In and around Bridgend

For those of you that aren't familiar with Bridgend and the surrounding area, and would like to know a little bit more about what this part of South Wales has to offer anyone making a visit, we've put together this brief guide to some of the local sights and attractions. 

Nearest Towns and Cities

Bridgend

Coychurch is in the Bridgend County Borough, and Bridgend is its nearest major town. It's a bustling place, brimming with shops and restaurants, including simply the best Indian you'll find this side of the Punjab. 

Cardiff

The capital of Wales, Cardiff is around 30 minutes drive from Coychurch; as well as being great for shopping, it can boast among its many attractions Cardiff Castle, St. David's Hall, the Millennium Stadium and Cardiff Bay. It is also the home of Doctor Who and Torchwood, making Cardiff the perfect place in which to do a bit of Who spotting or have your photo taken outside the Torchwood Hub, otherwise known as the Wales Millennium Centre (pictured above).

Penarth

Penarth is a coastal town, popular for its seafront promenade, pier and coastal clifftop walks.

Caerphilly

Caerphilly is best known for three things: Caerphilly Cheese, Caerphilly Castle and Tommy Cooper. Around a 40 minute drive from Coychurch the Castle, set in 30 acres of land, is one of the largest in Europe and the second largest in Britain after Windsor and is famous for its leaning tower which out-leans even the Tower of Pisa.

Castles and museums

Ogmore Castle

Albeit now mostly in ruins, Ogmore Castle sits on the banks of the River Ewenny on the way to Ogmore-by-Sea and is the perfect place to sit and while away the hours on a sunny afternoon. Stepping stones go across the river to the pretty village of Merthyr Mawr. 

Castell Coch

As you travel down the M4 towards Coychurch, you'll see Castell Coch (or Red Castle, in English) on your right just past Junction 32, nestled among the trees on the hillside overlooking the river. A real fairytale castle if ever there was one! Click here to visit its website.

Coity Castle

Coity Castle can be found in the nearby village of Coity, only a few minutes drive from Coychurch - although now in ruins, it was once an important Norman power base.

St. Fagans Museum of Traditional Welsh Life

St. Fagans is an open-air museum, situated on the outskirts of Cardiff, and is a fantastic place for anyone wanting to know more about the history of Wales and the Welsh people. Click here to visit the museum's website.

Beaches, Pleasure Parks and Shopping Outlets

Barry Island

Barry Island was once home to a large Butlins holiday camp, which has since been turned into the Barry Island Pleasure Park, housing over 50 rides and attractions.

Porthcawl

Porthcawl is part of the Glamorgan Heritage Coastline; Rest Bay is apparently very good for surfing, whilst the Kenfig Nature Reserve offers a nearby haven for birds and other wildlife. The massive Coney Beach Pleasure Park can also be found here.

Bridgend Designer Outlet Village

Located just off Junction 36 of the M4, this outlet boasts a wide range of shops and has an Odeon Entertainment Complex right next door.

And for anything we might have forgotten...

For more details on the places mentioned on this page, and a  whole lot of other information on what the rest of the area has to offer, you may find the Bridgend Tourism website useful.