Local interests
Lying just 12 miles west of Wales' capital city, Cardiff and a few miles from the impressive Heritage Coast with it's many beaches, coves and cliff walks. The bustling, Roman market town of Cowbridge is 1 mile down the road and offers many small shops, tearooms, pubs and restaurants.
Activities abound and the Vale of Glamorgan is ideally located for easy access to the Brecon Beacons National Park, the coast, Cardiff, Golf courses including Celtic Manor the home of Ryder Cup 2010, horse riding on the beaches or in the countryside. Hiking and walking, cycling from extreme to family days out, shop ‘til you drop, sea sports, castles and history or just a peaceful locations for a relaxing stay.
We have a great facility for golfers, walkers, cyclists: Secure lock up storage for your equipment and a drying room for those wet clothes and boots.
Welcome to Wales a land of legend, of fire-breathing dragons, powerful wizards and ferocious giants. Follow in the footsteps of King Arthur and Merlin and step into a mystical and timeless land. Here are old ruins, ancient stone relics and old pubs and places to explore. All with their own strange tales to tell and the real ancestors of ancient Britain to tell them.
It is impossible to include all the places of interest in the area. So we offer you here a small sample of what is around. Many brochures are available in reception for you to peruse and keep.
For more details on the Vale see www.gardenofcardiff.com
The Heritage Coast
The spectacular local coastline boasts wonderful views, sea walks and many lovely beaches
Beautiful Beaches
The wonderful Heritage Coastline is a few minutes drive away. A coastline that you could never become tired of. The Bristol Channel boasts the 2nd highest tidal drop in the world (after the Bay of Fundy in Nova Scotia) These massive tides change the landscape of the beaches in a profound and startling manner. The cliffs are dramatic and the geology of the rock face provides a kaleidoscope of colours to this coastline . Whether you enjoy sandy beaches, cliff walks, coves or bays the Heritage Coast is a must to visit.
Shopping
Cardiff (only 25 mins. away) offers exceptional and extensive shopping facility including John Lewis, House of Fraser, and all the main High street stores as well as many individual shops tucked away in the delightful Victoriam arcades. Not to forget the bustling indoor market
15 mins. drive away from Crossways Manor is McArthur Glen an outlet shopping centre, offering designer brands at discounted prices.
Cowbridge is 1 mile down the road and is a delightful roman market town and has many small independent shops offering everything from designer fashion to nuts and bolts.
To find out more about our local town visit www.cowbridgetown.co.uk and www.cowbridge.co.uk
Penarth is a Victorian Seaside town with a splendid pier that has recently been renovated. Galleries, shops and restaurants.
National Parks
We have many wonderful National Parks in South Wales and only a short drive away.
Within 30 minutes you can be in the Brecon Beacons National Park. Climb it's highest peak on Pen y Fan. Wander it's woodland trails and discover a myriad of waterfalls. and fast moving, crystal clear streams and brooks. Relax , Walk, Hike, Cycle or simply relax over lunch and enjoy the spectacular views.
Beautiful Gardens
There are many beautiful gardens in the area as well as the National Botanic Gardens of Wales which are only an hour's drive away.
Dyffryn Gardens a few miles down the road has beautifully maintained grounds providing a stunning setting for the house. Visitor centre and café.
Roath park in Cardiff, is an oasis in the northern part of the city. A lovely lake to amble around, boats to hire, a playground for the childen, gardens and conservatory…a stress free venue.
Bute Park occupies a huge area of the centre of the city of Cardiff. You will be amazed, as you wander through it's many acres, watching students playing frisby, familes picnicking, and the elderly strolling, that you are in the heart of this vibrant capital city. Central Park eat your heart out !!!
Physic Gardens in Cowbridge: this recent addition to our parks provides a fascinating insight into the medicinal uses of plants, and a calm oasis in which to relax.
Caerphilly Mountain
Wander the woodlands and why not throw in a visit to Castell Coch or Caerphilly castle while you are there.
Walking, Golf, Cycling.
Crossways Manor boasts a great storage and drying facility for walkers hikers golfers and cyclists. Leave those wet clothes and boots in a secure and warm drying room. Also those beloved clubs or bikes are safe as houses in our secure lock-up.
Golf: It is said that there are more golf courses within daily reach than in any other part of the UK. Play Celtic Manor the home of the Ryder cup 2010, or Southern Down a wonderful links course. Cottrell park is a friendly venue with 2 18 hole courses, Royal Porthcawl, The Vale… the list is endless.
Walking: Amble the coastline along the shore or the cliff tops. Meander through the fields following one of many signed routes. Hike to the top of Pen y Fan the highest peak in the Brecon Beacons or simply stroll down to Cowbridge and have a cup of tea in one of the cafes.
Cycling: The myriad of quiet country lanes provide excellent routes for a sightseeing cycle of the Vale. Or take to the Taff Trail and cycle for miles away from the traffic and daily hustle and bustle. Great cycling for all ages. And don't forget, for those more intrepid, that more challenging and even extreme cycling is alive and well in the Afan Forest Park and Cwm Carn.
