But how much does a day down the Island really cost? We’ve compiled a list of the essentials you might treat yourself to during your day trip this summer.
Transport and Parking
Before you can enjoy Barry Island, you have to get here. For those that drive, there are plenty of parking options at Nell’s Point or Harbour Road that will set you back a minimum of £2.10 for two hours, rising to £8.40 for a full day.
If you prefer to catch the train, prices will vary but a standard return from Cardiff Central will cost £6.60, with the added knowledge that you don’t have to fight for a parking space on a particularly busy day.
Food and drink
Unless you decide to bring a packed lunch on your journey, chances are, you’re going to need to eat. There are plenty of options across the Island, from well renowned cafes, quick serve snack shacks and takeaway fish and chip shops.
Depending on what you fancy, a cup of tea and a latte from Marco’s or Giovanni’s will set you back £2 and £3. The prices are much the same in other independent cafes like Little Island and Coastal Coffee, all coming with the promise of friendly service and a seat with a view.
Prices are roughly the same across each establishment, with a breakfast/bacon baguette setting you back around £4, and a panini costing around £5. These meals are a cost-effective way of enjoying the Island.
If you’re after fish and chips, the three venues that sit under the Western Shelter use the same prices, meaning it’s a case of choosing your favourite (or the shortest queue) rather than the cheapest.
A portion of fish and chips from Farnham’s will cost you £12.50, a small chips is £3, and a large chips £4. These decent portion sizes can easily be shared among the family, if you’re not travelling alone, to make the trip a little more cost effective. It’s a little pricier than other dining options, but it is worth it to make the most of a day on the seaside.
Treats
After a substantial meal, there is simply nothing better than enjoying a sweet treat to finish the day off properly – and Barry Island has no shortage of places to enjoy. Ice cream can be purchased at almost every café or snack shack across the seafront, and the prices remain roughly the same. A single tub in Zio’s will set you back £3, with a double tub rising to £4.80 for those with a real sweet tooth.
Those who want to sit in rather than take away can enjoy a sundae, crepe or waffle, with prices starting at £7.50, £6 and £7.50, respectively. Again, these prices are largely the same in other similar establishments across the Island.
If you fancy something quicker that doesn’t melt, a pack of three piping hot doughnuts from the Rock Shop will cost you £2, or 80p each if you’re not too peckish. But be aware, the seagulls are a little too fond of these snacks too.
Activities
Visitors to Barry Island are not short of activities to partake in, with a range of establishments giving you the five minutes you may need to let your hair down.
Possibly one of the biggest draws to the Island is the Pleasure Park. Entry into the park is completely free, with visitors instead paying to ride what they would like. Tokens at the park will set you back £10 for 12, £20 for 25, £35 for 50, and £50 for 70. Purchasing online before getting there will give you slightly more tokens with packs of 13, 28, 56, and 80 able to be purchased for the same prices. Rides cost anywhere from 2 tokens to 7, with the most expensive ride unsurprisingly being Aerospace.
For those looking for something a little more chilled, Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf on the promenade will cost £7 per round, with the cost dropping to £6 for under-16s and OAPs.
As for the numerous arcades scattered across the seafront, the world truly is your oyster, and you can spend as much or as little as you like in them. They have everything from the 2p machines that will set you back a lot less than if you decide to tackle the arcade machines for those big-ticket prizes.
Souvenirs
As the day ends, you may wish to commemorate the day with a souvenir – and you won’t be spoiled for choice. Keyrings and magnets adored with Nessa, Smithy, or Uncle Bryn will set you back around £3 from any shop that sells them, with something more substantial like an iconic Barrybados beach towel costing £23. Whatever you choose to come away with to remember a great day, it will be a good choice.
