I will be staying in Bridgend Wales for several weeks for school. In my free time I would like to explore. I will have a car part of the time. Any ideas of places I should go - and mode of transport - train, bus, car. Any other info.
An overnight trip is possible as well.
Thanks!
If going to Cardiff - probably best to use the trains. Be sure to see Cardiff Castle and travel down to the Bay (not a beach).
Bridgend is rather a miserable town and much of the retailing has moved to an Outlet Mall by the M4 in north Bridgend.
Short drives to the coast - Porthcawl and head for Rest Bay where you park, Then walk along the path alongside the golf course. Another short drive to the coast is to Ogmore and then to Southerndown. On the way to Ogmore, you may wish to stop at the ruined Ogmore Castle. A short walk across the stepping stones will lead to Merthyr Mawr where you will see some lovely thatched cottages.
(It is also possible to drive to MM). If you want cliff walks - drive to St.Donats - park by the wall and walk 2 fields to the coastal path.
Cowbridge is a lovely country town east of Bridgend. Combine that with a visit to Dyffryn Gardens near St.Nicholas.
Go by car E along M4 (Interstate) to Junction 32 for Tongwynlais & CASTELL COCH. On leaving the castle drive - turn hard left and go on backroads (if you don’t mind NARROW roads) & visit CAERPHILLY CASTLE (can also use the longer main road route). After that, return to M4 J32 & drive W to J33 than S for 2 miles on A4232 to visit ST,FAGANS CASTLE & MUSEUM.
Another trip - drive W on M4 to J43 and then A465 NE to Glyn Neath and PONTNEDDFECHAN. Then 30 minute walk up river from Angel Inn to a waterfall. If you want more waterfalls - return to car and follow signs for Ystradfellte. After about 4 miles you come to a place with yellow lines on the road indicating no parking. Find parking and follow track east where you can join the Four Waterfalls Trail. (Doing all four takes at least 3 hours). This area is the BRECON BEACONS NATIONAL PARK and has much more to see.
Also suggest you visit the GOWER peninsula (west of Swansea) for stunning coastline. Be sure to go to RHOSSILI. (Lovely bays SOUTH of the car park - the herd just see the main beach to the north).
Another full day should be a drive to TENBY in SW WALES = about a 1 hour 20 minute drive from Bridgend.
Google the places mentioned.
Lots of good ideas from James. I'd also add Chepstow with its ruined castle and the Wye Valley with Tintern Abbey. Return via Raglan Castle and Usk.
Another possible would to be to head to Abergavenny and do a detour up through Llanvihangel Crucorney to the isolated Llanthony Priory. Return to Abergavenny and then up through Crickelhowell to Tretower Court and Castle.
