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Barry Island Collection

Step back in time to the golden era of Barry Island, Wales

Background imageBarry Island Collection: Barry Island Beach, Wales, 1920s

Barry Island Beach, Wales, 1920s
View of Barry Island beach and Whitmore Bay, Glamorgan, south Wales in summer 1920s. Holidaymakers are enjoying the sunshine while having fun on the beach and lying in deckchairs

Background imageBarry Island Collection: A group of girls at the fairground at Barry Island, Vale of Glamorgan, Wales

A group of girls at the fairground at Barry Island, Vale of Glamorgan, Wales. 23rd April 1962

Background imageBarry Island Collection: Barry Island, Wales, August 1938

Barry Island, Wales, August 1938
View of Barry Island beach, Glamorgan, south Wales, summer 1938. The beach is very, very busy with holidaymakers enjoying the sunshine and lounging in deckchairs

Background imageBarry Island Collection: Barry Island Beach, Wales, August 1938

Barry Island Beach, Wales, August 1938
View of Barry Island beach, Glamorgan, south Wales in summer 1938. The beach is very, very crowded and the water is teeming with holidaymakers

Background imageBarry Island Collection: Barry Island, Glamorgan, Wales, August 1927

Barry Island, Glamorgan, Wales, August 1927
View of Barry Island beach and Whitmore Bay, Vale of Glamorgan, south Wales, summer 1927. The beach is filled with holidaymakers enjoying the sunshine and lounging in deckchairs

Background imageBarry Island Collection: Barry Island - Butlins Holiday Camp - One of the dining suites packed for lunch - August

Barry Island - Butlins Holiday Camp - One of the dining suites packed for lunch - August 1975 - *A NEW era in the history of Barry Island has been put on hold

Background imageBarry Island Collection: Barry Island, Wales, August 1927

Barry Island, Wales, August 1927
View of Barry Island beach and Whitmore Bay, south Wales in summer 1927. The beach is full of holidaymakers enjoying the sunshine and lounging on deckchairs

Background imageBarry Island Collection: Cold Knap Beach, Barry Island, Wales, August 1927

Cold Knap Beach, Barry Island, Wales, August 1927
View of Cold Knap Beach, Barry Island, south Wales in summer in 1927. Holidaymakers are strolling along the promenade and sitting on the beach. Luens Corner House & Tea Room is in the background

Background imageBarry Island Collection: The Opening of the New Barry Docks, Cardiff (engraving)

The Opening of the New Barry Docks, Cardiff (engraving)
1046478 The Opening of the New Barry Docks, Cardiff (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Opening of the New Barry Docks, Cardiff)

Background imageBarry Island Collection: Jill Randle, ballet dancer from Porth, on the beach at Barry Island. 7th June 1952

Jill Randle, ballet dancer from Porth, on the beach at Barry Island. 7th June 1952

Background imageBarry Island Collection: A young girl trying on a hat at The Mad Hatter stall, in Barry Island

A young girl trying on a hat at The Mad Hatter stall, in Barry Island, Vale of Glamorgan, Wales. 5th August 1951

Background imageBarry Island Collection: Children on donkeys on holiday in Barry Island, Vale of Glamorgan, Wales. 5th August 1951

Children on donkeys on holiday in Barry Island, Vale of Glamorgan, Wales. 5th August 1951

Background imageBarry Island Collection: Rhondda miners on holiday in Barry Island, Vale of Glamorgan, Wales. 5th August 1951

Rhondda miners on holiday in Barry Island, Vale of Glamorgan, Wales. 5th August 1951

Background imageBarry Island Collection: A small girl sheltering from the rain at Barry Island, Vale of Glamorgan, Wales

A small girl sheltering from the rain at Barry Island, Vale of Glamorgan, Wales. 14th July 1960

Background imageBarry Island Collection: Families sheltering from the rain under blankets and umbrellas on the beach at Barry

Families sheltering from the rain under blankets and umbrellas on the beach at Barry Island, Vale of Glamorgan, Wales. 14th July 1960

Background imageBarry Island Collection: Holiday Crowds at Barry Island, Vale of Glamorgan, South Wales. August 1952

Holiday Crowds at Barry Island, Vale of Glamorgan, South Wales. August 1952

Background imageBarry Island Collection: Holiday Crowds at Barry Island: The Fantastic Holiday crowds which took Barry Island

Holiday Crowds at Barry Island: The Fantastic Holiday crowds which took Barry Island beach by storm for Whitsun by the sea, Vale of Glamorgan, Wales. 5th June 1960. M4298-004

Background imageBarry Island Collection: Holiday Crowds at Barry Island: Two Barry policeman control the dangerous crossing point

Holiday Crowds at Barry Island: Two Barry policeman control the dangerous crossing point at Barry Island and the crowds team across as the traffic is brought to a halt. Vale of Glamorgan, Wales

Background imageBarry Island Collection: Vale of Glamorgan CF62 5 Map

Vale of Glamorgan CF62 5 Map
Postcode Sector Map of Vale of Glamorgan CF62 5


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Step back in time to the golden era of Barry Island, Wales. In the 1920s and 1930s, this picturesque beach town was a haven for holidaymakers seeking sun, sand, and endless fun. The pristine Barry Island Beach beckoned visitors with its glistening waters and sandy shores, providing the perfect backdrop for unforgettable summer memories. In August 1938, locals and tourists alike flocked to Barry Island once again. Laughter filled the air as families enjoyed thrilling rides at the fairground while groups of girls giggled with excitement. Meanwhile, Butlins Holiday Camp buzzed with activity as one of its dining suites overflowed with guests eagerly anticipating a delicious lunch. Not far from the main beach lay Cold Knap Beach—a hidden gem that offered tranquility amidst nature's beauty. Here in August 1927, visitors reveled in peaceful moments away from bustling crowds. Barry Island wasn't just about leisure; it played an essential role in history too. The opening of New Barry Docks brought prosperity to Cardiff and marked a significant milestone for trade and commerce in South Wales. Beyond its beaches and docks lies Vale of Glamorgan—home to stunning landscapes waiting to be explored. CF62-5 Map guides adventurers through charming villages nestled within rolling hillsides. It also hosted remarkable individuals like Jill Randle—a talented ballet dancer hailing from Porth—who graced its shores on June 7th, 1952. Her graceful presence added an extra touch of elegance to this already enchanting place. And let's not forget The Mad Hatter stall—an eccentric treasure trove where young girls could try on whimsical hats that transported them into fantastical worlds right before their eyes. Today, Barry Island continues to captivate hearts with its timeless charm. Whether you're reliving nostalgic memories or discovering new wonders along its coastline—the magic of this Welsh paradise is boundless.