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Bryngarw Country Park
Comfortably nestling between the Garw and Llynfi Valleys, just a few minutes drive north of the M4 motorway, is Bryngarw Country Park. The house and grounds were purchased by the local Authority in 1961 and designated as a Country Park in 1980. Grant aid from the Countryside Commission and a Manpower services team, turned the jungle back into beautiful countryside and footpaths, car park and information centre. The Park opened to the public in 1986 and quickly became a favourite with South Wales residents and people further afield.
The Park has 113 acres of beautiful walks and gardens that look spectacular at any time of the year. It might well be called a park for all seasons where nature works it’s own special magic in a rich palette of colours painting every area of this enchanting park with multi-coloured green and gold.
You will find everything you could possibly imagine, from wild mysterious woodlands to formal gardens, unusual exotic trees to mossy wetlands teeming with life, traditional mighty oaks to beautiful tiny wildflowers, quiet secluded corners to wide open pastures, ornamental lake-lands to fast flowing rivers. Time stands still at Bryngarw Country Park, offering something for everyone - nature lovers who want to explore the flora and fauna, families with boisterous children, walkers who want to stay active or those who just require solitude. It is easy to find your own quiet spot to enjoy the peace and tranquillity of this very special place.
Woodlands
The Park has a wealth of woodland habitats from mature sweet chestnuts to a majestic avenue of beech trees, while beside the river lies a larch and sycamore woodland. Don’t miss the spring when the woodlands are carpeted in stunning bluebells while the summer foliage provides a relaxing cool green canopy, even on the hottest of days. Autumn brings its own special look with a blaze of burnished red, copper and gold, while winter brings a carpet of white to add its own magic of crisp, fresh atmosphere.
Water features
Water is an important feature at Bryngarw. The River Garw flows through the Park and is fringed by wooded banks, marshlands and rocky gorges. Close to the main driveway is an ornamental lake and still ponds that delight children and adults alike.
Grasslands
As you would expect in a Country Park, there are plenty of open spaces for the children to run and play. Large areas of open grassland and meadow sweep up the hillside with areas where you can picnic together or just relax in the warm sunshine.
Formal Gardens
There are delightful ornamental gardens, part of which is the exotic Oriental garden down towards the river dating from 1910. This is an inheritance from the last private owner of the park, Captain O. P. Traherne. The pond, pagoda, oriental plants and lanterns provide an insight into the different cultures, which are now part of the local scene. There is a small lake forming part of a series of inter-linked ponds, which are the focal point for an exquisite display of trees, shrubs and decorative stones. Other fascinating features include the bridges and Japanese style Tea Garden Pavilion. The Oriental garden is at its best in spring. At that time it is ablaze with azaleas and rhododendrons and the magnolia, cherry trees and maples are in full bloom.
Flora and Fauna
Bryngarw is a veritable paradise for flora and fauna enthusiasts. Beech avenues and marsh plants, ferns, fungi and mosses are all part of the diverse habitats that harbour a profusion of plants and wildflowers in the Park. Keen bird watchers may be able to spot buzzards, blue tit, great tit, coal tit, woodpecker, jay and heron. The park is also alive with butterflies, dragonflies and insects during the summer months.
The Park has Way-marked Nature Trails that go from gentle strolls around the gardens to longer walks of up to 1½ miles. There are also colour-coded trails throughout the Park and along the boardwalk over marshy wetlands. The three main walks are:
Bryngarw Riverside Ramble
The first walk takes you on a relaxing stroll along the banks of the River Garw.
Bryngarw Meadow Meander
This second walk provides a pleasant, leisurely stroll through open fields on the valley side of the River Garw.
Bryngarw Woodland Walk
Try this enjoyable walk through regenerated woodlands, where a wide variety of flowers and plants may be seen as well as a number of woodland birds.
Ask a warden for the ‘Nature Watch’ leaflet which includes the three walks, or collect one from the visitor centre
The Park also provides an opportunity to have a much longer day out by providing a route which links to the Ogwr Ridgeway Walk, 13 miles of footpath across some of the higher parts of the area, offering magnificent views of the surrounding countryside.
Although Bryngarw is quite compact, if you wish, you can make a full day of your visit to the park. There are Barbecue Pits and picnic areas that are sure to please the whole family. Please make certain that your barbecue is properly extinguished after use and remember to take your litter away with you.
In the Visitor Centre it’s possible to learn about the history of the house and park as well as the varied flora and fauna of Bryngarw. A wide range of leaflets is also available.
There is also an Adventure Playground where the children can enjoy themselves on the slides, swings, multi-play units, spring animals and climbing tower.
And we haven’t forgotten Refreshments, which are available in season, right next to the main car park. For a more formal meal, try the Harlequin Restaurant at the house, but remember to pre-book a table.
Accessibility is important to us. Here at the Park, we have arranged for Facilities for disabled. Most of the park is accessible for wheelchair users and other disabilities, and there is a vehicle available for visitors with limited mobility. The Park also has Toilets with disabled facilities.
Throughout the summer months, the Park is alive with a series of Events. There are several staged from Shakespeare to Opera, from Clowns to Jazz bands with pre-bookable Picnic Baskets or pre event Dinners at the house. Many events are Free except for the car park charge mentioned above. A brochure is produced showing all these events and is available from the Heritage Coast Tourist Information centres at Bridgend and Porthcawl. (Telephone numbers are on the back cover)
The Country Park is open all year (except Christmas Day and Boxing Day) and is free to enter, although there are car park charges at weekends, and holidays from April to September. Pre-reserved coach parties are welcome.
Bryngarw Country Park
Brynmenyn
Near Bridgend
CF32 8UU
Telephone: +44 (0)1656 725155
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