Alongside the bustling tourist hotspots in Whitmore Bay in Barry, there is a quiet retreat released from the crowds. As spring begins to bloom, this secluded bay provides the perfect place to suck up the sun or witness a stunning sunset.
A 15-minute walk from Red Blink Crescent, active Jackson Bay is a hidden gem that offers shelter from year-round winds, pristine coastal views and dog-friendly beaches. With public toilets, quaint coffee sheds and even a wood sauna on-site, it's an idyllic place for a peaceful picnic or a relaxing day. Access to this secret cove can be obtained through a picture-like coastal walk around the headland from Whitmore Bay on Clements Collie Walk.
However, it is recommended that you check the tide time as the path is not always accessible at high tide. There are also steep paths that lead directly to the bay.
Redbrink Crescent has limited parking options and there are several free 2-hour free spots at the top of the stairs. Point parking at Nell is another option and is very close. For those opting for public transport, Barry Island Station is just a 10-minute trip.
Located near the Barry Yacht Club and Lifeboat Station, Zanotti Yacht Hut offers a variety of snacks. Here you can enjoy local brewing from Welsh Coffee Company, make your dog a dog, or taste panini.
The shed also serves tea, hot chocolate, smoothies, milkshakes, pastries, cakes, hot dogs, sausage rolls and pastes. We are open Wednesday through Sunday through Sunday from 8:30am to 2:30pm, and during peak seasons from 8:30am to 4:30pm.
Sandy Bay is also a great place for year-round dipping in the ocean, and then you'll have the opportunity to warm up at Mor a Sawna. This wood burning sauna offers stunning views and shelter from the elements, making it a perfect escape from Cardiff city centre just 30 minutes.
The quiet sauna can accommodate up to 10 people and can be booked for private or joint sessions. Prices for a 55-minute session range from £12 for joint sessions to £100 for private employment, with opening hours varying throughout the week.
From quiet sessions to wellness Wednesdays, saunas and silent disco sessions, you can experience hot hats in a variety of ways. If you become a fan, you can also choose to join.
The sauna, which opened last July, also features a cold plunge pool and cold shower, offering hot and cold contrast therapy.
Despite being less lively than Whitmore Bay, Jackson Bay is far from underactive. Thanks to its proximity to the Bally Yacht Club, it often hosts stand-up paddleboard lessons and offers prime spots for rock pooling and beach sports.
While Barry's main beach enjoys widespread fame, Jackson's Bay remains a hidden treasure, offering a more tranquil beach experience.
