A quaint town in the Vale of Glamorgan, Cowbridge is a great place to visit in South Wales. Whether you're local or visiting from afar, Cowbridge has plenty of lovely places to eat, shop and enjoy. This historic market town has always had a highstreet of independent businesses and there are more gems to find down the cobbled alleys and side streets if you know where to look.
The Physic Garden
Truly one of the best spots in Cowbridge, the physic garden is a lovely space to sit and relax. You'll see all kinds of flowers, herbs and plants traditionally used in medicine and the birds and bees they attract. There's also a plant sale every Thursday.
The Old Wool Barn
The Old Wool Barn is a collective of artists, designers and makers and home to the Honeydew Club studio! Open Monday to Saturday from 9am-5pm, you can visit to meet the makers in their studios, commission a piece of work and buy something unique.
Founded in 1984, the building was converted from an old wool barn to individual studios for local artists to work from. You can see my jewellery on display in the cabinets upstairs, get a coffee and cake from Isabel Rose Bakes, see artwork from Gary Hamer Rees and Sue McDonagh, stone carving by Nia Bennett and more creative work.
Cowbridge Craft Hub
Just across the courtyard from the Old Wool Barn, you'll find Cowbridge Craft Hub. A shop filled with handmade crafts, you can find all sorts of quirky gifts from local makers. Think everything from cards, ceramics and crochet to candles and coasters. Upstairs is local artist Jenny Lambert's gallery of colourful paintings, available as prints and home decor.
Thornbush Hill
Thornbush Hill make scented candles, home fragrance and natural skincare - you can imagine just how heavenly this shop smells. A family business, everything is handmade on site in Cowbridge with cruelty-free and vegan ingredients. The shop is only open Fridays and Saturdays, so be sure to plan ahead.
Pear Kitchen
The best place in Cowbridge for breakfast, brunch and lunch, I recommend Pear Kitchen to everyone. It's a family run vegan cafe and the food is always excellent. My favourite is the Tofu Shwarma burger but I'll happily order anything from the menu.
Stwff Stwff
Stwff Stwff have lots of cheerful gifts and homewares. Here you'll find cute hairbands, mugs, bath bombs, Welsh food gifts and more. I've found many a winning birthday present here and they brighten up the highstreet with their fun seasonal windows.