Bridgend

Bridgend is a town located in the county borough of Bridgend, South Wales. It is situated midway between the cities of Cardiff and Swansea, approximately 20 miles (32 km) west of Cardiff and 22 miles (35 km) east of Swansea.

Bridgend is home to beautiful surf-ready beaches and world-class golf courses

The town is located at the confluence of three rivers: the River Ogmore, the River Ewenny, and the River Garw, and is surrounded by rolling hills and countryside. Bridgend has a population of around 39,000 people and is known for its historic buildings, shopping centres, and cultural attractions, such as the Carnegie House arts centre and the Bryngarw Country Park. The surrounding areas include a number of small towns and villages, such as Pencoed, Porthcawl, and, the Ogmore Valley and Maesteg, which offer a range of outdoor activities, from hiking and cycling to surfing and beachcombing.

There are many places to explore near Bridgend

Ogmore Castle

This ruined castle is located near the village of Ogmore-by-Sea and offers stunning views of the coastline and river.

Porthcawl

This seaside resort town is located a few miles south of Bridgend and offers a range of attractions, including beaches, amusement parks, and a pleasure pier.

Kenfig National Nature Reserve

This nature reserve is located near Porthcawl and features sand dunes, a lake, and a range of wildlife.

Many colours of tulips growing in the wild

Bryngarw Country Park

This park is located in Bridgend and features a range of walking trails, a visitor centre, and a tea room.

Merthyr Mawr Sand Dunes

This natural wonder is located near Bridgend and features some of the largest sand dunes in Europe, as well as a historic village and castle.

Llandaff Cathedral

This medieval cathedral is located in the city of Cardiff, a short drive from Bridgend, and is a must-visit for history and architecture enthusiasts.

Margam Country Park

This country park is located near Port Talbot and features a historic house, gardens, a farm trail, and a deer park.

The Wales Coast Path

This long-distance walking trail follows the Welsh coastline and offers a variety of routes and terrains to explore.

The Rhondda Heritage Park

This museum is located in the town of Treorchy and tells the story of the Welsh coal mining industry.

Caerphilly Castle

This impressive castle is located in the town of Caerphilly, a short drive from Bridgend, and is the largest castle in Wales.

There are many activities to try in Bridgend

Surfing

Head to Porthcawl Beach and take a surf lesson from one of the many surf schools in the area.

Cycling

Hire a bike and explore the countryside and coastal trails around Cowbridge.

Hiking

Explore the nearby hills and countryside by taking a hike through the Bridgend area, including the Garw Valley and the Llynfi Valley.

Mountain biking

Take on the challenge of the nearby mountain bike trails, such as the Garw Valley Trail and the Afan Forest Park.

Golfing

Play a round of golf at one of the many golf courses near Bridgend, including the Royal Porthcawl Golf Club and the Pyle & Kenfig Golf Club.

Water sports

Try your hand at kayaking, paddleboarding, or coasteering along the beautiful Welsh coast.

Shopping

Visit the popular McArthur Glen Designer Outlet, Bridgend with over 90 high-street and designer brands with up to 60% off and unbeatable discounts all year round from brands like Ted Baker, Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger.

Horse riding

Take a horse riding lesson or trek through the hills and countryside with one of the many equestrian centres in the area.

Indoor trampoline park

Try indoor trampolining and Laser tag at Wales biggest trampoline park, Jump Jam, Bridgend

Archery

Try your hand at archery at the Black Rock Archery Centre in Porthcawl.

Go-karting

Enjoy the thrill of go-karting at the Teamsport Go Karting Centre in Cardiff.

Bridgend FAQs

Bridgend is a town in the county borough of Bridgend, which is located in the southern part of Wales, United Kingdom. It is situated approximately halfway between the cities of Cardiff and Swansea, and is just a few miles inland from the coastline of the Bristol Channel. The town is surrounded by rolling hills and countryside, and is situated at the confluence of the River Ogmore and the River Garw.

The school population is the 7th largest in Wales, and the authority is responsible for a total of 59 schools.

Bridgend is a County Borough Council in South Wales, on the coast between Swansea and Cardiff. The authority covers 20 communities: Brackla, Bridgend, Cefn Cribwr, Coity Higher, Coychurch Higher, Coychurch Lower, Cornelly, Garw Valley, Laleston, Llangynwyd Lower, Llangynwyd Middle, Maesteg, Merthyr Mawr, Newcastle Higher, Ogmore Valley, Pencoed, Porthcawl, Pyle, St Bride's Minor and Ynysawdre.

(Stats taken from leveltheplayingfield.wales, April 2023)

Properties in Bridgend had an overall average price of £239,088 over the last year.

(Stats taken from Rightmove, April 2023)

Bridgend has a good transportation network, with a variety of options for getting around the town and the surrounding area. These include trains, buses and taxis. Bridgend is well-connected to the rest of South Wales via several major roads, including the M4 motorway.

Bridgend and its surrounding area have a number of popular attractions, including:

Ogmore Castle
Merthyr Mawr Sand Dunes
Bryngarw Country Park
Kenfig National Nature Reserve
Coity Castle
Bridgend Designer Outlet
Porthcawl
Laleston Village
Bridgend Market

Bridgend has a rich and varied history, dating back to the prehistoric period. The area was inhabited by Celtic tribes, who established a number of hillforts in the region. During the Roman occupation of Britain, the area was part of the province of Britannia and was home to a number of Roman settlements and forts.

In the 20th century, Bridgend continued to grow and develop, with new industries such as engineering and electronics emerging in the area. During World War II, Bridgend was a key location for the manufacture of munitions and aircraft parts, and the town played an important role in the war effort.

There are several good places to stay in Bridgend and the surrounding area, catering to a range of budgets and preferences. Here are a few options:

1. Coed-Y-Mwstwr Hotel
2. The Great House Hotel
3. Days Inn Bridgend Cardiff M4
4. The Heronston Hotel & Spa
5. Ty Gwyneth Guest House
6. The Three Golden Cups Inn

Bridgend hosts a range of popular events throughout the year, catering to a variety of interests. Here are a few examples:

1. Bridgend Feastival
2. Porthcawl Elvis Festival
3. Bridgend Christmas Market
4. Maesteg Harlequins Carnival
5. Bridgend County Show
6. Bridgend Arts Festival