The beach is secluded and peaceful
(Image: John Myers)
Wales is known for its tranquil spots, where life seems to slow down a notch. One such place is Swanbridge seafront, just over an hour’s drive from Bristol.
Nestled between Barry and Penarth, and just down the road from Sully, Swanbridge is on the outskirts of Cardiff.
This small spot offers a peaceful retreat, particularly when compared to other bustling seaside locations in South Wales.
The beach is secluded and the area itself almost feels like you’ve gone back in time by about 10 years in a good way. But for somewhere that feels hidden it’s not without things to do, with thriving businesses on the seafront and lots going on, from yoga on the beach to craft activities.
Cathy and Rob O’Brian have been part-time residents at Spinney Park Holiday and Leisure Park for three years, having previously lived full time in Cardiff. They describe their lifestyle here as “lovely and relaxed”, reports Wales Online.
Their decision to move was influenced by one of Cathy’s friends who bought a static home in the holiday park. The park allows you to purchase a space to live for part of the year.
Following their move, another friend also relocated, creating a domino effect.
Rob said: “You hear the sound of the waves all the time and it’s just so relaxing, and you see people coming down to enjoy themselves.”
The views from Swanbridge Bay are stunning(Image: John Myers)
The couple believe that the area is a bit of a hidden gem as lots of people – particularly in Cardiff-haven’t heard of it before.
Rob remarked: “There’s still a few caravans that aren’t occupied so I don’t know if everyone does know about it.”
Swanbridge has a strong sense of community, with residents appearing happy and upbeat. During the conversation, Rob and Cathy suggested this community spirit is somewhat by design.
Cathy said: “We did find out that the owner’s son-in-law, he’s sort of the manager and he gets a feel for you.
“He likes to interview you basically and have a good chat and if he likes you he wants you on here. They wouldn’t just give it to anybody.
“We love it. It’s so chilled and everyone is just so happy by the sea, especially when the sun’s out.”
Cathy and Rob O’Brian(Image: Bethany Gavaghan)
The endearing, old-fashioned charm of Swanbridge is unmistakable. At the Seashore Grill and Bar, classic furniture dominates the deĢcor.
People swarm in at opening time, promptly at 9am, to grab their cappuccinos.
The news is playing in the background as a TV is positioned well for people to socialise around, and the ‘everyone-knows-everyone’ feel is coming through super strongly. Life feels calm and strangely nostalgic.
This sentiment was echoed further up the road at the holiday park by Pam, who oversees the site and has been a resident for 13 years after relocating from Sully.
The views looking out to sea in Swanbridge are stunning(Image: John Myers)
Pam describes the local area as a hidden gem, perfectly suited for those seeking a less touristy spot. The site offers static caravans and allows inhabitants to immerse themselves in an extended stay, excluding certain parts of the year due to holiday park regulations.
Pam remarked: “It’s a lovely lifestyle for anyone but especially elderly people as there’s definitely a good community. But it also works if you don’t have a car as there are buses not too far away and a doctor up the road so it makes it a great base if you want to spend time here.
“I’m lucky because I get to know everyone here and people do sometimes keep themselves to themselves and come here because it’s quiet.”
“It’s a good mixture because it can of course be really quiet if you want it to be but then you can of course chat to anyone and get that real community feel down by the water.
“I’d say it’s a lovely, friendly place. There’s a bit of everything and one thing about it is that it hasn’t really changed much at all.”
“Other places like Barry have changed a lot. But here it feels the same still which is quite rare.
“Even though a lot of the businesses have changed hands a few times a lot of the owners have kept it the same and there’s plenty of character.”
Susan Davis (middle left) who lives in Swanbridge enjoys her outdoorsy lifestyle, as she and her friends go for a dip in the sea every day(Image: Bethany Gavaghan)
Susan Davis, a resident of Swanbridge for eight years, joins her friends for a dip in the sea every day, a ritual they’ve maintained for nearly five years.
They all report improvements in their physical and mental well-being since adopting this routine.
Susan shared: “It’s sort of a different way of life here. It’s far more relaxed, and quite sociable although because I’ve worked most of the time I’ve been here I haven’t got to know that many people, but you could easily.”
She reminisced about their younger days: “When we were young, we all grew up in Penarth swimming anyway and so we’ve kind of gone back to it. You sort of grow out of the wild as life takes over and families and whatnot but we just decided to go back to it in Covid.
Susan and her friends enjoying their daily sea dip(Image: Bethany Gavaghan)
“You always dread going in but when you get out it’s the best feeling. We definitely arrange our life a bit around the tide times.”
“We don’t get loads of people swimming here because if you don’t know the beach it can be a bit daunting.”
“There’s a jet ski also round here and they take us out, and they look out for the other swimmers here as well. It’s just very friendly.”
A Canadian tourist, who is walking the entirety of the Welsh coastal path, shared his impressions with me as he passed by the spruced-up beach area.
He commented: “I’ve been through hundreds of these little villages, but this is fantastic. The pub over there looks like my kind of place.
“I just love places which are older and full of character – I like to avoid more modern places so this is perfect. We’ve just walked over from Barry and this is the best spot so far today.”