on 09/10/2008 by Otalgia (275 reviews)
Barry town is split into areas; the town centre and the Island.
The Town Centre is one long road (Holton Road) that is part pedestrianised. The town has a sprinking of large shops but the majority of the shops are medium to small sized. The pedestrianised part of the town has a street market on Tuesdays and also has quite a few shops including a large Woolworths and Iceland. At the end of the pedestrianised area is the Library building which has a park to its rear. The unpedestrianised area is home to lots of boutiques, a game shop, video rental, pet stores etc. There are a few shops that are being refurbished or are vacant so parts of the street do look scruffy. There used to be a cinema at the end of this road but sadly it has recently been closed down. There is a free multi storey car park just before you arrive at the pedestrianised area which is handy. There is also a childrens soft play centre nearby. Running parralel to the town centre on the other side of the railway line is a retail park that has a large Morrisons, Instores, Argos Extra, KFC, Halfords and Focus.
Coming out of the town and past the restaurants and shops of Barry Dock you finally approach the long road into Barry Island. Barry Island used to be a huge tourist destination and had a large Butlins resort at its heart. Sadly that has long gone and houses have been built in its place. There still is a large amusement park there though with lots of rides including a log flume. The rides park usually opens around Easter. The beach is sandy and long and a great place for summer fun or for Autumn walks. The promenade alongside the beach has recently been improved and the whole area is very clean. Alongside the promenade there is a pirate themed crazy golf course to play on. At the end of the promenade is a pavillion style building that houses a couple of restaurants, a gift shop and the amusement arcade that was featured heavily in BBC TV show Gavin and Stacey! There are plenty of other cafes and amusement arcades in the area plus a quasar centre too. The train station is opposite the rides park and runs trains directly into Cardiff City. Sometimes in the summer months a Thomas The Tank Steam Engine runs short trips to and from Barry Dock which is great fun for the kids. The short stay car parking spaces are free around the Island or alternatively there is a pay car park nearby.
Nearby sights of the Fontegary Park Arches, The Amelia Trust Farm and The Lighthouse are also worth a visit.
on 24/09/2008 by bobsbabes (715 reviews)
Barry is a stuck in the dumps town .It is very run down and needs some updating some of the shops are ok but if it''s shopping you want you really do need to go to Cardiff which is just down the road .Although there is a street market on a tuesday still.
However if you arent after shopping then there is plenty to do and see .YOu can go to the Amelia trust farm you can explore the farm and playareas ,or walk in the woodlands .
Or maybe visit the birds of prey at the welsh hawking centre which is nearby.
But take the short walk (or drive ) over to Barry island and then the town becomes a seaside resort with loads to see and do from the Barry pleasure park which is full of rides for all the family or the wonderful sandy beach which in the summer fills with holiday makers.
Another gem in Barry Island is the steam railway which is great fun for small and big children alike they do have special days through out the year and in December they have the santa trips which are great fun for small children.
Oh and for the bigger children there is Quaser which is great fun if you havent tried it before than give it a go.
And of course with it being a seaside town there are lots of amusement arcades .
Plenty of accomadtion is available in hotels, bed and breakfast, camping or caravaning.