Seaside Nostalgia in Barry Island

Seaside Nostalgia in Barry Island

I remember as a child seeing the familiar sight of the log flume in the Pleasure Park and sitting in the car with a bag of chips.

My mother recalled her holidays there as a youngster whirring around on her roller skates at Butlins. It’s familiar, it’s nostalgic, and those days seemed long gone when Butlins and the Pleasure Park shut down. Even so, locals affectionately call Barry “Barrybados” (there’s a gift shop and merchandise with it on), and thanks to investment the Pleasure Park has reopened once again.

Gavin & Stacey

The beachfront at Barry Island has also had a makeover in recent years, particularly with the addition of huts in various vibrant colours. It’s great to see this regeneration as Barry town was used in the TV series Gavin & Stacey. I’ve not done a tour of the filming locations, but I imagine it’s a fun experience for fans of the show who are seeing Barry for the first time. As the name suggests, Barry Island was once an island, but nowadays it’s merged with the mainland and new housing estates have sprung up.

The Barry Island 10K

Summer is of course the main season for visitors, particularly on a hot day as it’s one of the closest beaches for people living in the vicinity of Cardiff. Summer also brings a variety of events, such as The Barry Island 10K on Sunday 7th August. The scenic route will take participating runners along the coast, local parks and streets in the town. 

Scenic walks along the Wales Coast Path

Even if I’m not looking for a new pair of running shoes right now, I do love a coastal walk and remember taking a stroll along the headland to enjoy the view across the bay, something I’m keen to do again soon - perhaps before or after a bag of chips, you know for old times sake...

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