Things to do in and around the bear

We’re in a fabulous location with something for everyone, all on the doorstep or 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 and food in our bars or restaurant – a great wine list, local gin and real ales. Go traditional in our Lounge Bar, or lively and dog-friendly in our Grill Bar or our all-weather al fresco space. From light bites and lunches to a la carte dining, there’s something for every appetite and time of day.

Pop just across the road and enjoy a fantastic breakfast just across the road in our Penny Farthing cafe - it’s also brilliant for lunch, cakes and afternoon tea. 

(Our Sunday roast is really popular – lots of choice, local meat and vegetables and as much gravy as you’d like – so we’d recommend you book.)

With us

Take your (comfy) place in our history

Wander around The Bear and you’ll find lots of historic markers, from mediaeval crests to our restaurant where Napoleon was held captive! 

We love the heritage of our special places but you’ll be glad to know that our present-day level of comfort is very much 21st Century. So you’ll also find plenty of choice as we invite you to find your own favourite spot – by the fire, at the bar, in our inside/outside courtyard space or deep in a comfy sofa.

With us

For the children

Our Little Bear Cubs menu and board games from reception will keep the little ones full up and busy. 

As well as our local park and duck pond, you can explore pram-friendly trails. Or pop along to the nearby  Warren Mill Farm Park or the Amelia Trust Farm and Donkey Sanctuary.

The Royal Mint is just half an hour’s drive as is a traditional day at the beach in beautiful Barry Island. Rent a beach hut, walk in Gavin and Stacey’s footsteps at the amusement arcades, or try mini golf or the beachside rides.

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 make them as welcome as you are! They can join you in the bar or in our outside bar and restaurant, too. 

The Vale is the ideal place to holiday with dogs as there are great walksplaces to eat and shop and visit where they are welcome right here in Cowbridge and beyond. Paws in the Vale is an excellent source of information on all things dog-friendly and have a handy list of year-round dog-friendly beaches, too.

On the doorstep - and not far 

Shop

We’re right on Cowbridge High Street, with boutique shopping from delis to designer clothes, from gifts to home and garden all just a wander away. 

Every Saturday there’s the Farmers Market, and even a couple of local vineyards you can visit - St Hilary Vineyard and Glyndwr Vineyard.

Cardiff’s just half an hour away with its award-winning St David’s shopping centre, array of independent boutiques in stunning Victorian and Edwardian arcades and iconic indoor market for foodies and shopaholics alike.

Eat & Drink

Being on the High Street means there are lots of other foodie places to explore within walking distance. Not just cafes, bars, pubs and restaurants, but also places to visit. Every Saturday there’s the Farmers Market, there are a couple of local vineyards - St Hilary Vineyard and Glyndwr Vineyard.

On the doorstep - and not far 

Walk

We’re in a great location for town, coast and country walks. Pick your favourite from every type of beach along the Glamorgan Heritage Coast, all within a half-hour drive. 

For history (and warm Welsh cakes) too, Nash Point Beach and Lighthouse is around 20 minutes’ drive away. For a stunning countryside amble, try The National Trust’s Lanlay Meadows or, for everything in one place, Porthkerry Country Park in nearby Barry has 220 acres of countryside as well as a pebble beach and spectacular cliffs.

For more ideas, take a look through Ten Vale Trails. Wherever you choose, we can provide you with a Welsh afternoon tea picnic – just let Reception know the day before. And, if it’s the ideal picnic location you’re after, we can help with that, too.

On the doorstep - and not far 

Gardens, Heritage & Culture

Cowbridge has its own Blue Plaque Trail which you can start from our doorstep and there is also one for Llantwit Major, just a 15-minute drive away. The RHS award-winning Physic Garden and Old Hall Gardens are just across the road, with the National Trust’s Edwardian Dyffryn Gardens 20 minutes away, along with the nearby neolithic Tinkinswood and St Lythans Chambered Tombs. 

There are historic sites and castles galore within easy reach. For local myths and legends, download the Vale Tales app and our local C18th poet, Iolo Morgannwg, will tell you all as you visit. If your tastes are a bit more contemporary, why not try the Gavin & Stacey Tour around nearby Barry or one of Cardiff’s Doctor Who tours?

On the doorstep - and not far 

Golf, Activity & Adventure

There are lots of golf courses to explore near us, from 20 minutes away at Cottrell Park, to next to the sea at Southerndown or further afield at Royal Porthcawl.

If you want something a bit more active, karting at Llandow circuit or paintballing, laser tag and more at Penllyn are each just ten minutes’ drive away. Or why not tackle south Wales’s highest mountain – Pen-y-Fan – an hour and a quarter away in Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park (just be sure to choose the route that’s right for you – some are harder than others!).

And, if you’re up for something different, unleash your inner adrenaline junkie at Zip Tower around an hour’s drive away.

Fun Fact

Oscar-winning actor Sir Anthony Hopkins went to school in Cowbridge and TV personality Anneka Rice was born here. 

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All registered at 63 High Street, Cowbridge, CF71 7AF