Barry Island is a traditional British seaside resort, famous for its golden sands, amusement park and TV show Gavin and Stacey.
It was an island, with access possible on foot at low tide, until the 1880s, when it became better connected to the mainland as a result of the construction of Barry Docks in Barry Sound.
Around the same time, a railway was built to connect the docks to the coal mining areas of the South Wales valleys. The island was linked to the mainland by rail in 1896. The famous pleasure park was established on the island in 1897 and a Butlins’ holiday camp was built there in the 1960s.
In spite of the decline in local industry and the closure of the holiday camp in the 1980s, Barry waterfront remains a popular destination for a day out by the sea. Known affectionately as “Barrybados” by locals, the promenade is now famous as a filming location, mainly for the TV show “Gavin and Stacey”, but also for other shows including “Dr Who” and “Being Human”. Perfect for teens and grown ups who like a little action and excitement, Barry Island Pleasure Park will definitely get your pulse racing. There's a rollercoaster, log flume, dodgems and a waltzer. Younger kids will find plenty to keep them amused too, with trampolines, pedal boats and traditional fairground attractions.
This activity is self guided and we will supply a hand-out with further information. There are three direct trains from Cardiff Queen Street to Barry Island every hour. If starting from Cathays, take any southbound train and change at Cardiff Queen Street. We recommend buying a return ticket.
On arrival at Barry Island train station, you should see the pleasure park directly opposite. Turn right. Walk around the pleasure park, keeping the park on your left, until you see the sea. Then walk towards the sea until you see the beach.
A return train ticket to Barry Island will allow you to return to Cardiff from any of the Barry stations, including Barry and Barry Docks.