About Barry

Barry is the largest town in Wales to have its own town council. Barry Town Council carries on the long and proud tradition of local governance in a town which encompasses three originally separate communities, namely Barry, Cadoxton and Merthyr Dyfan. In mid 2007, it was estimated that the Town's population exceeded 50,000 for the first time in its history. Its population had grown to 39,000 as long ago as 1921.

Location

Part of the picturesque Vale of Glamorgan, Barry is by far the largest town, with a population greater than the other vale towns of Penarth, Cowbridge and Llantwit Major put together. The Vale has a population of around 120,000, more than 40% of whom live in Barry.

Barry is located less than 10 miles west of the centre of Cardiff, and is easily accessed by car, bus and train. For those travelling by car, Barry is probably best reached via junction 33 on the M4, itself less than 10 miles north of the centre of the town. The town boasts no less than four railway stations: Cadoxton, Barry Dock, Barry and Barry Island.

Cardiff International Airport is less than five miles away from the centre of Barry, located in the community of Rhoose and providing access to locations much further afield.

Situation

Barry is situated on the popular Glamorgan coast. Barry Island, together with the coastline between the Island and Porthkerry, has long been noted for its splendid beaches and cliff scenery. These south-facing sandy beaches are only part of the town’s leisure amenities. Barry boasts beautiful parks and open spaces, as well as sporting, recreational and entertainment facilities, including a cinema and the Memorial Hall & Theatre, both located on Gladstone Road, between the Broad Street and Buttrills Road roundabouts.

Amenities

As well as being a holiday destination, Barry is an ideal place in which to live. Good and plentiful schools plus two primary shopping centres (Holton Road and Broad Street/High Street) compliment a large and varied housing stock, comprising more than 22,000 dwellings in total. Industry forms an important part of the Barry scene with major new employers helping to provide new jobs, replacing the large number of positions lost with the demise of older industries, such as coal and iron. The Welsh language has gone through something of a revival in recent years, and now around 11% of the population can speak it.

Located close to beautiful countryside and many of the most historic sights in South Wales, Barry has much to offer.

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