and is now home to the internationally renowned Atlantic College, part of the United World Colleges. RNLI Rescue CraftWith its own active RNLI Station, crewed by school staff and pupils, the RIB (rigid inflatable boat) - the world's most widely-used craft for inshore rescue - was conceived, designed and built at Atlantic College. It was named by the RNLI after its birthplace. The Vale of Glamorgan near Glamorgan Heritage Coast holiday cottageThe Vale of Glamorgan has a wealth of history to discover from Cardiff to the Gower Peninsula - 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 600AD 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. The nearby museum at St Fagans gathers together a fascinating range and variety of historic buildings from throughout Wales. Reaching to the most southerly point in Wales, only ever minutes from the beach, with a hinterland full of stunning views and country lanes, historic castles, pretty hidden villages and ancient towns.A true 'box of delights' for all the family to enjoy when holidaying in this Glamorgan Bay Heritage Coast holiday cottage. Dogs welcome. Family Fun in the Vale of GlamorganEnjoy fulfilling days out at Porthkerry Country Park, Dyffryn Gardens, Merthyr Mawr Sand Dunes, Cosmeston Lakes Country Park, Nash Point Lighthouse, Penarth Pier Pavilion and Barry Island Pleasure Park. Cardiff BayEurope's largest waterfront development, a leisure and business hot-spot and home of the National Assembly for Wales. A number of boat tours operate from Mermaid Quay and a water taxi service operates throughout the year from the Bay to the city centre and Penarth. A great day out for 8 guests staying at this Glamorgan Heritage coast holiday cottage. Cardiff Bay AttractionsSuch as 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, the Norwegian Church Arts Centre and the Wales Millennium Centre, a stunning international arts centre. The Atlantic Wharf Leisure Village provides further options for family entertainment. CardiffCardiff has been named as one of the top 10 cities in Europe. Over 319,700 friendly people live here and call it home. There are 149 pubs, bars and nightclubs (18 of them on the waterfront), 73 restaurants and 125 hotels. The Gower Peninsula, 1 hour driveBritain's first ever Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Gower, is still as breath taking and unspoiled today as it was when it was first bestowed with its coveted accolade. Enjoy stunning scenery, glorious beaches, sleepy villages and convivial inns. Enjoy the best of both worlds when staying in this charming holiday cottage on the Glamorgan Heritage Coast, tranquil countryside in the Vale and vibrant city life of the capital.

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