Things to do in and around The Coed
We’re in a fabulous location with something for everyone, from within our grounds to within a short drive.
Browse here for inspiration or call us to plan a stay to remember…
With us
Eat and drink really well!
Relax over drinks, lunch and dinner in our dog-friendly bars or in our Eliot restaurant and take your pick from a great wine list, cocktails and local ales. Or choose one of our famous selection of afternoon teas to enjoy inside or out – just be sure to book ahead!
With us
Soak up some history, ancient myth and legend
You’re exploring the same country house that welcomed Ivor Novello and David Lloyd George when it was local MP, Arthur Williams’ family home. Wander around our stunning parkland and there’s plenty of space to breathe, walk or run. Venture into our ‘whispering woods’ (the meaning of ‘Coed-y-Mwstwr’) and see if you can find the cave that was, as legend has it, the first resting place of King Arthur following his death.
Return to the 21st Century as we invite you to find your own favourite space to relax – by the fire, at the bar or deep in a comfy sofa.
With us
For the children
There’s plenty of variety on our Children’s Menu and our Town & Country activity pack will keep the little ones happy. They can run off any excess energy in the safe grounds - or try one of our family board games, available from Reception, for some quality quiet time.
Children of most ages enjoy the Merthyr Mawr dunes or you can choose this local pram-friendly trail. Bryngarw Country Park has over 100 acres of meadows and woodlands along the banks of the River Garw plus a playground, picnic areas and BBQs for hire.
The Royal Mint is just half an hour’s drive at Llantrisant and, for a free and fun day out, step back in time at St Fagans National Museum of History where you can experience close-up how we used to live.
If you're bringing the dog...
We want to make them as welcome as you are. As well as grounds to run around in, they are also welcome to join you in all areas except the restaurant. And, of course, for the ultimate doggy treat, book in for our Doggy Afternoon Tea.
As well as great coastal or countryside walks, why not try the local Dog Activity Trail. For more ideas of places to eat, shop and visit where your four-legged friends can join you, click here.
On the doorstep - and not far
Shop
For bargains, the McArthur Glen Designer Outlet is a short drive away and Cardiff’s award-winning shopping centre, boutique shopping in Victorian arcades and iconic indoor market are not far.
Just a 15-minute drive away is the gorgeous market town of Cowbridge with its eclectic High Street of independent and interesting shops from delis to designer to gifts. We recommend a trip to our sister café, The Penny Farthing for drinks, tea, coffee and to-die-for cakes. If it’s a historic pub you’re after, try our sister establishment and the heart of the town, The Bear, that dates back to the 12th Century, serving great food and drinks all day. And, if you show your Coed key card at either of our sister establishments, which are both on the High Street, you’ll get 10% off your bill!
On the doorstep - and not far
Walk
You’re in a great location for amazing coast and country walks. You’ve got the pick of every type of beach within 15 minutes’ drive at Porthcawl. For history (and warm Welshcakes!) as well as beach, take a walk at Nash Point Beach and Lighthouse, around 20 minutes’ drive away.
You’re within easy reach of three stunning valleys – the Ogmore, the Llynfi and the Garw, with gorgeous villages, forests and even some pubs – including the reportedly oldest in Wales.
For flora and fauna, we have wonderful local nature reserves: Merthyr Mawr Warren National Nature Reserve is a ten-minute drive away, with sand dunes including the second largest in the world, The Big Dipper, and famous for providing the Arabian desert backdrop in Lawrence of Arabia. The picturesque Merthyr Mawr village is worth a trip with its postcard thatched cottages, free-roaming peacocks and wobbly bridge.
Kenfig National Nature Reserve is one of the UK’s most important wildlife conservation sites with spectacular views across Swansea Bay to the Gower.
On the doorstep - and not far
Gardens, Heritage & Culture
There are historic sites and castles galore, from Norman times right through to World War 2, within easy reach of the hotel and our local towns all have interesting and varied heritage to explore. We’re also just ten minutes’ drive from the unique Ewenny Pottery, which has been run by the same family for eight generations. Bryngarw Country Park has a magnificent Oriental Garden that dates back to the early 1900s.
Also in nearby Cowbridge is the RHS award-winning Physic Garden and Old Hall Gardens.
On the doorstep - and not far
Golf, Activity & Adventure
The Coed-y-Mwstwr Golf Club is, as you would expect, on the doorstep. For aficionados, we’d recommend Royal Porthcawl, and for fun or lessons, try nearby Bridgend Golf’s family-friendly 9-hole course and driving range.
Cycling enthusiasts can enjoy traffic-free mountain biking options with views and wildlife. Adults and over-5s can try their hand at archery, axe-throwing and bushcraft, or take a trip to Porthcawl’s Rest Bay Watersports Centre, home to Porthcawl Surf School. A little further afield (45 minutes by car), why not unleash your inner adrenaline junkie at Zip Tower?
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