A little-known market town has been praised for its beautiful gardens, award-winning pubs and quaint high street – and it’s not far from Cardiff
A hidden gem just half an hour from Cardiff, Cowbridge in South Wales, has been lauded for its stunning gardens, top-notch pubs and charming high street.
Crowned the best place to live in Wales by the Sunday Times in 2017, Cowbridge boasts a plethora of independent shops, eateries, and a weekly farmers’ market.
Every Saturday, visitors can indulge in the farmer’s market at Arthur John’s car park, offering a variety of homemade goods ranging from meats and cheeses to plants, herbs and fresh fish.
The organisers proudly state all the products at the market have been “grown, reared, caught, brewed, pickled, baked, smoked or processed” by the stall holders themselves.
Cowbridge is welcome relief after the most expensive market town in the country was revealed to be Keswick in the Lake District.
For shopaholics, there are several charity shops as well as unique stores like No39, which offers furniture and gifts, and Stwff-Stuff where you can find a range of sweet items such as bags, jewellery, and trinkets, reports the Express.
The Happy Days Vintage Home Store is a must-visit, where you can browse through old-fashioned, unique furniture and home items. They stock everything from nostalgic toys, records, clothes, postcards, and retro signs – and there’s even a cosy cafe tucked away among the eclectic mix of items.
One of the gems in Cowbridge is the Physic Garden, a serene spot for leisurely strolls and contemplation. The garden boasts a “glorious array of medicinal plants and herbs”, with its half-acre space filled with species traditionally used for healing and culinary purposes.
Thanks to the Welsh Historic Gardens Trust, the garden underwent a revamp a few years back and was officially inaugurated by Queen Camilla, then the Duchess of Cornwall, in 2008.
Visitors have described the gardens as a “tranquil haven”. One visitor said: “An absolute haven in the centre of town. Have been here many times when we’ve needed an uplift. Volunteers are helpful and really well informed about what is growing.”
Another visitor added: “A little oasis of calm…we recently met a friend for lunch in Cowbridge and we got there early so we decided to spend some time walking around the Physic gardens…it was so calm and peaceful.”
Among the town’s pubs and restaurants is The Bear Hotel, a recipient of a 2025 TripAdvisor award, and the Penny Farthing, which has a 2024 Travellers’ Choice award. The nearby Hare and Hounds is featured in the Michelin Guide and has been awarded a Bib Gourmand for “good quality, good value cooking”.
For those with a penchant for food, the Elephant & Bun delicatessen offers a selection of charcuterie and cheeses, wines and cider, along with the award-winning ice cream parlour, Fablas.
For nature enthusiasts, the town boasts parks and numerous walking trails. Other attractions near Cowbridge include the Hensol Castle Distillery, the Vale Resort Golf Club, St Hilary Vineyard, and Warren Mill Farm.