St Quentins Castle, Llanblethian

Stretching 14 miles on the coastline of south Wales, Glamorgan Heritage Coast was one of Britain’s first designated heritage coastlines. The project, launched in 1973, covers a 14-mile stretch of coastline incorporating Porthcawl (in neighbouring Bridgend), Dunraven Park, Monknash Coast, St Donats, Summerhouse Point and the cheerful beach holiday resort of Barry Island. 

Featuring striking coastal countryside and lush green hills, the aim is to conserve the ‘unique character of its landscape and habitats’ for future generations.

Inland from here, tucked beneath the M4 and with Cardiff looming to the east, is the Vale of Glamorgan county borough – mostly known as The Vale. It’s a primarily rural and agricultural area and in 2003 – perhaps partly helped by its proximity to Cardiff – was determined to be the wealthiest area in Wales. Its main town is Barry, most famously the setting for the TV sitcom Gavin & Stacey. It’s still a popular seaside town, as is the Victorian resort of Penarth, further up the coast.