Swanbridge

Settlement in Glamorgan

Wales

Swanbridge

St Mary's Well Bay just west of Lavernock Point The foreshore here is like layers of sloping pavement where the thin strata of Blue Lias limestone overlay one another. — St Mary's Well Bay just west of Lavernock Point Credit: Penny Mayes

Swanbridge is a charming village located in the county of Glamorgan, Wales. Situated on the coast, it offers breathtaking views of the Bristol Channel and is nestled between the towns of Sully and Penarth. With a population of around 1,500 residents, it exudes a close-knit community atmosphere.

One of the standout features of Swanbridge is its iconic landmark, Swanbridge Bay. This picturesque beach is a popular destination for locals and visitors alike, offering a tranquil setting for relaxation or a pleasant stroll along the shoreline. The bay also boasts a diverse range of wildlife, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts.

The village itself retains much of its historical charm, with many traditional buildings and cottages lining the streets. Its rich history can be traced back to ancient times, and remnants of a Roman villa have been discovered nearby. Additionally, the area played a significant role in World War II, with several defense structures still visible today.

Swanbridge is also home to a handful of amenities, including a local pub, a convenience store, and a primary school, providing the essentials for residents' daily needs. For a wider range of services, the nearby towns of Sully and Penarth offer a broader selection of shops, restaurants, and leisure facilities.

Overall, Swanbridge is a delightful village that combines natural beauty, historical significance, and a strong sense of community. Whether it's exploring the stunning coastline, immersing oneself in the village's rich heritage, or simply enjoying the peaceful surroundings, Swanbridge has something to offer everyone.

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Swanbridge Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.40436/-3.20299 or Grid Reference ST1667. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

St Mary's Well Bay just west of Lavernock Point

The foreshore here is like layers of sloping pavement where the thin strata of Blue Lias limestone overlay one another.

Penny Mayes

Sully Island

The west view taken from on top of this small island. The rock strata are gently inclining. The water is part of the Bristol Channel and is pretty muddy! In the distance lies Barry.

Richard Knights

Sully Beach

A midwinter view of Sully Beach. The island is in the mid distance.

Richard Knights

Sully Houses

An example of one of the residential streets of Sully. Just behind these houses lies the Bristol Channel.

Richard Knights

Sully High Street

The high street is the main Penarth to Barry Road. On either side of this road lie the residential streets of the ribbon development that comprises a large part of Sully.

Richard Knights

The edge of Sully

Looking back at Sully from a field near Cog.

Richard Knights

Sheep near Cog, Sully

A field of happy feeding sheep. What more to say?

Richard Knights

Cosmeston Lake

The lakes in Cosmeston Lakes Country Park are man made from disused quarry workings and now are an important bird sanctuary and recreational area.

Andrew Spenceley

Cosmeston Medieval Village

This reconstructed medieval village is at Cosmeston Lakes, south of Penarth, and even the sheep are carefully chosen to fit in.

Andrew Spenceley

St. Mary's Well Bay

Low tide at St. Mary's Well Bay, looking across to the caravan park above the bay

Andrew Spenceley

Cosmeston Lakes Country Park

Cosmeston Lakes Country Park had its origins with the advent of limestone quarrying in the early 1890s. The quarrying ceased in 1970. Springs flooded parts of the quarried area creating lakes. The quarry spoil areas were landscaped and together with the lakes form the main features of the park which includes over 100 hectares of woodland, grassland and wetlands.

Nigel Homer

Ty Hafan, Children's Hospice for Wales

This new facility is set in extensive park like grounds overlooking the sea.

Tony Hodge

The Sand Spit St Mary's Well Bay

Gareth Williams

Shingle spit reaching out to Sully Island

View across from Swanbridge at half tide towards this small island composed of warm orange Triassic sandstone. The mainland coast is undergoing active erosion.

Alan Bowring

Lower Lias cliffs west of Lavernock Point

Tide and waves have generated a coastal rock platform from the mudstones and limestones of the Lower Lias whilst the cliff retreats inland at the expense of the S & W Wales Wildlife Trust nature reserve atop it.

Alan Bowring

St Mary's Well Bay

This truly is a bay of two halves - the west side (foreground) is carved from warm-coloured Triassic sandstones which dip moderately steeply southwards. The far side (east) is backed by cliffs of the Lower Lias limestones and mudstones which have a 'cold' feel to them. Ball Rock is seen in the middle foreground at high tide.

Alan Bowring

Cosmeston Lake

Kim Upton

Causeway revealed!

You feel like Moses parting the red sea if you stand at the edge of the causeway to Sully Island as the tide rapidly recedes - within the space of a minute this transformed from a body of water to something that could be crossed using walking boots rather than wellingtons! The picture was taken about half way through this transformation. For some strange reason the water flow was going in the opposite direction to the obvious local water flow at this point - I guess this was down to wind direction and wave flow at the minute or so we were there.

Hywel Williams

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Swanbridge is located at Grid Ref: ST1667 (Lat: 51.40436, Lng: -3.20299)

Unitary Authority: The Vale of Glamorgan

Police Authority: South Wales

Also known as: Swan Bridge