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The seaside resort town lies in the southern portion of County Glamorgan in South Wales. Pottery and tools indicate the location attracted people from Mesolithic times. The area has Iron Age hilltop forts and evidence suggests the Romans had a number of farmsteads. Other archaeological discoveries include a structure once used as a Roman naval military base. After the Romans left the country, civilizations continued using the complex through the 10th century. The region was a magnet for Viking invasion and islands off the coast bear Scandinavian names. During medieval times, St Baruc established a church here and the community adopted his name.
A noble family acquired much of the land here and took the saint’s name, calling themselves de Barri. The family constructed a castle on the high ground. Following the Norman Conquest landowners divided the territory into private manor estates. By the 1300s, Barry grew into a village, having a church, port and watermill. However, the community suffered a large loss in population with the arrival of the plague and after an invasion by Owain Glyndwr in the early 1400s. Three centuries passed before the community regained village status. In 1622, tax records indicate enclosed fields only contained 13 houses. The population surpassed 100 in 1871 and the Romily family contributed to the growth and development of Barry.
Barry became a coal port in the 1880s and a collection of collier owners developed the Barry Railway Company and constructed docks. In its first year of operation, the railway delivered one million tons of coal from the valleys to the docks. By 1903, this number exceeded nine million tons. The port contained numerous ships and a repair factory emerged. The docks additionally housed cold stores, a flourmill and an icehouse. Barry was the largest coal exporting location in the world by 1913. Terraced housing emerged behind the docks and Barry grew into a sizable town. The railway service also linked Barry with the mainland, enabling tourism and the development of a resort industry.
Activities and Attractions
Barry lies along the Wales coastal walking path that travels up and down the western shoreline. Porthkerry Country Park contains 222 acres (90 hectares) of cycling and walking paths leading to barbecue and picnic areas, play areas and a miniature golf course. Explore Barry and visit the historic buildings that include the remains of the fortified manor house constructed by the de Barri family. Stroll along miles of beaches or venture into the higher elevations of the cliffs and hills. Whitmore Bay is an expansive golden beach on Barry Island. Enjoy a carriage ride along the beach or find entertainment on the promenade with the many amusement facilities.
The pleasure park contains over 50 rides and amusements for the entire family. Water sports are popular with many who venture to Castle Rock via canoes or kayaks. Only visible at low tide, the site is a favourite picnic spot. Learn the legends surrounding the structure that includes tunnels linking to the Barry Castle and smuggling adventures. Enjoy a pleasure cruise along Bristol channel or embark on a deep sea-fishing trip. The Railway Heritage Centre depicts the history of the local railroad with exhibits and displays. Guests have the opportunity of riding on an authentic steam powered train. The Quasar provides paintball entertainment for guests of all ages.
Journey to the Welsh Hawking Centre and admire over 200 birds of prey. Learn the importance of these birds during the Middle Ages and see live flying demonstrations of eagles, hawks and owls. Visit the nursery and glimpse the newest members of the facility. The site also has horses, wildlife ponds, play areas and a café. The Brynhall and St. Andrews Major are two golf clubs in Barry for those interested in putting a few holes.
Places to Stay and Dining
Guests have the option of staying in country manor estates having Edwardian and Victorian period décor and furnishings. Participate in a game of crochet on the lawn or just enjoy the lush gardens and the view of the sea.
The Casa-Paco Restaurant serves a variety of traditional English and French cuisine. Indulge in flaky whitebait or try avocadoes filled with king prawns. The venue prepares a delightfully rich langoustino of king prawns in a creamy garlic and butter wine sauce. Try any number of French or Gaelic coffees while enjoying a meal.
Accommodation in Barry
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