Plenty to see when you're out and about in the Vale (From Barry And District News)

Plenty to see when you're out and about in the Vale

Glamorgan Heritage Coast Centre - Situated in Dunraven Park, 100 yards behind Southerndown beach car park, the centre has a small shop and information on this 14-mile stretch of protected coastline. Call 01656 880157.

Fontygary Leisure Park On the boundary of the Heritage Coast on clifftops overlooking Fontygary Bay, Rhoose, it offers a host of all-weather facilities including swimming pool and fun pool.

St Donats Arts Centre The Vale's largest arts venue offering exhibitions, cinema, dance, theatre, music, children's events and more. In summer open-air events include the 'Beyond the Border' story telling festival.

St Donats Castle This medieval castle with many fine original features was restored by American newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst. It became a summer retreat for some of Hollywood's idols including Charlie Chaplin, Bing Crosby and Bob Hope. Now home of Atlantic College.

Ogmore Castle Riverside ruins of once-important medieval castle built at a strategic fording point. Ancient stepping stones across to the pretty village of Merthyr Mawr (beware dangerous currents - cross with care and check tide information with the coastguard).

Merthyr Mawr Delightful village of thatched cottages bordered by meadows and woodlands. Close to Merthyr Mawr Warren, Britain's largest dune system and Site of Special Scientific Interest. The ruins of Candleston Castle, once a 15th-century fortified manor house, stand at the edge of the dunes.

Seawatch Centre A Heritage Coast facility in former coastguard station, now used as a maritime interpretation centre.