Bridgend – our third storage location in Wales – is one of the country’s most popular counties, blending its original 16th century market town with a vibrant, modern culture and its surrounding natural beauty with an outstanding coastline.
Whether it’s discovering sandy beaches and hidden beauty spots, visiting the historic ruins of its castles or immersing yourself in its famous annual Elvis Festival, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in Bridgend.
Take a look through our top picks for things to do in Bridgend in 2023, with must-see attractions and must-do activities for urban explorers, families, rural adventurers and beyond.
Discover Bridgend’s natural beauty
Explore the rolling landscapes of Merthyr Mawr Nature Reserve and Sand Dunes, with acres of sloping golden hills and the sea stretching out for miles. Uncover hidden gems along the coastline at Ogmore-by-Sea and Dunraven Bay beaches, full of secret inlets and caves ripe for exploring.
Or stay inland and enjoy scenic walks and picnics at Bryngarw Country Park, where kids can jump into the adventure park and attend regular discovery and story-telling events.
Delve into local history and culture
If history’s your thing, visit the historic ruins of Ogmore Castle or Coity Castle, both early 12th century fortresses still standing today.
For enthusiasts of South Wales’ rich biodiversity and the picturesque coastline, a trip to the Glamorgan Heritage Coast Centre is in order, where you can learn more about the region’s geology, flora and fauna and original historic sites.
Fancy visiting the oldest established pottery in Wales? Located on the outskirts of the village Ewenny, visitors can experience traditional Welsh culture and artistry at Ewenny Pottery, where handmade pots have been thrown and fired by generations of the same family since 1610.
Exciting adventures and outdoor pursuits
Adrenaline junkies, rejoice! Bridgend’s abundance of coastal areas means you can try out water activities such as stand up paddle boarding, surfing or wild swimming at Porthcawl beach – or head to Garw Valley Bike Park for an afternoon of thrilling mountain biking through the most exciting local trails.
Family-friendly activities
If you’ve got little ones, spend a day at Parc Slip Nature Reserve with its wildlife and regular activities such as pond dipping, bug hunting and making bird boxes. Adjacent to Parc Slip is the Bridgend Miniature Railway, offering a fun train ride experience and day out for the family.
For bigger ones and teens, head into the sea caves at Southerndown to explore cavernous chambers and search for the magical Cwm Mawr waterfall.
Indulge in mouthwatering local cuisine
Discover Bridgend’s food scene and top dining spots, like the uber-cool Steak & Stamp with its private dining hideaway sheds, foodie favourite WHO CULT Coffee + Donuts (top tip: check out their fun t-shirts!), and al fresco dining with stunning views at The Golden Mile country pub.
For the full list, check out Where to eat in Bridgend 2023 →
Attend festivals and events
Before you visit, check out Bridgend’s all-year-round festivals and events listed here for local markets, classic car shows, sports tournaments and family fun days.
One of the county’s best and biggest annual events is the joyous (yet still slightly bizarre) Porthcawl Elvis Festival, the biggest festival of its kind in the entire world. Enjoy live music and entertainment complete with white flares and Hawaiian shirts. Uh huh huh!
Relaxation and wellness
Treat yourself to a spa day at one of Bridgend’s luxury spa retreats like Heronston Hotel & Spa or Coed-Y-Mwstwr Hotel, where you can enjoy meals, drinks and trips to the spa facilities.
Spas not really your thing? Simply take a leisurely stroll, or practice yoga or meditation at peaceful natural spots – it’s free! Southerndown, Ogmore, Merthyr Mawr and Porthcawl all feature beaches or nature reserves where you can reconnect with the beauty around you.
As a testament to Wales’ beauty and rich history, Bridgend is a fantastic place to live or just to visit. With plenty to do and see, there’s no shortage of exciting activities and attractions for everyone – whether you’re a lone traveller, a young family, seasoned day-trippers or somewhere in between.
There’s a reason we chose Bridgend as our third storage site for Wales – and we’re so excited for our upcoming official opening!
If you’d like to reserve a unit at our Bridgend storage site, take a look at our prices and facilities then contact us, we’re a friendly bunch! 😊
What must-do things are on your list of things to do in Bridgend in 2023? Let us know!
We’re going to #BridgendAndBeyond…
blue self storage is more than just a storage provider. We care about our customers and community, so we’ve put together a series of insightful guides after many queries about the ins and outs of Bridgend.
#StorageMadeSimple
New to self storage? Explore our #StorageMadeSimple series with our experts:
- What is self storage?
- How to choose the right size storage unit when you’re moving house
- Why do people use self storage?
- Self storage insurance: what is it and is it important?
