Bridgend is a region rich in history and attractions ranging from castles built on the hills by the Norman to a priory nestled in a fruitful vale. And if you’re wondering what else you can uncover in a weekend and on a budget then let us help.
We’re Swansea Driveway specialists around Bridgend. That means we know every road and the best ways to explore. Here we’ll highlight the must visit historic attractions and the easiest route between each.
Why Bridgend Is Great for History Lovers
Bridgend is a mix of hills and coastal charm. Norman lords had the vision to build castles across the region in the 11th century. There’s even a priory built by monks, followed by iron works and a Victorian seaside boom in Porthcawl.
The result is a region that has the perfect mix of history and is close together with easy walking, exploring, and driving between each. And a few are worth visiting as a day trip for families with young children as they each have something unique to offer.
Newcastle Castle
Start your adventure in the heart of Bridgend, with Newcastle Castle. This 12th century fortress was built by the Norman lords and some of its features remain today.
The castles highlight is its carved gateway which is one of the best examples of its kind in the region. Another bonus is the castle is small so a visit can be completed in less than an hour.The castle’s hilltop position makes it easy to spot from the surrounding region.
Coity Castle
Coity Castle is a short drive from Bridgend and was a Norman castle that was later transformed into a grand home. The best place to see this is the great tower and mighty walls that surround the courtyard.
Walking the sites allows you to imagine what life was like long ago and the castle has interesting tunnels to explore. Kids love the steep stairs and spooky rooms.
Ewenny Priory
Ewenny Priory is a lovely priory built by monks in the 12th century, offering stunning views of the valley. The priory is made of stone and the walls are still standing.
The church is a place of prayer and there is a feeling of peace and tranquility that fills the air.The surrounding village is a major attraction with local potters creating unique wares in their workshops that can be found in a gift shop.
Ogmore Castle
Ogmore Castle is one of South Wales most popular historic attractions. The castle is set beside a river that winds through a wide valley. Grass almost meets the castle walls, with sheep grazing on the surrounding hills.
The best part about visiting Ogmore is the stepping stones, where kids can cross the river. These are best crossed on calm days, with the current slowing after heavy rainfall.
Merthyr Mawr and Candleston Castle
Merthyr Mawr is a pretty village of thatched cottages set in a landscape that feels like days gone by. Explore the village and its winding lanes and interesting churches.
Beyond the village, the scenery changes to rolling sand dunes where Candleston Castle is the local attraction to visit. Said to be the site of a village lost to the sands these are some the largest dunes in Europe.
Kenfig Castle and the Dunes
Kenfig has a strange tale, with the village and a Norman castle lost to the sands of time. Today the only sign of the ancient settlement is the castle tower that peaks above the dunes.
The local attraction is part of a nature reserve where the dunes are filled with rare plants and wildlife. It’s a great day out for families, with hikes through the sand and plenty of opportunities for spotting local wildlife. Be prepared with plenty of water and wellies for this adventure.
Porthcawl and the Victorian Coast
Porthcawl is the perfect place to experience the local Victorian coast. The local shops, fish and chip and ice creams are all still very popular with locals and visitors to the region.
The Best Routes to Explore
Here are three routes that are the perfect way to explore the region. Each route can be completed in a day. The first is the town trail, with the second being a river and priory route, while the last is a dunes and sea route.
Route one
It is perfect for a family day out, with Newcastle Castle making a fantastic start to your adventure. From the castle, a short drive takes you to another Norman attraction in the form of Coity Castle. End the day in Bridgend with a coffee in your hand. This route is ideal for families with young children and can be completed in half a day.
For the second route
It start at Ewenny Priory, browsing the local potters before heading to Ogmore Castle. Cross the stepping stones before ending the day in Merthyr Mawr, with a stroll through the village. This route takes most of the day to complete.
The third option
It is a dunes and sea route. Start in Kenfig, exploring the nature reserve before finishing your day in Porthcawl with a walk by the sea. The drive to Porthcawl takes most of the morning, with the afternoon being filled with sand.
Handy Tips for Your Visit
The opening times for each attraction can be found on the Cadw website. Good walking boots are essential in the region, as many attractions have grassy or sandy paths. A light waterproof jacket is also recommended, as the weather in Wales can be very changeable.
It’s best to set off early in the summer as car parks can fill up quickly. And finally, always check the tide times if exploring the coast.
More information on local travel and car parks can be found on the Bridgend County Borough Council website.
Going Further West
If you have time to spare, head west along the M4 to discover more of the region. Llanelli is around an hour’s drive from Bridgend and has a wealth of local attractions.
Llanelly House is a Georgian-style town house museum, while Pembrey Country Park has fabulous beaches and walks. Further along the M4 is Carmarthen, considered to be the oldest town in Wales. The town has a Roman amphitheatre and castle ruins, while a day trip west is the perfect way to experience the differences in homes and gardens from town to town.
Why Bridgend Homes Deserve a Good Driveway
Many of the homes that sit close to the historic attractions have unique charm and character.As a result, homeowners want to complete a tarmac driveway that is both aesthetically pleasing and long-lasting.
Here are the key facts to consider.
Tarmac driveways
Tarmac driveways in Bridgend cost between £45 and £75 to lay per square metre, with smaller drives costing between £1,500 and £2,500.
Durability.
A good tarmac driveway can last between 15 and 25 years. To help increase this, have a deep stone sub base laid.
Maintenance
It’s important to regularly sweep the drive and remove weeds and small cracks.
Drainage
The driveway should have a gentle fall away from your home.Large front garden driveway may require planning permission if water is running onto the road.
Design
Add a border of bricks or a gentle curve to the drive. Alternatively, choose between two tarmac colors: red and green, to create an attractive contrast with any period home.
Some homeowners prefer a smooth finish to their tarmac driveway. As a result we can also offer resin driveway installations in Bridgend. We provide resin bound driveways in Llanelli and can also install resin driveways in Carmarthen. Resin driveways have tiny holes in them, allowing water to drain through the driveway. Although they are more expensive than tarmac driveways they are a great alternative to block paved driveways and provide a fantastic contrast for period homes.
Think About the Whole Garden
Having a new driveway can be the perfect way to complete the outside space. Great landscapers in Llanelli and the surrounding region can complete hard landscaping in the same visit. This includes laying paths and patios, plus erecting fencing creating a cost-effective and time saving solution. Take a look at our page for Driveways Llanelli to see the full extent of our work.
Final Thoughts
Bridgend has a wealth of historic attractions that should not be missed. From Newcastle Castle and Coity Castle, to Ewenny Priory and Ogmore Castle, with Merthyr Mawr, Kenfig, and Porthcawl each offering something unique. With three suggested routes around the region, it’s easy to create a day or weekend getaway. Just make sure to leave early, bring a packed lunch, and a rain jacket with you.
Think about the first thing a visitor would see upon arriving at your home. A lovely driveway can make all the difference. For a new driveway contact Swansea Driveway today for a free quote. We will come to your home to measure the space before advising you on your options and providing you with a transparent quote.
Contact
Name: Swansea Driveways
Phone: 07836 267 418
Email: info@swanseadriveways.com
