Pictures of Bridgend

in the county of Bridgend

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About Bridgend

The Vale of Glamorgan has some splendid valley's and old market town's. Bridgend is an old established market town with a long history. It stands in a spot where the Ogmore, Garw and Llynfi valley's meet, at a point where the waters of the Ogmore River surges towards the sea.

Above the town, a wooded hill shows the remains of an old Norman castle, this echoes the drama of the region in early times when because of constant raiders there was the need to build fortifications.

In more recent times, coal played an important part in the life of the town. In the 17th century the valley's north of the town opened up coal mines, with the Llynfi valley being the first. Iron works and Brickworks were also established in the region, but throughout Bridgend retained its identity as a market town with no coal fields of its own.

During the World War II Bridgend had an important munitions factory and a Prisoner of War Camp. Unlike its near neighbours of Swansea and Cardiff, the town was never blitzed. Following the war years, the town grew at a rapid pace, factories set up and new housing developed. It also became the headquarters for the South Wales Police. Later, Margaret Thatcher's government was to lead to a period of social unrest and the closure of the valley's mines.

Today, the town remains a popular gathering place on market days, it also acts as a base for people wishing to discover hidden valley's and the counties beautiful heritage coast which is backed by high hills with stunning sea and coastal views. There are many charming little bays offering excellent sailing and good opportunities for surfing. Bridgend offers the unique experience of a lovely Welsh market town combined with valley landscapes, a golden coast, and a wealth of visitor attractions.

Planning a visit? Please see below for other recommended towns, attractions and recommended hotels nearby.

Distances and directions below are approximate. For true driving distances please visit the AA Route Planner

Recommended attractions near Bridgend

Newcastle, Bridgend	(0.4 miles, 0.7 km)	Pictures
Coity Castle	(1.9 miles, 3.0 km, direction NE)	Pictures
Ogmore Castle	(2.0 miles, 3.2 km, direction SW)	Pictures
Bryngarw Country Park	(3.5 miles, 5.6 km, direction N)	Pictures
Margam Country Park	(6.9 miles, 11.1 km, direction NW)	Pictures
Nash Lighthouse	(7.5 miles, 12.0 km, direction S)	Pictures
Old Beaupre Castle	(8.2 miles, 13.1 km, direction SE)	Pictures
Afan Argoed Country Park	(10.4 miles, 16.7 km, direction NW)	Pictures
St. Fagans Castle	(13.0 miles, 21.0 km, direction E)	Pictures
Porthkerry Country Park	(14.0 miles, 22.5 km, direction SE)	Pictures
Castell Coch	(14.2 miles, 22.9 km, direction E)	Pictures
Aberdulais Falls & Historic Site	(14.7 miles, 23.6 km, direction NW)	Pictures
Dare Valley Country Park	(14.9 miles, 24.0 km, direction N)	Pictures
Barry Island Pleasure Park	(15.6 miles, 25.1 km, direction SE)	Pictures
Caerphilly Castle	(16.0 miles, 25.8 km, direction E)	Pictures

All attractions in Bridgend
All attractions in Bridgend
Complete A to Z of attractions in Wales

Recommended towns near Bridgend

Southerndown, in the county of Glamorgan (3.8 miles, 6.2 km, direction SW)
The village of Southerndown is set back from the dramatic dry-stone cliffs surrounding Dunraven Bay, these are mostly formed by alternate layers of limestone and shale, which give the cliffs their unusually regular pattern.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Cardiff, in the county of Glamorgan (17.3 miles, 27.9 km, direction E)
Cardiff, vibrant capital city of Wales is located on the banks of the beautiful, meandering River Taff. It is an ancient city with an amazing history and strong maritime connections.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Culbone, in the county of Somerset (19.9 miles, 32.0 km, direction S)
A small hamlet that is not accessible by car. St Culbone's Church is the smallest parish church in England.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Selworthy Green, a Picturesque Village in the county of Somerset (20.6 miles, 33.1 km, direction S)
Selworthy Green is the start of a picturesque walk through steep woodlands to the gorse-gold and heather clad summit of Selworthy Beacon from which there are magnificent views over the undulating countryside.
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Porlock, in the county of Somerset (20.7 miles, 33.2 km, direction S)
Once, long before the 11th-century when the sea receded the village of Porlock was a Port..
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Oare, a Picturesque Village in the county of Somerset (21.2 miles, 34.1 km, direction S)
Thus, it was unsurprising to learn that this was the setting for R.D.Blackmore's famous novel, Lorna Doone.
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Minehead, in the county of Somerset (21.4 miles, 34.4 km, direction S)
Minehead is a quintessential English seaside resort on the beautiful Somerset coast whose mild climate has been a magnet for...
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Combe Martin, a Picturesque Village in the county of Devon (28.7 miles, 46.2 km, direction SW)
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All towns in Bridgend
Complete A to Z of towns in Wales

Nearby travel help

Bridgend Station	(0.3 miles, 0.5 km)
Wildmill Station	(0.9 miles, 1.4 km)
M4 Junction 36	(1.7 miles, 2.7 km, direction N)
M4 Junction 35	(3.6 miles, 5.8 km, direction E)
Cardiff International Airport	(12.5 miles, 20.0 km, direction SE)
Bristol International Airport	(38.3 miles, 61.6 km, direction E)
Bridgend to London	(148.9 miles, 239.6 km, direction E)

Hotels & Accommodation in Bridgend

Hotel Name	Approximate distance from Bridgend center
Best Western Heronston Hotel	(1.1 miles, 1.7 km)
Court Colman Manor	(1.9 miles, 3.0 km, direction NW)
Days Inn Bridgend Cardiff	(2.2 miles, 3.5 km, direction N)
St Mary's Hotel Golf & Country Club	(4.6 miles, 7.5 km, direction E)
Blue Seas Bed and Breakfast	(4.7 miles, 7.6 km, direction SW)
Vale Hotel, Golf & Spa Resort	(8.6 miles, 13.8 km, direction E)
Blanco's Hotel	(10.8 miles, 17.5 km, direction NW)
Heritage Park Hotel	(10.9 miles, 17.6 km, direction NE)
Best Western Aberavon Beach Hotel	(11.9 miles, 19.1 km, direction NW)
Days Inn Cardiff Airport	(13.1 miles, 21.0 km, direction SE)
All hotels in Bridgend