This time of year is one of our favourites to watch, with our gardens’ snowdrops giving way to the daffodils, crocuses and bluebells.

Here at the Coed, Spring is the time to exhale, explore and enjoy as the days grow longer and the sun shines brighter. Whether you want to explore the local shopping destinations or our stunning coast and countryside, everything is within easy reach.

Shopping, brunching and lunching

If high street bargains and designer finds are your thing, the McArthurGlen Designer Outlet is just 20 minutes west at Junction 36 of the M4.

Prefer your shopping a little less mainstream? Just 20 minutes east is the gorgeous market town of Cowbridge and its high street of mainly independent shops. You’ll find everything from deli foods to gifts, designer clothes and shoes to home and garden accessories – and more. Turn down a cobbled alleyway leading off the High Street and you’ll find it opens up into Verity’s Court, a courtyard full of local makers’ handcrafted wares.

You can’t beat our sister café, The Penny Farthing for brunch, drinks, tea, coffee and to-die-for cakes and our other place in Cowbridge, The Bear – a quintessential pub and former coaching inn that dates back to the 12th Century. It’s the heart of Cowbridge for locals and visitors, serving great food and drinks all day. And, if you show your Coed key card at either of our sister establishments, you’ll get 10% off your bill!

Walking coast and country in Bridgend County

We’re spoilt for choice here for great scenic walks with breathtaking views – choose a trail you fancy here. For the Glamorgan Heritage coast complete with castles, pubs and stepping stones, try Ogmore-by-Sea and Dunraven Bay at Southerndown, each just a 15-minute drive from The Coed – and you can visit the unique Ewenny Pottery on the way. There are plenty more local historic sites and castles, while a wander around the Bryngarw Country Park and its magnificent early 1900s Oriental Garden is good for the soul.

Within easy reach are the villages and forests of three stunning valleys – the Ogmore, the Llynfi and the Garw. For history (and warm Welshcakes!) Nash Point Beach and Lighthouse are around 20 minutes’ drive away. Our wonderful local nature reserves include Merthyr Mawr Warren National Nature Reserve whose sand dunes are the second largest in the world and featured in the 1960s film Lawrence of Arabia just ten minutes’ drive away, as is Merthyr Mawr village with its picture postcard thatched cottages, free-roaming peacocks and wobbly bridge. There are dunes, too, at Kenfig National Nature Reserve, just 15 minutes away, with spectacular views across Swansea Bay to the Gower.

Dog-friendly breaks

As well as treating your furry friends to all these walks, why not let them try the Dog Activity Trail at The Spirit of Llynfi Woodland?

Book your Wanderful Spring Escape below.