It is a popular spot for locals and tourists
Independent shops in Cowbridge(Image: John Myers)
A beautiful market town just over an hour’s drive from Bristol has become well-known for its beautiful gardens, award-winning pubs and charming high street.
Cowbridge in South Wales was named the best place to live in Wales by the Sunday Times in 2017, and it features a wealth of independent shops, eateries, and a weekly farmers’ market.
Every Saturday, visitors can explore the farmer’s market at Arthur John’s car park, where they can browse handcrafted produce ranging from meats and cheeses to plants, herbs and fresh fish.
The organisers emphasise that all the products at the market have been “grown, reared, caught, brewed, pickled, baked, smoked or processed” by the stall holders themselves.
For those who love shopping, there are plenty of charity shops as well as independent retailers like No39, which offers furniture and gifts, and Stwff-Stuff where you can discover a variety of lovely items such as bags, jewellery, and trinkets, reports Wales Online.
Cowbridge Physic Garden(Image: Google Maps)
The Happy Days Vintage Home Store is perfect for a relaxed browse, where you can search for unique, vintage furniture and household items. They offer everything from nostalgic toys, records, clothes, postcards, and retro signs – and there is even a cafe inside tucked amongst the eclectic mix of items.
One of the prime attractions in Cowbridge is the Physic Garden, a tranquil spot perfect for unwinding, strolling and reflection. The garden showcases a “glorious array of medicinal plants and herbs”, with its half-acre plot home to species traditionally used for healing and culinary purposes.
Thanks to the Welsh Historic Gardens Trust, the garden underwent a revamp several years ago and was officially inaugurated by Queen Camilla, then the Duchess of Cornwall, in 2008.
Visitors have labelled the gardens as a “tranquil haven”. One visitor penned: “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.”
The Red Lion Cowbridge(Image: BusinessesForSale.com)
Another remarked: “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 eateries 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 features in the Michelin Guide and has been awarded a Bib Gourmand for “good quality, good value cooking”.
For those with a taste for food, the Elephant and Bun delicatessen offers a selection of charcuterie and cheeses, wines and cider, while the award-winning ice cream parlour, Fablas, is a must-visit.
The town also features parks and a plethora of walking trails for those who enjoy the great outdoors. Other nearby attractions include the Hensol Castle Distillery, the Vale Resort Golf Club, St Hilary Vineyard, and Warren Mill Farm.
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