Premier Inn Barry Island

Yes – Barry Island is a great spot for a weekend by the sea. It’s got everything you’d expect from a traditional seaside getaway: a lovely beach, amusements, arcades and loads of things to do whether you’re with the kids, as a couple or enjoying a solo escape. With the beach, funfair, coastal walks and food stalls all within easy reach, you won’t be short of ways to fill your day!

It certainly has – and it’s a beauty. Whitmore Bay is the main beach, a wide sweep of golden sand that’s ideal for paddling, sandcastle building or just relaxing with a picnic. You’ll spot the brightly coloured beach huts along the front, as well as a quirky climbing wall and the newly updated Eastern Promenade, which adds a fresh feel to the area. It’s a classic beach with a modern twist, and perfect for sunny days out.

Barry Island itself is more of a seaside resort area rather than a traditional town centre. The main town of Barry is just up the hill and has a proper town centre with high street shops, supermarkets and services. Down on the island, you’ll find a strip of beachfront shops, cafes, amusements and takeaways. It’s not a large retail area, but you’ll easily find what you need for a beach day or a fun afternoon out.

Barry Island is probably best known today as the filming location for the hit TV show Gavin & Stacey, which really boosted its popularity. But it’s also well-loved for its classic seaside atmosphere, with fairground rides, arcades and a great beach that’s been drawing families for generations. In the past, it was a huge holiday hotspot for South Wales and the West of England, especially when the funfair and railway brought in crowds during the summer. These days, it keeps that nostalgic feel but with a few modern updates.

First off – hit the beach. Whitmore Bay is perfect for sunbathing, playing in the sand or just going for a paddle. There are colourful beach huts, a climbing wall and a recently revamped Eastern Promenade that’s great for walking and people-watching. Then there’s the Barry Island Pleasure Park, packed with everything from traditional dodgems and waltzers to more daring rides like the Freak Out and Sky Flyer. It’s a must for families and thrill-seekers. You can also take a coastal walk, enjoy fish and chips on the prom, explore the arcades or just grab an ice cream and watch the world go by. It’s an easy-going place where you can do a lot – or just take it slow and enjoy the view.

You’ll find gift shops, sweet shops, beach gear stalls and plenty of places selling food and drink – from traditional fish and chips to doughnuts and ice cream. It’s all quite casual and easy to browse, with most of the shops located along the beachfront strip or just off the promenade. For more typical high street stores, you’d need to head into Barry town centre, which is only a few minutes’ drive or bus ride away.

Definitely – and it’s a lovely place for a walk. There’s a flat promenade walk along the front of Whitmore Bay, which is ideal for buggies or anyone who prefers a smoother path. If you’re up for a bit more of a stroll, the Barry Island Coastal Path leads you up to Friars Point and around the headland, giving you brilliant views of the bay and out to sea. You can also explore Jackson’s Bay, a quieter, more tucked-away beach nearby. It’s easy to spend an hour or two just wandering and taking in the sea air.

Barry Island doesn’t have a traditional pier like you’d find in places like Brighton or Weston, but it does have a long promenade that stretches along the beach, and some walkways that go out toward the headland, giving a similar experience. While there’s no pier structure, the coastal paths and viewpoints still give you that classic seaside feel.

Flex – Pay now or on arrival, fully refundable with free cancellation up to 1pm on the day of arrival. Our most flexible rate – you can cancel and get a full refund up to 1pm on the day of arrival. You can also amend your booking at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date).

Semi-Flex – Pay now, fully refundable with free cancellation up to three full days before arrival. Fairly flexible rate – you can cancel and get a full refund up to three full days before arrival. No refunds after that date. You can also amend your booking date at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date).

Advance – Pay now, fully refundable with free cancellation up to 28 full days before arrival, free to amend thereafter until the day of arrival. Fairly flexible rate – you can cancel and get a full refund up to 28 full days before arrival. No refunds after that date. You can also amend your booking date at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date).

Standard – Pay now, non-refundable. Free to amend booking at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival. Slightly flexible rate – you won’t be able to cancel and get a full refund, but you can amend your booking at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date).

Non-Flex – Pay now. No amends or refunds. Our least flexible rate – you won’t be able to cancel or amend your stay after booking.

Our standard check-in time is 3pm. For an additional fee*, you can start your stay sooner with early check-in from 11am. Add early check-in to your stay while making your booking, or afterwards by managing your stay in your Premier Inn account. Early check-in is subject to availability and not available at all Premier Inn hotels. 

Checkout is by 12 noon on your departure date. If luggage storage is available, our teams will be happy to store any bags for you if you’d like to check out before 12pm.

*Prices and times will vary depending on date and location. 

For an additional fee*, you can start your stay sooner with early check-in from 11am. Add early check-in to your stay while making your booking, or afterwards by managing your stay in your Premier Inn account. Early check-in is subject to availability and not available at all Premier Inn hotels. 

*Prices and times will vary depending on date and location. 

In 2020 we launched Premier Inn CleanProtect™, our rigorous, daily cleaning method that’s used throughout our UK & Ireland hotels. Developed in partnership with Diversey, a global leader in cleaning and hygiene products for the healthcare and hospitality industries, our promise seeks to give you extra peace of mind so you can always book and stay with confidence.

Check-in - minimising contact at reception and providing hand sanitiser in most public areas for peace of mind. 

Bed linen and towels - laundering all our linen and towels at over 60°C to thermally disinfect them, so you can enjoy a great night’s sleep. We’ve also placed spare pillows in a zip-up bag, for extra peace of mind.

Equipping our teams - providing our team members with all the equipment and sanitisers they need, as well as always operating in the safest way possible for our teams and guests.

A generous serving of safety - you can relax knowing that enhanced cleaning measures are in place throughout our restaurants. Tables are cleaned between visits and contactless payment is in place too, so you can dine safely and comfortably with us every time.

Clean on request - if you'd like your room cleaned during your stay with us, just let us know at reception and use the handy door hanger on the back of your door by 12pm each day.

Most Premier Inns have specially-adapted rooms allowing easier access for customers with disabilities. If there is no specially-adapted room available at the hotel of your choice, we will be happy to offer you alternative accommodation at a nearby Premier Inn. If you have difficulty walking, but do not need a specially-adapted room, please feel free to request a room near reception on the ground floor for easy access. 

If you'd like get in touch, you can reach out to our specialist team via email at pi.accessible@whitbread.com or call us on 0333 0919 817 between 9am and 5pm Monday-Friday (calls charged at local rate).

Unfortunately, with the exception of trained assistance dogs, we don't allow pets to stay at our hotels.