This is a wonderful place for a walk! Not only is Richard Burton's childhood home here (a terraced…read morehouse on the main road) and one of the entrances to the massive Afan Argoed Forest Park, but there is an impressive, mile long circular walk you can do here which will take you over both a tall 19th century viaduct and a disused aqueduct! Start opposite the shop in Pontrhydyfen (there is only one!) and take the left hand fork facing you (Station Road) instead of going down the steep hill. Walk along here past the cemetery and a little further on turn right onto the aqueduct. After appreciating the marvellous views of the Afan Valley, cross to the other side, turn right into the village of Oakwood and walk to the end. Follow a grassy track which winds down some steps and then turn right onto the viaduct. This is another great place for views back over the village of Pontrhydyfen and the aqueduct, although the sides are high - you might need to stand on tiptoe! Keep going until a woodland 'crossroads' then turn right and follow the river back to the road, where you will turn left and left again up the steep hill to take you back to where you started. Not far from where we live and a walk we often enjoy at all times of year.

Coity Castle is a magical place full of distant battle cries and that incredible sense that…read moreimportant things have happened there. Built in 1100 and then rebuilt after a siege by Owain Glyndwr, this is a castle often overlooked by visitors to Wales, despite its extremely important part in Welsh history. Although other castles, such as Cardiff Castle, Caerphilly Castle and Castell Coch, are more visited, I would argue that it's the lesser known relics which are more interesting. This Medieval castle is built up on a hill, with clear evidence of moats, and looks almost like a half-rotten tooth sticking up into the sky. It has just as much grandeur and fairy-tale quality as a person could ask for in a castle. This historic site is well worth a visit; sunset will reward you will specular photographs and views.

This is another of South Wales's impressive Norman Castles, standing in ruins near the town of…read moreBridgend in South Wales, not far from Cardiff. It was built by Sir Payn "the Demon" de Turberville, one of the legendary Twelve Knights of Glamorgan who are supposed to have conquered the area under the leadership of Robert FitzHamon, Lord of Gloucester. Although it was originally built soon after 1100, a lot of the castle actually dates from the fourteenth century and later. Parts of it were rebuilt following the siege by Owain Glyn Dr in 1404-05. Despite being in ruins, there are still plenty of interesting features to see - including the remains of the central octagonal pillar for the vaults of the castle. If you have OS map 170 the reference is SS 923815. Nearby you can also visit Newcastle and Ogmore Castles in a day trip.

I've walked past this statue many times over the years but only recently tried to find out some…read moreinformation about it! It appears to be a mermaid of sorts, in some kind of yoga position (at least, that is how it has always looked to my uneducated eyes). It is indeed a mermaid, carved in Portland stone by Peter Nicholas FRBS, ARCA, and weighing three tons. The dimensions are: 152cm in height, 122cm width and 122cm in depth. The circular form represents the cycle of life, its evolution from the sea to dry land and is also symbolic of Porthcawl's long association with the sea. It is signed at the bottom, P.W. NICHOLAS. 1993. Peter studied at the Cardiff Art School and the Royal College of Art and has exhibited all over Britain. He works mainly in marble and stone creating both small and large works. This sculpture is found on the grass in Seabank Gardens in West Drive (across the road from the Seabank Hotel) and beside a public seating area.

Initially a Norman castle, this great building appears to have been refortified by Henry II in the…read more1180s, which can be spotted in the very high quality of the masonry. Like many historic buildings in Wales, this castle is looked after by Cadw, the Welsh Assembly Government's historic environment service. Free to visitors, the monument is set in a picturesque location overlooking the River Ogmore and the town of Bridgend. Established in the early 1100s by Robert FitzHamon, first Norman lord of Glamorgan, it's visited by quite a few tourists staying in Cardiff - often combining this site with visits to nearby Coity and Ogmore Castles, packing three monuments into one day. For those living in Cardiff these castles are also worth a day trip if you're interested in Welsh history and monuments, and on a fine day it makes a nice spot for a picnic or taking photos. If you have an OS map, the reference is 170: SS 902801

Standing on the Promenade opposite the Aquadome since 2007 and interesting to see, this is actually…read moreWales' tallest sculpture being 12 meters high and weighing 11 tonnes. It was designed by the Carmarthenshire sculptor and artist Andrew Rowe. There were supposed to be two of these metal sculptures which were inspired by the tails of a kite I have no idea what happened to the other as I've only ever seen one here.

This is a lovely place to walk to take the sea air! The middle of it is situated very close to the…read moretown centre (and car parks). During the summer months a little tourist 'road train' runs along the Esplanade as far as Rest Bay to the west. On one side of the road you can look out across the rocky beach and the Bristol Channel. One the other, you will pass the well known Grand Pavillion (a venue for many famous performers through the years) and also many fine houses and modern apartments. If you are on foot, the pavement 'runs out' before you can reach Rest Bay but you can continue over grass. Somewhere I have visited many times (the most recent being today!)

If you're into your monastic history, then this is the place to come! This is an impressive Norman…read morepriory founded by Benedictine monks in the 12th century. The priory itself is now a private house and is set within a fortified perimeter wall, which is huge and looming, and quite a feat of architecture in itself. But the church is still used today and open to the public most of the year. But the reason you come here, I would say, is the same reason one might visit a cathedral: there is a certain air of calm and tranquillity wrapped up in tradition and wonderful architecture. When light streams into the church, it can be breathtakingly beautiful in that quiet kind of way. This is quite a quiet spot where parking is easy and picnicking even more so. A good place to bring studious children, grandparents or people with a keen interest in the historical or religious.

If you're taking a trip out of Cardiff to explore the surrounding towns, villages and countryside…read moreacross the Vale of Glamorgan, it's well worth visiting this impressive Norman monastic church on your travels. Founded for Benedictine monks of Gloucester Abbey by the Norman lord of Glamorgan in the 12th century, today the site is looked after by Cadw, the Welsh Assembly's historic environment service ('Cadw' means 'to keep' in Welsh). It is unusual because it sits within a fortified perimeter wall, much of which is still standing, and it is regarded as the most complete Norman Church in South Wales. The priory was later converted into a private house, but the nave is still in use as a Parish church, and restoration work has been carried out by Cadw there fairly recently. At the eastern end of the church you can see tombs containing the de Londres family (the family of the Norman lord who founded the place). It can be found just off the road leading from Bridgend to Llantwit Major. When you enter the churchyard, look out for the magnificent big Yew tree standing outside - some experts say this type of tree was planted in graveyards to represent immortality and resurrection.

An interesting old ruined Norman castle which is, unfortunately, on the edge of the Morrison's Car…read morePark in Neath so not the best setting to see an ancient monument. There were once two castles in Neath but this is the only one which remains, although there is only part of the gatehouse left standing today. Free to visit and close to the town centre and river.

I first saw the sand dunes from the other side of the river at Ogmore…read more Merthyr Mawr Sand Dunes are situated about one mile outside the village of Merthyr Mawr. Once the largest sand dune system in Europe they are a huge network, spreading across towards the Ogmore/Porthcawl coast. The dunes also claim fame to the highest single sand dune in Europe, known as the 'big dipper'. The dunes are very popular with kids for rolling and sliding down, (me included)runners for training (once saw Lynn Davies, Olympic long-jump gold medallist, running up them) and local wildlife enthusiasts. Scenes from the famous film Lawrence of Arabia were filmed at the dunes. Good desert little heat :) There is a footpath to the village of Merthyr Mawr and then one to Ogmore and its castle. WONDERFUL (dangerous?) stepping stones across the river). Also nearby is Candlestone (Candleston) Castle. (Really a fortified manor house.) A truly great area to spend a day or two exploring and picnicing. Race you up the big dipper!

A beautiful place for a walk in the summer and winter. Ogmore river running nearby so if it gets…read moretoo hot can always go for a dip in the river or the sea. The dunes are also idea for sports training and are often used by athletes for sprint training.

Just a few miles from the M4, this Park has 113 acres of woodlands and lakes to wander around, and…read morepaths beside the River Garw. There are also formal, ornamental gardens and a Japanese style Tea Garden Pavilion. Refreshments, available in season, can be found next to the car park. For a more formal meal, there's the Harlequin Restaurant at the house. A nice place to walk.

Was married at bryngarw house 24th oct 2009. Also held our…read morereception there and the weather appart,bryngarw proved tobe the perfect wedding venue. Would highly recomend everything associated with country house and there staff.