words by: Hannah Wild
Living in Wales, we are lucky enough to have some of the UKÔÇÖs most spectacular landscapes on our doorstep. However, it is easy to become so wrapped up in city life that we forget to explore these incredible sights, and what Wales has to offer. Here are some of my favourite places to visit in Wales which arenÔÇÖt commonly spoken of, but are great days out within an hour of Cardiff.
Cowbridge
Location: Vale of Glamorgan, Wales
Travel time from Cardiff: 30 minutes (car) 41 minutes (bus)
Craving an autumnal Sunday day out? Look no further than Cowbridge. Nestled within the Vale of Glamorgan, this market-town beholds an abundance of coffee shops, pubs, and charity shops, perfect for those who adore a Sunday of mooching around. Cowbridge is the ideal place to escape the madness of city life and experience pure tranquillity. If visiting the town, immerse yourself amongst the independent shops which line the high street, ensuring you leave enough time to stock up on some goodies from Elephant & Bun as a souvenir (I highly recommend the Welsh cakes). Once youÔÇÖve shopped till youÔÇÖve dropped and visited one of CowbridgeÔÇÖs many luncheonettes, take a stroll to CowbridgeÔÇÖs Physic Garden, located just off the high street. Here you can take the afternoon to relax and recuperate, taking in the breadth of plants on display. CowbridgeÔÇÖs picturesque, small-town charm is a novelty to those living in a bustling city, and why it boasts such an appeal.
Chepstow Racecourse
Location: Monmouthshire, Wales
Travel time from Cardiff: 45 minutes (car/bus) 1 hour 10 minutes (train)
Dig out your best finery and, to be brutally honest, get ready to spend all your moneybecause were off to the races! Chepstow Races is one of Cardiff University students most favoured events of the year, given that its a day of drinking in the sun (ideally), and the opportunity to dress head to toe in tweed, not forgetting the flat caps. Once youve arrived at the racecourse, ensure you pick up a programme containing the events of the day to aid your horse of choice, whether it be chosen strategically, or in my case, the jockey with the best jersey. Place your bets at the bookies and purchase an extortionately priced pint ready to let the day unfold, hopefully returning home with winnings in hand and the ability to gloat that you are now an expert in horse racing.
Tip! Events ran by Invades are hosted specifically for university students, meaning that your ticket includes transport to and from the venue, enabling you to fully immerse yourself in the culture of horse racing.
Ogmore Beach
Location: Vale of Glamorgan, Wales
Travel time from Cardiff: 37 minutes (car) 53 minutes (train)
The coastline of South Wales is home to some of WalesÔÇÖs most scenic and striking beaches, with Ogmore beach beholding one of the most impressive coastal landscapes. If you enjoy a wintery beach walk, or are getting bored of spending your summer beach days at Barry Island, take a trip to Ogmore-by-the-sea to explore WalesÔÇÖs beautiful landscape. The 40 minute car journey provides the perfect amount of time for a mini-road trip, particularly in the summer. Blast your music out the open windows as you sail through the Welsh hills, keeping a look out for sheep who tend to appear on the roads as you pass through the town of Ogmore. Ogmore beach is incredibly popular due to the sheer amount of sand which is exposed at low tide, appealing to those who enjoy catching the sunrise or sunset, or the opportunity to walk for miles. Ogmore beach is perhaps one of the lesser known beaches within proximity to Cardiff but is a great alternative to Barry Island or Penarth, differing in its expansive shore which facilitates a plethora of beach activities.
OtisÔÇÖ house (Sex Education)
Location: Symonds Yat Rock, Wye Valley
Travel time from Cardiff: 1 hour (car)
Sex Education┬áis one of NetflixÔÇÖs most successful shows of all time, renowned for its progressive content, picturesque scenery, and ability to relate to the modern teenager. The series is predominantly filmed on the England-Wales border in the county of Herefordshire, meaning many iconic locations are on CardiffÔÇÖs doorstep. Protagonist OtisÔÇÖ house is only an hourÔÇÖs drive from Cardiff, situated in the Wye Valley at Symonds Yat Rock East. The 100 year old house known as ÔÇÿThe ChaletÔÇÖ is positioned above the River Wye with breath-taking views of the Wye Valley. The Chalet can be rented as a short-stay holiday home accommodating up to 10 people ÔÇô perfect for a staycation with your friends (if you have ┬ú3,600 to spare). If you canÔÇÖt quite justify that price, take the footpath at the bottom of the valley to walk directly past the side of the house whilst having a peek at the interior as you climb. If you fancy, continue climbing for 30 minutes until you reach Yat Rock to see spectacular panoramic views of the valley. Once youÔÇÖve retreated back down the path, reward yourself with a pub lunch and a pint in The Saracens Head Inn whilst overlooking the kayakers and canoers on the river, keeping a look out for Asa Butterfield and Emma Mackey (just in case they are around).┬á┬á
