Beach lovers in Bristol often stick to the West Country when considering a day trip, but South Wales can rival the South West when it comes to beautiful coastal spots. One of the best-known is Barry Island, but just a short walk from its bustling seafront is a “hidden” spot that locals recommend.
According to WalesOnline, Jackson’s Bay is a “haven free from the tourists, fairground rides, and ice cream lovers” of its much more famous neighbour. It advises: “Although Barry’s main beach is famous everywhere, Jackson’s Bay is a hidden gem offering a more peaceful beach experience.”
It is just a 15-minute walk away from Whitmore Bay, where Barry Island’s main beach and colourful huts are. Jackson’s Bay is dog-friendly all year round and offers facilities including public toilets, a snack and coffee kiosk and even a wood-fired sauna that can be hired out.
The local tourism board Visit the Vale advises on its website: “Jackson’s Bay is a small, secluded, sandy cove very popular with locals. It is backed by high cliffs and has good sandy beach. It is accessed down a steep path from Redbrink Crescent and also along ‘Clement Colley Walk’ which runs around the headland to Barry Island.”
Its proximity to a much bigger destination means visitors can even get the train there, as it is only a 12-minute walk from Barry station. WalesOnline also notes: “You can get to the hidden cove by a scenic coastal walk around the headland from Whitmore Bay on the Clements Colley Walk but it’s best to check the tide times as the walk isn’t always possible during high tide.
“If you choose not to do the walk you will have to walk down a steep path down the rich red sandstone cliffs.” There are a few free two-hour parking spots nearby but it is recommended to use Nell’s Point car park a short walk away.
Visitors can pack a picnic to bring on a sunny day, or warm up with a hot chocolate, sausage roll or another snack at the Knotty Yachty hut, located nearby at Barry Yacht Club and Lifeboat Station. Even warmer still is the Môr A Sawna, which advertises “stunning panoramic views of the harbour, lighthouse, sea overlapping the sandy shore, and the dramatic cliff edges that create a cosy cove”.
One visitor to the bay wrote on TripAdvisor last summer: “We took a walk from Whitmore Bay to Jackson’s Bay. What a nice walk and lovely scenery. A nice bay, small and hardly anybody there.”
Another described it as “the hidden beach” but advised caution with accessibility. The reviewer shared: “Much nicer than the barry island side less people more relaxed. A little awkward to get to if you are not good on your feet as you have to go down a steep pathway could be tricky if you have a wheelchair.”
Bristol beach-goers can drive to Barry Island in as little as an hour and 15 minutes, although that is dependant on M4 traffic. Alternatively, get a direct train to Cardiff Central – from there, trains to Barry take about 40 minutes.