Ewenny Woods Bed and Breakfast           

03/10/2007

 The Trip, Ewenny, Nr Bridgend, Vale of Glamorgan, UK, CF35 5BZ

Tel 01656 766421                                                                             

info@ewennywoods.co.uk          Ewenny Woods blog

This is an area rich in history and scenery, with many castles, unspoiled coastline and hills and valleys best explored on foot or bike.

The village of Ewenny is nestled on the banks of the Ewenny river, and is famous for its Norman Priory and Church, painted by Turner. In 1141 the Church of St Michael became the beginning of the Benedictine Priory of Ewenny, granted to the Abbey of St Peter at Gloucester. It was founded by the nobleman William de Londres, and is widely regarded as one of the finest fortified religious buildings in Britain. The village is also the home of Ewenny Pottery, founded in 1610 and still worked by the same family.

Two miles west is the huge warren of Merthyr Mawr sand dunes with Candleston Castle and the lost village of Treganllaw. The area is an important wildlife habitat and area of scientific interest , and is a favourite location for athletics training and filmmakers - parts of the Hollywood blockbuster, Lawrence of Arabia were filmed here.  Merthyr Mawr village is an idyllic and picturesque collection of thatched cottages surrounding the village green.

Lying half way between Ewenny and the heritage coastline and on the banks of the Ewenny River is Ogmore Castle, also built by William de Londres. The ancient stepping stones crossing the river lead back to Merthyr Mawr.

Cowbridge contains a wealth of interesting small shops for browsing, including antiques and craft galleries, chic boutiques and a delicatessen, with many excellent places to meet for coffee or to eat.

Cardiff is the main shopping centre in the area. For bargains try the MacArthur Glen Designer Outlet, only 10 minutes away and Wales' largest purpose-built shopping centre.

Other local attractions worth visiting include the Museum of Welsh Life at St. Fagans, Cardiff, Swansea, the National Botanical Gardens and the spectacular beaches of the Gower peninsula.

Activities

There are many golf courses in the area, including the championship links at Southerndown, Royal Porthcawl, Pyle and Kenfig, all within 10 minutes. Celtic Manor, host to the 2010 Ryder Cup, is 30 minutes away.

Trekking on the beach and Merthyr Mawr dunes can be arranged and there is excellent surfing at the Blue Flag beaches at Southerndown and Porthcawl.

The Glamorgan Heritage Coast Path offers 14 miles of coastal views of unparalleled beauty, whilst the 13-mile Ogwr Ridgeway walk will reward you with the most spellbinding views to be seen anywhere in Wales. The Millennium Heritage trail is a 72-mile circular route through country footpaths in the Vale linking towns, villages and hamlets with the remains of Neolithic burial chambers and Iron Age coastal forts.

Cyclists are offered numerous community routes offering the best off-road safe cycling in the area, linked with the Celtic Trail national cycle route at Tondu. Alternatively you can meander through the beautiful country lanes and villages of the Vale of Glamorgan. We offer safe cycle storage at Ewenny Woods.

Fishing can also be arranged on the Ewenny and Ogmore Rivers or at Dunraven Bay.

Last modified: 10/03/07