Cowbridge

Cowbridge combines early urban history with a historic townscape that is still visible and a long market history. If you are looking for a hotel in Cowbridge, it is worth exploring the places that define the destination: the High Street, the museum and the gardens. Their histories and visiting arrangements offer different experiences. Check specific opening hours and market dates to suit your travel dates.

Town History and Visible Traces

Cowbridge originated as a Roman settlement in the 1st century AD. In the 13th century, the town received a charter from Richard de Clare, the Lord of Glamorgan, establishing Cowbridge as an Ancient Borough. Cowbridge later developed into an important market and trading centre, where merchants and craftspeople settled. The remains of the town walls are still visible. Two rows of prison cells have been preserved in the central area of a building that later became the town hall. The cells originally formed part of a “House of Correction” built around 1576.

The High Street and Town Plan

Cowbridge is also known for a town plan with burgage plots laid out at right angles to the High Street. Numerous small independent shops line the High Street and the adjoining streets. The townscape brings together a historic plot layout and independent retail. The High Street offers a point of reference for exploring the history of trade alongside the streetscape of today.

Cowbridge Museum

The Cowbridge Museum collection ranges from Roman artefacts to Victorian-era treasures, spanning several historical periods. The museum is open on the first and third Saturday of each month from 10:00 to 16:00. Check visiting hours before you travel so you can plan your museum visit to suit your travel day.

Gardens and Seasonal Blooms

Cowbridge Physic Garden opened to the public in 2006. It is flat and easy to access, and admission is free. Check the latest opening details before you travel. Old Hall Gardens are surrounded by the medieval town walls. They include a wildflower meadow with native plants typical of traditional hay meadows. Flower borders also attract butterflies and moths. The appearance of the meadow and flower beds may vary by season. Together, they offer two distinct garden settings: the flat, free-to-visit Physic Garden and Old Hall Gardens, characterised by their walls, meadow and flower borders.

Farmers’ Markets and Food Festival

Cowbridge regularly hosts farmers’ markets featuring fresh local produce, baked goods and handcrafted products. Market dates may change; check them before travelling if you are planning a market visit. The Cowbridge Food and Drink Festival celebrates regional and international food and drink. If you would like to plan your trip around the festival, check the specific event dates in advance.

Train Stations for Visiting Old Hall Gardens

The nearest train stations to Old Hall Gardens are Llantwit Major and Bridgend. If you are planning to travel by train, check current services before you set off, as transport options may change.

Discover more destinations: Monknash, Dinas Powys, Pontyclun, Llantwit Major, Peterston-super-Ely, Rhoose, Wick, Barry.

For the main travel overview: Vale Of Glamorgan.