Bridgend

Bridgend (Welsh: Penybont ar Ogwr) is based in Glamorgan, South Wales. and is the principal town of the County Borough of Bridgend and has a population presence of around 40,000 people.

Bridgend has developed from a small, vibrant market town to a major regional industrial and service centre. Bridgend's position roughly equidistant between Cardiff and Swansea has made it a popular dormitory settlement for commuters to both city's.

Bridgend is perhaps most famously home to a Ford Motor Company engine plant, one of the area's biggest employers, but has also in the past had a significant presence by Japanese electronics giant Sony.

Travel to Bridgend

Fly to Bridgend

Cardiff Airport (IATA Flight Code: CWL) is some 15 miles (25 kilometers) to the south east of the town. An hourly train service runs from nearby Rhoose to Bridgend and is served by a shuttle bus from the airport terminal. Buses also run to Cardiff where you can make a simple connection to Bridgend either by train or by bus.

Bristol Airport (IATA Flight Code: BRS) which serves a greater number of destinations than Cardiff Airport is located a further 30–40 miles east.

You are most likely to fly into the United Kingdom at either Heathrow Airport (IATA Flight Code: LHR) or Gatwick Airport (IATA Flight Code: LGW), both located in and around London. In this case it is probably best to make a public transport connection to Wales at one of the major terminuses in London itself.

Travel by train to Bridgend

There is one major train station in the town. Bridgend train station GPS 51.506944,-3.575 is within a 3-minutes walk of the town centre. A taxi rank and a bus stop are outside. The station is fully staffed and has ticket sale facilities, refreshments and toilets. Entry is controlled by ticket barriers so you will require a ticket to enter/exit the platforms.

The footbridge at Bridgend train station is a listed building and hasn't been upgraded to the statutory requirements for Muslim travellers with disabilities. To access platform 2 for Cardiff and London bound trains, use the intercom on a secured gate on the side of platform 2 to notify staff.)

Bridgend is a scheduled stop on the First Great Western service from London Paddington to Swansea. Thit is an hourly service.

All other services are run by Arriva Trains Wales. These services connect Bridgend to Cardiff, Barry, Swansea, Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire, Manchester, Birmingham and Western England. There is also an hourly service to the nearby town of Maesteg.

The other station in the town is Wildmill, an unstaffed station serving the neighborhoods in the north of the town. It is a scheduled stop on the hourly service between Maesteg and Cheltenham.

How to travel to Bridgend by car

Bridgend is best accessed by vehicle from Junctions 35 and 36 of the M4 motorway running from London to Carmarthenshire.

There are numerous pay-and-display vehicle parks in the town centre and free ample parking at the McArthur Glen Designer Outlet about 2 miles from the town centre at Junction 36 of the M4.

Travel by Bus to Bridgend

Bridgend has a 11-bay Bus Station located in the centre of town. Buses are primarily run by First Group but there are also services by Stagecoach and Veolia. These services mainly serve the towns and villages around Bridgend.

Some services of note however are:

X1 Bridgend-Swansea - running via Pyle and Port Talbot.

X2 Porthcawl-Cardiff - running from Porthcawl to Cardiff via Bridgend and Cowbridge.

224 Bridgend-Pontypridd- running via Pencoed, Llanharan and Talbot Green.

The pick up/drop off point for National Express long-distance services, is at the McArthur Glen Designer Outlet near the Odeon cinema. Thit is about 2 miles from the town centre, which can be easily reached by connecting local bus services.

Get Around

GPS 51.5042|-3.5772

By foot

Bridgend has a compact town centre and can easily be walked around in 15 minutes. The town centre is pedestrianised and between 10AM and 6PM is vehicle free.

There are numerous public footpaths linking to areas in and around Bridgend like Merthyr Mawr, Ogmore, Penyfai and Coychurch.

By cycle

Bridgend is linked to the National Cycle Network (Celtic Trail) by a signposted, mostly segregated cycle lane from the town centre (near the Brewery Field) to Tondu.

There is also a segregated cycle path running east-west from the suburb of Brackla to the village of Laleston with a connection to the Bryntirion area of town.

The vast bulk of the roads in Bridgend are safe to cycle on, with extra care required at the larger roundabouts.

Best way to travel in Bridgend by a Taxi

There are several taxi companies serving Bridgend, including:

Allways Taxis - ☎ +44 1656 652210
Radio Cabs - ☎ +44 1656 655766
Village Cars - ☎ +44 1656 722161

What to See

The Castles of Bridgend: dating back to the Norman conquest of South Wales (12th century) and these three castles were built to provide a "defensive triangle".

Newcastle Castle 51.508889, -3.583056 - Newcastle Castle, Bridgend Newcastle Castle, Bridgend - Portal External South facing Dramatically positioned on the hill overlooking the town centre, accessible via a set of stairs on Tondu Road opposite the Brewery Field. Entrance is free. The area around Newcastle is a conservation area that includes period properties and various other listed buildings of interest including St Illtuds Church.

Coity Castle 51.521944, -3.553056 - Coity Castle - Coity Castle 07288 In the village of Coity about 2 miles to the north east of the town. Free entry.

The Old Bridge 51.5068, -3.58036 - Old Bridge, Bridgend Old Bridge (Yr Hen Bont) Bridgend 2948762 b59f41b8 - The biridge from Bridgend got its name. Not as spectacular as the original bridge but an important and iconic local landmark.

Merthyr Mawr 51.4845, -3.61006 - Merthyr Mawr An idyllic village with authentic, traditional thatched roofs

Merthyr Mawr Sand Dunes - 51.4718, -3.6413 - Merthyr Mawr Sand Dunes Thit is a large network of dunes, among the largest in Europe. This area was used to film the movieLawrence of Arabia. It's also well used for cross-country running, wildlife spotting and even live action role-play! There is a charge to use the vehicle park.

Newbridge Fields - 51.5021, -3.5843 - A large, maintained open space in the centre of Bridgend and is popular with dog-walkers and anglers.

Top Travel Tips

Sport

Coed-y-Mwstwr Hotel & Golf Course About 3 miles east of Bridgend, in the grounds of a Victorian mansion turned hotel. Parkland course. 18 holes.
Street Mary's Hotel & Golf Club A championship-standard course located near M4 Junction 35 near Pencoed, complete with a hotel. Parkland course. 18 and 9 hole courses.
Bridgend Golf Club Just off the A48 road to south of the town. Includes a driving range. Parkland course. 9 holes.
Bridgend Recreation Centre near the town centre has timetabled public swimming sessions between 12PM Monday - 3:45PM and roughly 6PM Monday - 9PM on weekdays with extended sessions at weekends. It costs around £3.50 for casual swimming. The Recreation Centre also has a fully equipped gym and sports hall. Ask staff for details.

Darren Fawr Mountain Trails Garw Valley Mountain biking.

Entertainment

Odeon Cinema - A 9-screen cinema in the McArthur Glen Designer Outlet Village. Prices per film range from £6.30 to £7.45 for an adult and £4.30 to £5.10 for a child depending on the time of day.

Bryngarw Country Park - A 113-acre country park located at Brynmenyn, around 5 miles from Bridgend town centre. Various outdoor events take place during the year, especially the summer. The park includes various woodlands and grasslands and a Japanese garden.

Local events in Bridgend

Bridgend Festivals Several themed festivals take place every few months in the pedestrianised area of Bridgend town centre. They've included a Celtic Music Festival, French Market, Mardi Gras, Christmas Market and Street Running/Fun Run.

Bridgend County Show An annual summer (June or July) agricultural and animal show that takes place at Pencoed College grounds about 4 miles from Bridgend.

Glynogwr Agricultural Show In August.

Shopping in Bridgend

McArthur Glen Designer Outlet Bridgend 51.5325, -3.57759 - Bridgend Designer Outlet A factory outlet store 2 miles north of the town centre. There are over 90 stores selling designer brands at discount prices.

The Rhiw Centre Nolton St, CF31 3BL 51.505429, -3.577623 ☎ +44 1656 658704 - The main Shopping Centre in Bridgend town centre and contains Bridgend Market. It's home to various high-street chain shops.

Brackla Street Shopping Centre - The second main Shopping Centre in the town focusing on value retailers and home to larger stores such as Argos and Peacocks.

Adare Street The main open-air shopping street in the centre of town; it houses most of the main high-street chain stores and banks.

Siop yr Hen Bont 2 Old Bridge, CF31 1JH 51.506966, -3.580127 - Near the Old Bridge is a shop specialising in Welsh literature, gifts and presents.

Cardiff and Swansea are home to the bigger brand names/department stores.

Halal Restaurants & Food in Bridgend

Restaurants & bistros

There are no distinctly "upmarket" restaurants in the town and you can expect to pay between £15-30 for a three-course meal.

An Khang 2-4 Park Street ☎ +44 1656 661222 Vietnamese.

Braseria El Prado High Street, Laleston ☎ +44 1656 649972 Spanish/Mediterranean.

Natraj Tandoori 16 Wyndham Street ☎ +44 1656 667853 Tandoori/Indian.

Old Cottage Bistro Queen Street ☎ +44 1656 766839 Traditional homemade.

Poco Poco 14 Wyndham Street ☎ +44 1656 667999 Tapas Bar/Mediterranean.

Zia Nina 28 Dunraven Place 51.506538, -3.579654 ☎ +44 1656 660045 Italian.

Takeaways

Most takeaways are clustered around Wyndham Street and Nolton Street in the town centre.

Cheese and Chips seems to be something of a local post-alcohol delicacy.

Olympic Kebab House 100 Nolton Street ☎ +44 1656 669366 A cheesy chips eatery.

Cafes

Bauhaus Coffee Shop 9 Wyndham Street ☎ +44 1656 667333 Independent coffee shop.

Cosy Cafe 18 Derwen Road ☎ +44 1656 665449 - Traditional.

Cup & Saucer 14 Market Street ☎ +44 1656 647285 Traditional.

Il Panino 1 Market Street ☎ +44 1656 766618 Italian cafe.

Ty Coffi 1 Market Street ☎ +44 1656 656415 Traditional.

Chain restaurants

Domino's Pizzas Tremains Road

Domino's Pizzas Quarella Road

Harvester's - The Derwen |

Subway Caroline Street

Toby Carvery South Road

McArthur Glen Designer Outlet has a food court home to McDonald's (Please do not support McDonald's as McDonald's supports Israel. Shun this restaurant group and go for altertative brands and if possible for a Muslim owned restaurant), Starbucks (Please do not support Starbucks as Starbucks supports Israel. Shun this coffee and go for alternative brands and if possible for a Muslim owned brand.), Harry Ramsdens, Pizza Hut, KFC, Sidoli's Ice Cream and Fat Jacket's.

There is a second McDonald's (Please do not support McDonald's as McDonald's supports Israel. Shun this restaurant group and go for altertative brands and if possible for a Muslim owned restaurant) and a second KFC at Bridgend Retail Park to the south of the town.

Bridgend town centre is an alcohol exclusion zone meaning alcohol drinking is restricted to pubs, clubs and other licensed premises. Police have the power to confiscate alcohol from and issue fines to persons drinking alcohol outside the designated areas.

Public houses

Angel Inn Park Street

Coity Castle Morfa Street

Jaggers Toll House Derwen Road Live music.

Old Castle Inn Nolton Street

O'Neills Nolton Street Irish pub.

Phoenix Wyndham Street Converted church.

Princess of Wales Market Street

Red Dragon Litchard Hill Family friendly gastro-pub.

Tair Pluen Quarella Road Sports pub.

The Railway Derwen Road

Riverside Tavern Brewery Lane

The Roof Market Street Pub and nightclub.

Three Horse Shoes Queen Street

Ty-Risha Inn Penycae

Wyndham Arms Dunraven Place Wetherspoons chain pub.

Nightclubs in Bridgend

Cody's Derwen Road

Hobos Queen Street Live music, especially rock/alternative.

Lava Ignite Derwen Road

Tom's Cafe Market Street Live music.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Bridgend

Bridgend - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Bridgend, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Bridgend. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Bridgend and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Bridgend. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Bridgend. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations in Bridgend: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Bridgend.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Bridgend: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Bridgend, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Bridgend.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Bridgend, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Bridgend, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Bridgend and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Bridgend, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Bridgend, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Bridgend without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Bridgend is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Bridgend.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Bridgend is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Bridgend, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Bridgend Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Bridgend

eHalal Group Bridgend is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Bridgend. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Bridgend.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Bridgend ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Bridgend. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Bridgend, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Bridgend are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at info@ehalal.io

Ramadan 2024 Celebrations in Bridgend

Ramadan 2025 in Bridgend

Ramadan concludes with the festival of Eid al-Fitr, which may last several days, usually three in most countries.

The next Ramadan shall be from Friday, 28 February 2025 to Saturday, 29 March 2025

The next Eid al-Adha shall be on Friday, 6 June 2025

The next day of Raʾs al-Sana shall be on Thursday, 26 June 2025

The next day for Mawlid al-Nabī shall be on Monday, 16 September 2024

Muslim Friendly Hotels

Great House Hotel & Leicester Restaurant @ouse-laleston.co.uk High Street, Laleston 51.505716, -3.622647 ☎ +44 1656 657644 Hotel with 12 letting rooms.

There are numerous bed and breakfasts/guest houses scattered around the town.

The Wyndham Arms Dunraven Place 51.506634, -3.579289 Rooms are from £40-45 a night. A Wetherspoons lodge in the heart of the town centre.

Premier Inn The Derwen 51.531817, -3.572477 M4 junctions 36 ☎ +44 871 527 8146
Premier Inn Pencoed 51.513914, -3.494306 M4 junctions 35 ☎ +44 871 527 8144
Court Coleman Manor Pen-y-Fai 51.525406, -3.609478 ☎ +44 1656 720212a Georgian perioid manor about 2 miles to the north west of Bridgend. Rooms rates vary greatly from £49 per day for a single room to £160 for a "themed" room. It also has a restaurant specialising in Indian cuisine.

Best Western Heronston Hotel Ewenny Road 51.492387, -3.576970£80-95 per day Thit is a three-star hotel located in the south of the town with a gym and swimming pool

Coed-y-Mwstwr Hotel Coychurch 51.514896, -3.524004 ☎ +44 1656 860 621 From £75 per day a Victorian manor house in a woodland to the east of Bridgend overlooking a valley near the village of Coychurch. It is home to its own 18-hole golf course.

]] Camping & caravan

Our Welsh Caravan & Camping Hendre Ifan Goch Farm, Glynogwr, Blackmill 51.578376, -3.480745 ☎ +44 7800 945558 A peaceful countryside site in Blackmill Bridgend.

Stay Safe

Bridgend is a relatively safe town by Welsh and UK standards. Care should be taken when in the town centre at night as alcohol related violence is a fairly common sight. Pickpockets have been known to target shoppers, especially the elderly in Bridgend town centre.

Local Customs in Bridgend

Bridgend has come under the spotlight of the media due to drama film about a cluster of suicides among young adults in the area between 1996 and 2010. The vast bulk of suicides took place, not in the town itself, but in the county which also shares the name Bridgend and has a population presence of over 130,000. Although the number of suicides was high and unusual and the figures didn't vary wildly from the average for an area this size. Many in the town felt that Bridgend had been misrepresented and that media outlets were exacerbating the situation. It would be rude to bring up the suicides in casual conversation as an outsider.

News & References

More Muslim friendly Destinations from Bridgend

Glamorgan Heritage Coast consists of the coastline stretching from Porthcawl to Aberthaw(Gileston) in the Vale of Glamorgan. It includes some spectacular cliff faces, sheltered beaches and a collection of small villages. There is a coastal footpath following the coast. The Glamorgan Heritage Coast Centre is in Southerndown, around 7 miles from Bridgend.

Porthcawl
Southerndown and Ogmore Castle
Cowbridge
Afan Forest Park. The network of mountain trails is considered to be among the best in Western Europe. The park is in the Afan Valley around 12 miles north of Bridgend and 5 miles north of Maesteg. Many of the trails are described as being only suitable for experienced or expert mountain bikers.