@@ksturmer5388 Jacksons Bay you can all year round I take my dog most days in the Summer( I live on Nells Point where the Butlins chalets used to be just above the path Tim walked around to reach Jacksons) there's also another tidy beach the other side of Whitmore bay by the old harbour which is a much larger beach where dogs can also run their hearts out all year round called Watchtower Bay. Its just Whitmore bay ( the main Beach) which is restricted to Sept to May for dogs. Jacksons bay is a fantastic little Cove which is a lot more extensive than it looks on the video as is Whitmore ( the tide was in ) both with nice golden sand and Jacksons looks really picturesque as you come round the headland like something in Italy or Croatia or similar abroad. Theres also a fourth beach at the Knapp ( pebble beach) The area above the promenade with the witches hat roof on is used for general lounging about plus exercise classes or even the odd choir doing a bit of practice. I suppose the Island is a good mix of old time nostalgia pre foreign holiday British seaside resort with a couple of really decent beaches plus stunning views of the channel chucked in for good measure. Its generally clean and tidy not grubby at all until the end of the day when the lazy couldn't care less element of the Great British Public have wreaked their dumped litter routine on the beach and grassed areas. Witmore Bay is cleaned up and swept with a tractor towed cleaning machine every morning throughout the Summer at about 6 am each morning and left spotless for the next days public. All in all worth a visit and just a quick train ride into Cardiff for a bit of sight seeing or the rugby or footy.
I have no idea why, as a land-locked American in Wisconsin, UA-cam recommended your videos to me but I have to say I enjoy your channel and I've developed an itch to travel across the pond. Hope you and your family are doing well during the heatwave.
Barry Island is a huge part of a Welsh childhood, especially if you're from the South, like me. Every year we would go on the annual Labour Club bus trip, spend the morning on the beach, the afternoon at the fair, then a few of us would go for a wander around the scrapyard.!!! (I know, weird.) It was just outside the town, filled with dozens of disused steam locomotives and the owners were quite happy to let you climb on them, (not much health and safety legislation around in the 70s), which for a 6-year old me was the best part of the day. Due to luck, foresight, and a growing interest in steam at the end if the 1970s, they were bought, restored, and now run on heritage lines across Britain. Long live Ynys Barri. 😁👍
The trains were owned by the Woodham Brothers. I believe one of them went on to be the locomotive in the Harry Potter films. I used to climb on them as a kid growing up in Barry Docks and I remember once stealing a few tins of gloss and a couple of brushes from my dad's shed and painting some of those trains! Fabulous memories.
@@AspireDecorating Yes, Woodhams. They gave the companies £100 per engine for scrap, and ended up selling some of them on for up to £250,000. No wonder Mr. Woodham had a Rolls Royce parked outside the Port-a-Cabin office. It was always caked in mud. 🤣
Back in the 80's when I was young there use to be a butlins there. It was at the top of the hill. Its houses there now when I went back. I loved it there every year x
It’s exactly 50 years since I visited Barry Island and, frankly, I couldn’t remember any of it so it was interesting to see it now. Definitely a young persons resort. Thanks for taking us there.
I remember going to Barry Island as child quite a few times and loved it. We stayed at the Butlins there and used to come out in the car to go to the front. Pity they got rid of that Butlins and the one in Pwllheli, happy childhood memories.
Good friend of mine recently moved from Pembroke to Barry. Went to visit him last week and had the opportunity to see Barry for the first time. Personally? I loved it. Loved how unashamedly kitch it is! Plenty of vibe, personality and atmosphere: a surprising number of parks and even a forest walk. Yes it's dated ... but for me, that's its charm. Ps. I live 10 mins from Tenby & Saundersfoot. Totally love our 2 resorts !
wish i lived in tenby lovley beach, could do with livelier pubs penally night club gone for youngsters only one in saundersfoot called sands must be quiet in winter
@@colinlock-lv9vv Yea it is quiet in winter, except for Christmas time. Both towns are so pretty during Christmas: particularly Tenby with many of the long established businesses going full-on 'Christmas Village ' 😀
Never been to Barry but have 2 more Butlins facts about the place. 1 - the 1980's Doctor Who story Delta and the Bannermen was partly filmed at Butlins Barry Island and 2 - Barry was where Billy Butlin came up with the idea of an all-inclusive park with entertainment on site after getting fed up of getting kicked out of boarding houses during the day in all weathers by the owners so they could clean up. He was sitting on a sheltered bench in the pouring rain looking at how miserable everyone else was. He got the money to get, bought a turnip field near Skegness and built a holiday camp and the rest is history!
For us local in Cardiff, we go to Pernarth marina bay, pernath pier, Cardiff bay. Otherside Cardiff, we goto 3cliffs beach in Swansea and Oxwich beach near the corner. It'll be worth a visit, trust me. You have elan valley and so many things to do. You should take few days only in Wales. Wales needs more exposure. Thanks Tim
The Gravitron is a spaceship and you stand against the wall that has padding like a sponge mattress in vinyl with no safety belts, or anything, and the controller sits in the middle. Plays loud music and the ride spins very fast. The inertia lifts you off the floor to the ceiling while being suspended. Then it slows down and you go down to the floor again. This was around 30 yrs ago in Canada. My daughter talked me into going on it and I think she knew what my reaction was going to be…..”You sneak! I’ll never go on that again!” 😅😅
As an Australian, and a fan of Gavin and Stacey, I would love to visit Barry Island. Just as I would love love to visit “Torchwood” wharf. All on the bucket list. 👍
Barry Island is my 3rd favourite seaside in Wales and I have been here 2 times with Porthcawl and Tenby being my other favourites but this place is well known for the tv show Gavin and Stacey and my 2nd visit here yesterday and spent 3 hours here on the beach and had a long paddle in the sea and walked along the coastal cliff walk called Friars Point the sun was shining and so much scenery of the charming Bristol Channel on a clear day
Love Barry Island. Went to Butlins as a child then my younger brother worked at the holiday camp after Butlins sold it. Can't remember how many times we've been but still love it.
30 years ago we stayed in a chalet when it was a holiday camp, loved it and the beach was so so lovely too walk on, I remember being on the beach at 5 in the morning all on my own-some with no one around, happy memories of bygone days.
We used to holiday in Barry Butlins every year as our grandparents would drop us off as mum didn't drive. Then you had the annual workmen's club outing every summer with your little bag of tokens for the fair. The empty pavilion everyone would hide under when it (almost always) rained 🌧
Me and my boys went there today for first time, it's a nice day out and beach was lovely kids loved the beach, only thing is it's very expensive but it was nice to see the kids enjoy themselves especially after the last couple of years xx
randomly went there 2 years ago and found it to be very clean and well maintained. Nice to see a resort respected by visitors. The Greggs made our day lol. Did you notice how fast the tide comes in lol. Lovely video,enjoyed it.
@@lemsip207 my friend helps to litter pick over there in the evening, after the visitors have left. It's left in a disgusting state, they have no shame!
@alilala5303 It's why I won't go there anymore except in winter. The litter doesn't build up over time as it is cleared every morning around 8 a.m., so how come it is covered in litter at the end of the day?
ive never been to barry island but it looks a lovely place. i spent a lot of time in wales as a kid and its nice to see it had that old school seaside town feel without all the fun pubs full of drinks like blackpool. we mainly went to west wales around the barmouth area and that has the similar look to barry island.
Butlins in 1980,81,82,85 as a 10 year old onwards and the then themed funfair with the log flume, jungle ride, fun house, scream machine, Galaxie coaster, pirate ship, Enterprise etc and all the arcades, steam scrapyard and the beach was the best place in the world for me. Went back as an adult in 1994 to the holiday camp no longer Butlins, was not the same. The funfair was rundown. The holiday camp was demolished the funfair closed, things were looking bleak. Henry Danter is transforming the funfair year by year, it now has the tallest ride in the country and he has bought land nearby to provide accommodation. I went there 3 times last year with my kids and although it's so sad Butlins has gone, it's still a great place and on the up.
😍Aww, I loved Barry Island as a kid, lived in Bristol which was across the Bridge. Live in Australia now, I’ll def visit when I holiday in uk in 2024. Gavin & Stacey country 🤣🤣🤣
Great video Tim of Barry Island I have never been there glad you showed where the house was in gavin and Stacey loved that programme liked the beach which was tucked away
Used to go there as a kid in the late 80s and while it was exciting to me in my juvenile state it also awakened that dawning realisation over time that actually it was awful. I recall a crappy coaster, a Pirate ship swing ride called The Bounty, a flying saucer ride and a ghost train. My parents and I would spend time split between the nearby arcades and this. We'd look at the Barry Island Butlins but never go there because it was delapidated. The whole place just felt like a mobile funfair on tarmac which had decided to stay put and never move on. I also got taken to Porthcawl but it wasn't a whole lot better and a whole story in its own right.
@@richardbrown8099 absolutely 💯 👌 I was so sad they knocked it down, it was all about the fun you had there, not how tatty the chalets looked..just pure..Good fun!!!
@@paulathomson3534 I definitely haven't been for a long time, but the Barry Island I see on Google Maps looks virtually identical to the one I remember - a sad fairground sitting on tarmac, and a row of arcades, cafes and chipshops to one side.
Your videos are fantastic Showing us the simplest of things in Britain especially at a cost prospective where everyone can afford to take there family! Keep up the amazing videos! You should come to Scarborough around this time of the year!
THE GRAVITRON. 😍 That used to be at Alton Towers when I was a kid in the 90's. Essentially it sucks you to the wall and then the plates you lean against lift. We used to turn upside down, but you had to try to get back the right way up before it stopped or you would just drop on your head. 😅
Really enjoyed this video of Barry Island! I grew up just a few miles away and have some happy memories of that beach in the past and more recent years! Brilliant to see you visit there! Fantastic views from the big wheel!
Can't believe I've only just discovered this channel, it's exactly my type of content. Very well presented Tim, and I'm enjoying going over all of your previous videos too.
@@kjubajla Depends what you're looking for really. If you like Travel and Transport, then I'd recommend: Bald and Bankrupt, Geoff Marshall, The Tim Traveller, Noel Philips, Tall Travels, Tom Scott.
When i was a kid, we used to stay at Butlins Barry Island every year in the late 70's early 80's and that side path we used as a back way from the chalet to the beach. There used to be a log flume at the fun fair that got you soaked, til they changed it then it was rubbish lol. I have many fond memories of Barry Island including when a seagull pooped in my mums cup of tea as she was holding it lol Thank you for showing us round, its stirred up many great childhood memories.
Went to Butlins for Easter weekend back in the early 90s I guess not long before it closed for good. It was run down. But still good fun for a group of 20 something's
Its a shame you never said or shown the part of Barry Island where the Butlins camp was. There is a blue plaque on the wall over the side of the beach where the beach huts are , This gives references to all the staff and hoilday makers who came to enjoy Barry Island Lorraine x Redcoat
Ahhh were you a redcoat? 🤩👏👌 I always wanted to work there when I finished school...what was it like? I spent so much time and happy days there, I remember the camp staff were all amazing and always happy and fun!! ID LOVE to hear your stories
Not been to Barry Island but did stay at a place in Wales called Larne. We stayed in a tent which is one of my pet hates yet the place made me fall in love with Wales. The beach was excellent and I think the lack of touristy tat which even as a 12year old made the holiday what it was. Maybe we should put Barry on our visit bucket list.
I think the last time I went to Barry Island was when my son was 18 months old - he's 36 now lol. I am sure that Butlins was still there back then and many years before that there was the steam train graveyard at the railway station with loads of old rusty steam trains. We would visit when we were kids and those old engines fascinated me. I think lots of them have been bought up and restored now though. Must get the camera out and take a trip there soon - it's easy to get to from where I live, just get the train to Cardiff and change there for Barry and the train station isn't far from the beach.
Tim this was a wonderful video. The picture quality was amazing .. so clear I felt like I was walking with you. Lovely place to cool off from the heat. So much to see and do for everyone. Food and sun can’t be beat! Thanks Tim for the views .. they were beautiful. Enjoyed this very much!👏🏻☀️
Henry Danter has done a brilliant job with barry island funfair, hes put millions into it, they now have the biggest ride in Europe at 200ft, call into the funfair and show some support
Jackson’s Bay was the locals beach. The quality of the sand has improved as all the sand had a lot of coal in it as Barry holds the World record for coal exportations. It also has the second highest tide in the World. If you go to the other end of the beach over the headland is the Old Harbour which is pretty and has more sand areas after the next headland is the Knap with its outdoor swimming pool and Pebble Beach which is fabulous with large pebbles which then transforms into a slab rock beach at Porth Kerry. I was brought up there over 70 years ago
There's no outdoor swimming pool there any more it was filled in many years ago 😢 it's sorely missed. Porthkerry Park a bit further along from The Knap is very nice though.
I visited there a few weeks back after watching G&S for over a decade i finally stepped foot in this beautiful place. I was so emotional and was so proud of it
I’ve lived in Barry for the good part of 35 years and Barry island has change so much since I was a kid , still a great day out ....Jackson’s bay is a quiet beach normally for the locals but back in the day was a known topless beach lol or for the odd beach party great video 👌🏻😎
I grew up in Barry in the 60's and 70's. It has certainly changed a lot! Butlins was still there then, and there used to be a couple of nightclubs along the front in the Disco era. it's good to see that a lot of work has gone into landscaping the Promenade, although the Gavin and Stacey vibe is a bit meh. I always preferred the other side of the beach, Friar's Point and Watchtower Bay, leading round to Pebbly Beach and Porthkerry Country Park. You could see it from the Big Wheel, I was surprised he left it out.
@@kayew5492 you must be on about the old beer Kella I believe that was the largest on the front it was underneath the arcade believe it or not that place hasn’t been touched since the doors shut back in the early 80s some guy has bought the place and took pictures it’s like stepping back in time but I do believe it’s opening back up would have been a little further down from greggs in this video
@@kayew5492 butlins didn’t shut till the later 80s as it was bought from mr butlins and was changed to the name of majestics before closing due to lack of repair I used to have a season ticket to use the pool , cable cars etc
I have lived in barry all my life and the guy who owned barry island fairground before this owner (Henry Danter) really let the fairground get run into the ground it was shocking at the time but Danter has put some money into the fairground and its not to bad now u don't have weeds tickling u in your ear when u sit down on a bench trying to eat your pie and chips but u still get the seagulls trying to mug u tho lol.
Lovely video Tim. Since watching G & S I’ve wanted to visit Barry Island just to see what it’s really like, but haven’t gone yet, so it was lovely to see it in your video. Thanks Tim😊
Hi Tim ! Loved this i really love Gavin and Stacey . The seafront looks nice traditional seaside town. I will have to visit one day . Thankyou for sharing with us love to you as always Tracey 💕 xxxx
I started watching some episodes again as I missed the scenes with Deano who works with Smithy. Smithy and Gavin bring their mates to Barry and they stay with Uncle Bryn. Deano comes with them and has been learning Welsh to impress Stacey's family and the others laugh at him but he meets a Welsh speaking girl in a night club. The first time I saw it was the Christmas special in 2008 so then had episodes to catch up with. I watched it to the end and then watched again.
Jackson's Bay is muddy when the tide is out.Locals usually park at the top of the cliff and walk down the steep path that leads to the shower and toilets at the other end of the beach
Watch all your great videos and today I saw my house..!! Yes Barry Island is great and I’ve lived here many years.. well worth a visit for those who can.
Loved seeing Barry island again..I went on holiday there at the holiday camp that's now a housing estate ..I could see the area from the big wheel Thanks Tim
@@WalkWithMeTim Oh wow i never knew it was a housing estate now, we went to that holiday camp about 28 years ago it was truly brilliant one of our best holidays 🥰
I’m from Cardiff area and even though Barry is nostalgic I know loads of people who dislike it down there and would rather go to places like Ogmore, Port Talbot and Porthcawl. Even though it’s really clean and they have put money into the island once you look past the aesthetics it’s basically the same tatty shops that all sell the same things, the amusements tend to be a rip off and there’s a lack of great places to eat down there (near the sea front) unless you like over priced fish and chips or Greggs. It’s a nice place to go especially for a walk or a chill day at the beach but after a day you have experienced Barry for what it’s worth. Much prefer walking down there at night with the lights on and no busy crowds
I would as well. I wouldn't want to go to Barry Island because of the sewage outlet there years ago and now it's too popular with loutish families. They shouldn't be selling hot takeaway food as the litter from that ends up on the beach every day. The licensing should be changed so that you could only be able to eat sitting down inside and the food shouldn't be taken away. If it's cold enough to eat hot food you would want to be sitting down inside. Penarth used to be lovely with cafes and a shell shop on the front but all those were closed but at least the pier has been done up with a cinema, cafe and exhibition space in the pier entrance building. Unfortunately the beach is very pebbly.
@@lemsip207 I think the 'should' word should be used in the way of "people should put their litter in the bins" it's part of the seaside experience to walk freely with some tasty food in your hand 👍😊
It's not the same & it ripped my heart out when they demolished it, so many good memories there,it was a bonus to the Island in its glory days, but I've met some amazing friends that live there (old camp site) so that's softened my wounds..😄
I’ve always loved Barry Island, since I was a young girl with my parents and then in my teenage years me & my friend used to jump on the train and spend the day there… I had the lucky experience of working along side the Red Coats & Army in Butlins as a work experience for the course I was taking in College such a shame they closed it.. it’s totally changed now mind, but it’s still fab….
Last time I went to Barry Island was nearly 13 years ago. I took my very new husband on a honeymoon trip (we took day trips). It was so windy, but we followed the Torchwood trail then.
@@WalkWithMeTim Hope you reach 100K subscribers soon :) Here are some suggestions for future videos : The national showcaves in Wales, Padstow in Cornwall where there are some very famous and popular restaurants and Newquay in Cornwall :)
Good ol' Barrybados, surprised it wasn't busier on the hottest day of the year tho, usually rammed in summer! Although never watched Gavin and Stacey it's a staple of any South Walian's childhood day out
Never been to Barry island but looks nice there! The beach would be packed because it’s hot 🥵 weather and I don’t blame everyone being out and about in the sunshine ☀️
Sorry I couldn't make the premiere but really enjoyed this. Really want to go as a massive Gavin and Stacey fan. This shows there's more to it than I thought 👏
Barry Island isn’t a patch on what it was years ago when I was young, sad to say but I just feel awful when I visit there now, terrible to see how it’s deteriorated, how disappointed the people who visit there because of Gavin and Stacey must be
3:20 spot me spotting you (the long haired man with the green back pack) but not approaching you because you were filming and i wanted to respect that. I later met you briefly in jacksons bay and it was pleasure, you were lovely :) Diolch for doing Barry justice in this great video! I visit all the time for a swim in Jacksons Bay from Cardiff (only £3.80 return on the train), many times in the winter i've had the whole beach to myself!
Great stuff, Tim. Barry island looks well kept (a bit tacky but…) and the beach looks great! I know nothing about it except gavin and Stacy (which I’ve never seen!) and that there was a scrapyard there were many of today’s preserved steam locos were rescued from there
Barry Island has had the heart put back into it by Henry Danter who has built this fairground back up to its original glory, He's very passionate about the place, thousands of visitors are coming back again now, lots of people from all over the world, coach trips, it's the place to be, it has everything and more exciting things coming this winter 👌 I think your comment (a bit tacky) Is maybe in view of the style of shops ect?? But this is a great British seaside expectation, its Barrybados not Dubai 👌
Barry Island is a lovely place you used to be able to rent the huts the bigger ones have electric and running water the smaller ones (2nd lot) just have electric but you can get water from the tap near the shower. Also the stone henge used to spray water and used to be lovely and cool 😁. As for the tent you often find them doing yoga classes there out of the sun 👍🏻
Used to go to Barry Island in the 50s and early 60s when we lived in Aberdare, I remember a few funny incidents from those days, but I think the last time I was there was probably at least 55 years ago. Never watched Gavin and Stacy so I didn’t know it was made there.
Hi Tim, Really enjoyed the vlog never been to Wales. Looked a great place to go funfair amusements etc love Gavin & Stacey too. Cheers looking forward to Butlins this afternoon.
Best Place to Visit in Wales 👉ua-cam.com/video/HbAUPPyD9Wg/v-deo.html
Love it
👣🚶🏻♂️👍🏼☀️
Can you take dogs on Jacksons Bay during the main season? Why don't most places allow dogs on beaches? Especially service dogs?
I agree Tim, Llandudno has everything.
@@ksturmer5388 Jacksons Bay you can all year round I take my dog most days in the Summer( I live on Nells Point where the Butlins chalets used to be just above the path Tim walked around to reach Jacksons) there's also another tidy beach the other side of Whitmore bay by the old harbour which is a much larger beach where dogs can also run their hearts out all year round called Watchtower Bay. Its just Whitmore bay ( the main Beach) which is restricted to Sept to May for dogs.
Jacksons bay is a fantastic little Cove which is a lot more extensive than it looks on the video as is Whitmore ( the tide was in ) both with nice golden sand and Jacksons looks really picturesque as you come round the headland like something in Italy or Croatia or similar abroad.
Theres also a fourth beach at the Knapp ( pebble beach)
The area above the promenade with the witches hat roof on is used for general lounging about plus exercise classes or even the odd choir doing a bit of practice.
I suppose the Island is a good mix of old time nostalgia pre foreign holiday British seaside resort with a couple of really decent beaches plus stunning views of the channel chucked in for good measure.
Its generally clean and tidy not grubby at all until the end of the day when the lazy couldn't care less element of the Great British Public have wreaked their dumped litter routine on the beach and grassed areas.
Witmore Bay is cleaned up and swept with a tractor towed cleaning machine every morning throughout the Summer at about 6 am each morning and left spotless for the next days public.
All in all worth a visit and just a quick train ride into Cardiff for a bit of sight seeing or the rugby or footy.
I have no idea why, as a land-locked American in Wisconsin, UA-cam recommended your videos to me but I have to say I enjoy your channel and I've developed an itch to travel across the pond. Hope you and your family are doing well during the heatwave.
Lol that's the power of youtube , glad u like them 😎
Come across its beautiful here in the UK. Xx
How is LaCrosse and Door county these days? Barry Island is Glamorgans Dells without the DUKWs or the Tommy Bartlett show I suppose.
You should definitely come over and have a cup of tea 😄☕
Dewch I Gymru, mae hi’n anhygoel.
Barry Island is a huge part of a Welsh childhood, especially if you're from the South, like me. Every year we would go on the annual Labour Club bus trip, spend the morning on the beach, the afternoon at the fair, then a few of us would go for a wander around the scrapyard.!!! (I know, weird.)
It was just outside the town, filled with dozens of disused steam locomotives and the owners were quite happy to let you climb on them, (not much health and safety legislation around in the 70s), which for a 6-year old me was the best part of the day.
Due to luck, foresight, and a growing interest in steam at the end if the 1970s, they were bought, restored, and now run on heritage lines across Britain.
Long live Ynys Barri. 😁👍
The trains were owned by the Woodham Brothers. I believe one of them went on to be the locomotive in the Harry Potter films. I used to climb on them as a kid growing up in Barry Docks and I remember once stealing a few tins of gloss and a couple of brushes from my dad's shed and painting some of those trains! Fabulous memories.
Watch the new thor film
@@AspireDecorating Yes, Woodhams.
They gave the companies £100 per engine for scrap, and ended up selling some of them on for up to £250,000. No wonder Mr. Woodham had a Rolls Royce parked outside the Port-a-Cabin office. It was always caked in mud. 🤣
Great comment
@@kkrispy2009P why?
Wales is a amazing country with very nice beaches and mountains.
Back in the 80's when I was young there use to be a butlins there. It was at the top of the hill. Its houses there now when I went back. I loved it there every year x
It’s exactly 50 years since I visited Barry Island and, frankly, I couldn’t remember any of it so it was interesting to see it now. Definitely a young persons resort. Thanks for taking us there.
you are welcome :-) Dianne
People of all ages enjoy it 😊
I remember going to Barry Island as child quite a few times and loved it. We stayed at the Butlins there and used to come out in the car to go to the front. Pity they got rid of that Butlins and the one in Pwllheli, happy childhood memories.
Good friend of mine recently moved from Pembroke to Barry. Went to visit him last week and had the opportunity to see Barry for the first time. Personally? I loved it. Loved how unashamedly kitch it is! Plenty of vibe, personality and atmosphere: a surprising number of parks and even a forest walk. Yes it's dated ... but for me, that's its charm. Ps. I live 10 mins from Tenby & Saundersfoot. Totally love our 2 resorts !
wish i lived in tenby lovley beach, could do with livelier pubs penally night club gone for youngsters only one in saundersfoot called sands must be quiet in winter
@@colinlock-lv9vv Yea it is quiet in winter, except for Christmas time. Both towns are so pretty during Christmas: particularly Tenby with many of the long established businesses going full-on 'Christmas Village ' 😀
I’m excited for this one…
U love barry 😎
Never been to Barry but have 2 more Butlins facts about the place. 1 - the 1980's Doctor Who story Delta and the Bannermen was partly filmed at Butlins Barry Island and 2 - Barry was where Billy Butlin came up with the idea of an all-inclusive park with entertainment on site after getting fed up of getting kicked out of boarding houses during the day in all weathers by the owners so they could clean up. He was sitting on a sheltered bench in the pouring rain looking at how miserable everyone else was. He got the money to get, bought a turnip field near Skegness and built a holiday camp and the rest is history!
I didn't know that.. thanks Andrew
That’s absolutely true. Shame Tim didn’t mention any history of the famous Butlins Barry island.
Sir Billy Butlins the legend 💫👌
advert for barry island pleasure park is entertaining on you tube can remember it been shown on itv
For us local in Cardiff, we go to Pernarth marina bay, pernath pier, Cardiff bay. Otherside Cardiff, we goto 3cliffs beach in Swansea and Oxwich beach near the corner. It'll be worth a visit, trust me. You have elan valley and so many things to do. You should take few days only in Wales. Wales needs more exposure. Thanks Tim
The Gravitron is a spaceship and you stand against the wall that has padding like a sponge mattress in vinyl with no safety belts, or anything, and the controller sits in the middle. Plays loud music and the ride spins very fast. The inertia lifts you off the floor to the ceiling while being suspended. Then it slows down and you go down to the floor again. This was around 30 yrs ago in Canada. My daughter talked me into going on it and I think she knew what my reaction was going to be…..”You sneak! I’ll never go on that again!” 😅😅
As an Australian, and a fan of Gavin and Stacey, I would love to visit Barry Island. Just as I would love love to visit “Torchwood” wharf. All on the bucket list. 👍
😎
Don't do it, you'll be very dissapointed.
@@wills4794 not true, you'll have the best day out 👌
You can do all that and more if you hire a car.The house in Essex is actually in Dinas Powys all within half hour drive.
Barry Island is my 3rd favourite seaside in Wales and I have been here 2 times with Porthcawl and Tenby being my other favourites but this place is well known for the tv show Gavin and Stacey and my 2nd visit here yesterday and spent 3 hours here on the beach and had a long paddle in the sea and walked along the coastal cliff walk called Friars Point the sun was shining and so much scenery of the charming Bristol Channel on a clear day
Love Barry Island. Went to Butlins as a child then my younger brother worked at the holiday camp after Butlins sold it. Can't remember how many times we've been but still love it.
same here :-)
30 years ago we stayed in a chalet when it was a holiday camp, loved it and the beach was so so lovely too walk on, I remember being on the beach at 5 in the morning all on my own-some with no one around, happy memories of bygone days.
It's a magical place 😊
We used to holiday in Barry Butlins every year as our grandparents would drop us off as mum didn't drive. Then you had the annual workmen's club outing every summer with your little bag of tokens for the fair. The empty pavilion everyone would hide under when it (almost always) rained 🌧
Haven’t been since the 90,s..looks alright and clean which is a bonus
lol
Me and my boys went there today for first time, it's a nice day out and beach was lovely kids loved the beach, only thing is it's very expensive but it was nice to see the kids enjoy themselves especially after the last couple of years xx
Did you see the real mermaid by the log flume?🧜♀️😊
Great video of my home town where I was born Tim. You have made it look glorious. Thank you.
😉
Loved Barry Island Butlins.
randomly went there 2 years ago and found it to be very clean and well maintained. Nice to see a resort respected by visitors. The Greggs made our day lol. Did you notice how fast the tide comes in lol. Lovely video,enjoyed it.
I totally agree!
The main beach is covered in litter at the end of a hot day in the school summer holidays or at weekends in the summer term.
@@lemsip207 my friend helps to litter pick over there in the evening, after the visitors have left. It's left in a disgusting state, they have no shame!
@alilala5303 It's why I won't go there anymore except in winter. The litter doesn't build up over time as it is cleared every morning around 8 a.m., so how come it is covered in litter at the end of the day?
@@lemsip207 It is beautiful first thing in the morning, but sadly the visitor's leave all their rubbish behind after a day at the beach.
ive never been to barry island but it looks a lovely place. i spent a lot of time in wales as a kid and its nice to see it had that old school seaside town feel without all the fun pubs full of drinks like blackpool. we mainly went to west wales around the barmouth area and that has the similar look to barry island.
I lived there for 7 years it's nice to visit terrible to live in full of drug addicts
Love it was born down that way have not seen it for years thank you for the video 🙂
I love Barry island it’s great place to go and visit
agree
Me too..its a vibe 👌💫
Butlins in 1980,81,82,85 as a 10 year old onwards and the then themed funfair with the log flume, jungle ride, fun house, scream machine, Galaxie coaster, pirate ship, Enterprise etc and all the arcades, steam scrapyard and the beach was the best place in the world for me. Went back as an adult in 1994 to the holiday camp no longer Butlins, was not the same. The funfair was rundown.
The holiday camp was demolished the funfair closed, things were looking bleak.
Henry Danter is transforming the funfair year by year, it now has the tallest ride in the country and he has bought land nearby to provide accommodation. I went there 3 times last year with my kids and although it's so sad Butlins has gone, it's still a great place and on the up.
I was just in barry island legend mate
:-)
this is where i will be going in june to do the gavin and stacey tour cannot wait going to be so good
😍Aww, I loved Barry Island as a kid, lived in Bristol which was across the Bridge. Live in Australia now, I’ll def visit when I holiday in uk in 2024. Gavin & Stacey country 🤣🤣🤣
I've never been to Barry island but after watching you vblog it's well worth a visit thank's for the vid👋👋
You should! its not everyone's cup of tea but people asked me to go and check it out
Great video Tim of Barry Island I have never been there glad you showed where the house was in gavin and Stacey loved that programme liked the beach which was tucked away
😎
Used to go there as a kid in the late 80s and while it was exciting to me in my juvenile state it also awakened that dawning realisation over time that actually it was awful. I recall a crappy coaster, a Pirate ship swing ride called The Bounty, a flying saucer ride and a ghost train. My parents and I would spend time split between the nearby arcades and this. We'd look at the Barry Island Butlins but never go there because it was delapidated. The whole place just felt like a mobile funfair on tarmac which had decided to stay put and never move on. I also got taken to Porthcawl but it wasn't a whole lot better and a whole story in its own right.
Barry Butlins was brilliant.
@@richardbrown8099 absolutely 💯 👌 I was so sad they knocked it down, it was all about the fun you had there, not how tatty the chalets looked..just pure..Good fun!!!
You haven't been for a while I take it...its booming now and getting better all the time...
@@paulathomson3534 I definitely haven't been for a long time, but the Barry Island I see on Google Maps looks virtually identical to the one I remember - a sad fairground sitting on tarmac, and a row of arcades, cafes and chipshops to one side.
@@drxym Google maps doesn't allow you to ' feel the vibe ' there's absolutely nothing sad about it,
Your videos are fantastic Showing us the simplest of things in Britain especially at a cost prospective where everyone can afford to take there family! Keep up the amazing videos! You should come to Scarborough around this time of the year!
Glad you like them! yes have been to Scarborough lots...videos on the channel
THE GRAVITRON. 😍 That used to be at Alton Towers when I was a kid in the 90's. Essentially it sucks you to the wall and then the plates you lean against lift. We used to turn upside down, but you had to try to get back the right way up before it stopped or you would just drop on your head. 😅
🤣🤣🤣👌
Really enjoyed this video of Barry Island! I grew up just a few miles away and have some happy memories of that beach in the past and more recent years! Brilliant to see you visit there! Fantastic views from the big wheel!
Thanks for watching
Love watching your vlogs Tim never Been to Wales 🏴 but watching your vlogs always makes me want to go
give it a go
@@WalkWithMeTim will do thanks Tim
Come 🎡🎠🏝
Been here as a Kid to the then Butlins, Was amazing, Glad to see its not totally died a death.
Can't believe I've only just discovered this channel, it's exactly my type of content. Very well presented Tim, and I'm enjoying going over all of your previous videos too.
Yay thanks Daniel, hope ur subscribed too
@@WalkWithMeTim Absolutely! Keep up the great work!
@@kjubajla Depends what you're looking for really. If you like Travel and Transport, then I'd recommend: Bald and Bankrupt, Geoff Marshall, The Tim Traveller, Noel Philips, Tall Travels, Tom Scott.
When i was a kid, we used to stay at Butlins Barry Island every year in the late 70's early 80's and that side path we used as a back way from the chalet to the beach. There used to be a log flume at the fun fair that got you soaked, til they changed it then it was rubbish lol. I have many fond memories of Barry Island including when a seagull pooped in my mums cup of tea as she was holding it lol Thank you for showing us round, its stirred up many great childhood memories.
😆😅the naughty seagul🤣🤣
Went to Butlins for Easter weekend back in the early 90s I guess not long before it closed for good. It was run down. But still good fun for a group of 20 something's
Went there years ago, not very busy, tide was out, so the beach was huge. Loved the place. Highly recommend a visit.
This summer is filled by thousands of visitors from all over the world.
Old Butlins Barry Island was a favourite haunt of ours when we were younger.
I miss Butlins. Always seemed popular when I went as a kid. Can't believe that it failed in the end.
I know such a shame
It's a huge loss isn't it 😏
Its a shame you never said or shown the part of Barry Island where the Butlins camp was. There is a blue plaque on the wall over the side of the beach where the beach huts are , This gives references to all the staff and hoilday makers who came to enjoy Barry Island Lorraine x Redcoat
Yes my fault I missed that
Ahhh were you a redcoat? 🤩👏👌 I always wanted to work there when I finished school...what was it like? I spent so much time and happy days there, I remember the camp staff were all amazing and always happy and fun!! ID LOVE to hear your stories
Barry Island Butlins holidays were my best ever as a kid
Loved the video of Barry Island Tim thankyou for the video.Barry looks a very nice place to visit Tim.
Glad you enjoyed it
Not been to Barry Island but did stay at a place in Wales called Larne. We stayed in a tent which is one of my pet hates yet the place made me fall in love with Wales. The beach was excellent and I think the lack of touristy tat which even as a 12year old made the holiday what it was. Maybe we should put Barry on our visit bucket list.
Just wondering do you mean Laugharne where Dylan Thomas the Poet is from? It’s beautiful all around this part of the coast….
Don't miss out, go to Barry Island 🥰👍
Barry island is amazing beach is always clean great atmosphere very friendly place, got fantastic memories there 🥰
Me too, the old Barry Island was so full of charm, but the new Barry Island is magic!😊👍
Haven't been in years, watching this has given me an urge to go back! Thank you!
Croeso i Cymru!!
you are welcome :-)
I think the last time I went to Barry Island was when my son was 18 months old - he's 36 now lol. I am sure that Butlins was still there back then and many years before that there was the steam train graveyard at the railway station with loads of old rusty steam trains. We would visit when we were kids and those old engines fascinated me. I think lots of them have been bought up and restored now though. Must get the camera out and take a trip there soon - it's easy to get to from where I live, just get the train to Cardiff and change there for Barry and the train station isn't far from the beach.
i can remember when there was a old stem engine scrap yard on barry island
Wow
🇨🇦 here. G&S one of the all time greatest sitcoms on the planet. I purchased a few G&S souvenirs while visiting Barry Island.
After this video I'm planning to go! Thanks for your adventures. I went to Cardiff on Tuesday because of your vids.
Great to hear!
Tim this was a wonderful video. The picture quality was amazing .. so clear I felt like I was walking with you. Lovely place to cool off from the heat. So much to see and do for everyone. Food and sun can’t be beat! Thanks Tim for the views .. they were beautiful. Enjoyed this very much!👏🏻☀️
Thanks mel
Henry Danter has done a brilliant job with barry island funfair, hes put millions into it, they now have the biggest ride in Europe at 200ft, call into the funfair and show some support
Well, Gavin @ Stacey is one of my favourite TV shows, so yes, i would visit for that reason alone! xxxx
Jackson’s Bay was the locals beach. The quality of the sand has improved as all the sand had a lot of coal in it as Barry holds the World record for coal exportations. It also has the second highest tide in the World. If you go to the other end of the beach over the headland is the Old Harbour which is pretty and has more sand areas after the next headland is the Knap with its outdoor swimming pool and Pebble Beach which is fabulous with large pebbles which then transforms into a slab rock beach at Porth Kerry. I was brought up there over 70 years ago
There's no outdoor swimming pool there any more it was filled in many years ago 😢 it's sorely missed. Porthkerry Park a bit further along from The Knap is very nice though.
I visited there a few weeks back after watching G&S for over a decade i finally stepped foot in this beautiful place. I was so emotional and was so proud of it
I've always wanted to visit because of the show and after seeing this I thought what's stopping me! So I've booked☺️🙌🏻
Have fun!
I’ve lived in Barry for the good part of 35 years and Barry island has change so much since I was a kid , still a great day out ....Jackson’s bay is a quiet beach normally for the locals but back in the day was a known topless beach lol or for the odd beach party great video 👌🏻😎
I grew up in Barry in the 60's and 70's. It has certainly changed a lot! Butlins was still there then, and there used to be a couple of nightclubs along the front in the Disco era. it's good to see that a lot of work has gone into landscaping the Promenade, although the Gavin and Stacey vibe is a bit meh. I always preferred the other side of the beach, Friar's Point and Watchtower Bay, leading round to Pebbly Beach and Porthkerry Country Park. You could see it from the Big Wheel, I was surprised he left it out.
@@kayew5492 you must be on about the old beer Kella I believe that was the largest on the front it was underneath the arcade believe it or not that place hasn’t been touched since the doors shut back in the early 80s some guy has bought the place and took pictures it’s like stepping back in time but I do believe it’s opening back up would have been a little further down from greggs in this video
@@kayew5492 butlins didn’t shut till the later 80s as it was bought from mr butlins and was changed to the name of majestics before closing due to lack of repair I used to have a season ticket to use the pool , cable cars etc
@@kayew5492 the pebble beaches of the cold Knap and porthkerry are also picturesque places again I agree why he left out such gems
I have lived in barry all my life and the guy who owned barry island fairground before this owner (Henry Danter) really let the fairground get run into the ground it was shocking at the time but Danter has put some money into the fairground and its not to bad now u don't have weeds tickling u in your ear when u sit down on a bench trying to eat your pie and chips but u still get the seagulls trying to mug u tho lol.
Lovely video Tim. Since watching G & S I’ve wanted to visit Barry Island just to see what it’s really like, but haven’t gone yet, so it was lovely to see it in your video. Thanks Tim😊
Hi Tim ! Loved this i really love Gavin and Stacey . The seafront looks nice traditional seaside town. I will have to visit one day . Thankyou for sharing with us love to you as always Tracey 💕 xxxx
I love the show so funny 😁
I started watching some episodes again as I missed the scenes with Deano who works with Smithy. Smithy and Gavin bring their mates to Barry and they stay with Uncle Bryn. Deano comes with them and has been learning Welsh to impress Stacey's family and the others laugh at him but he meets a Welsh speaking girl in a night club. The first time I saw it was the Christmas special in 2008 so then had episodes to catch up with. I watched it to the end and then watched again.
Jackson's Bay is muddy when the tide is out.Locals usually park at the top of the cliff and walk down the steep path that leads to the shower and toilets at the other end of the beach
Watch all your great videos and today I saw my house..!! Yes Barry Island is great and I’ve lived here many years.. well worth a visit for those who can.
Agree
Used to go to the holiday camp as a child, 3 times a year, mis it loads
Me too..it was so much fun in there
Great video! That Gravitron ride was at Alton Towers for a couple of seasons from about 1990.
It also used to be at Barry Island years ago..its awesome!, so much fun to be had there.
Love this place and love Gavin and Stacey too. With the TV show they do tours around where they have filmed
:-)
Loved seeing Barry island again..I went on holiday there at the holiday camp that's now a housing estate ..I could see the area from the big wheel
Thanks Tim
You are welcome, thanks for watching Annie
@@WalkWithMeTim Oh wow i never knew it was a housing estate now, we went to that holiday camp about 28 years ago it was truly brilliant one of our best holidays 🥰
I’m from Cardiff area and even though Barry is nostalgic I know loads of people who dislike it down there and would rather go to places like Ogmore, Port Talbot and Porthcawl. Even though it’s really clean and they have put money into the island once you look past the aesthetics it’s basically the same tatty shops that all sell the same things, the amusements tend to be a rip off and there’s a lack of great places to eat down there (near the sea front) unless you like over priced fish and chips or Greggs. It’s a nice place to go especially for a walk or a chill day at the beach but after a day you have experienced Barry for what it’s worth. Much prefer walking down there at night with the lights on and no busy crowds
Yes love it or hate it lol
I would as well. I wouldn't want to go to Barry Island because of the sewage outlet there years ago and now it's too popular with loutish families. They shouldn't be selling hot takeaway food as the litter from that ends up on the beach every day. The licensing should be changed so that you could only be able to eat sitting down inside and the food shouldn't be taken away. If it's cold enough to eat hot food you would want to be sitting down inside.
Penarth used to be lovely with cafes and a shell shop on the front but all those were closed but at least the pier has been done up with a cinema, cafe and exhibition space in the pier entrance building. Unfortunately the beach is very pebbly.
I've never had a Bad day at Barry Island..even on a rainy day..!!😄
@@lemsip207 I think the 'should' word should be used in the way of "people should put their litter in the bins" it's part of the seaside experience to walk freely with some tasty food in your hand 👍😊
@@paulathomson3534 Or how about bring a packed lunch and going inside a cafe instead? Walking about with chips is what I would do when it's cold.
It's not the same without the holiday park on the hill with the sheds, er... chalets!
I know
It's not the same & it ripped my heart out when they demolished it, so many good memories there,it was a bonus to the Island in its glory days, but I've met some amazing friends that live there (old camp site) so that's softened my wounds..😄
Not been to Barry since the 70s as a kid, school trip, going to Cardiff next week with the family just might venture on to Barry though 👍
I’ve always loved Barry Island, since I was a young girl with my parents and then in my teenage years me & my friend used to jump on the train and spend the day there… I had the lucky experience of working along side the Red Coats & Army in Butlins as a work experience for the course I was taking in College such a shame they closed it.. it’s totally changed now mind, but it’s still fab….
Me too, I always wanted to work at the camp when I left school ...but now my dreams come true in a way..💫😊🎠🎡
Last time I went to Barry Island was nearly 13 years ago. I took my very new husband on a honeymoon trip (we took day trips). It was so windy, but we followed the Torchwood trail then.
last few times I have been its been windy so nice to see on a sunny hot day
Love your video's Tim :) They are always so enjoyable and relaxing to watch :)
Glad you enjoy it Charlie
@@WalkWithMeTim Hope you reach 100K subscribers soon :) Here are some suggestions for future videos : The national showcaves in Wales, Padstow in Cornwall where there are some very famous and popular restaurants and Newquay in Cornwall :)
This definitely looks like my kind of place to visit...and I loved the TV show...on to my bucket list it goes!!!
😉
You will make the best memories there, it's magic!
Lovely Video Tim it's looks amazing
lol its not everyone's cup of tea I know
Loved Barry as a kid - got a bit run down in 90s but picked up again. Spent lots in the arcades as being Wales, it rains a lot.
Excellent loved it, great to see the Gavin and Stacy memorabilia... love your vlogs they are so detailed and informative 👌
Thanks so much Susan 😊
Yes I love Barry Island! Its such a lovely place
people love it or hate it lol
Good ol' Barrybados, surprised it wasn't busier on the hottest day of the year tho, usually rammed in summer! Although never watched Gavin and Stacey it's a staple of any South Walian's childhood day out
Agree
Never been to Barry island but looks nice there! The beach would be packed because it’s hot 🥵 weather and I don’t blame everyone being out and about in the sunshine ☀️
Stayed there a few times in the 70’s and 80’s at the Butlins that was on the area you walked round to get to the other beach
As children we loved going to Barry Island. We used to go into Butlins for the day and in the fair afterwards.
Sorry I couldn't make the premiere but really enjoyed this. Really want to go as a massive Gavin and Stacey fan. This shows there's more to it than I thought 👏
Yes I got starstruck going to the house
@@WalkWithMeTim I would too. Don't suppose there is a Premier Inn nearby?
@@TheFoxyb there is, very close by...👍😊
@@paulathomson3534 Brilliant, thanks for that!
Hay Tim great video... I'm a Nessa impersonator and tour guide on Daves coaches. You did a great job on this video.
Tidy, Cracking
Wow, thanks!
TIDY XX
Barry Island isn’t a patch on what it was years ago when I was young, sad to say but I just feel awful when I visit there now, terrible to see how it’s deteriorated, how disappointed the people who visit there because of Gavin and Stacey must be
When did you last visit???? It's back up & booming 💥
Most of the locals use jacksons beach - I love the place
3:20 spot me spotting you (the long haired man with the green back pack) but not approaching you because you were filming and i wanted to respect that. I later met you briefly in jacksons bay and it was pleasure, you were lovely :) Diolch for doing Barry justice in this great video! I visit all the time for a swim in Jacksons Bay from Cardiff (only £3.80 return on the train), many times in the winter i've had the whole beach to myself!
Nice too meet you mate , thanks .. yes not bad for a day out lol
Great stuff, Tim. Barry island looks well kept (a bit tacky but…) and the beach looks great! I know nothing about it except gavin and Stacy (which I’ve never seen!) and that there was a scrapyard there were many of today’s preserved steam locos were rescued from there
Barry Island has had the heart put back into it by Henry Danter who has built this fairground back up to its original glory, He's very passionate about the place, thousands of visitors are coming back again now, lots of people from all over the world, coach trips, it's the place to be, it has everything and more exciting things coming this winter 👌 I think your comment (a bit tacky)
Is maybe in view of the style of shops ect?? But this is a great British seaside expectation, its Barrybados not Dubai 👌
Used to love the Gravitron when it was at pleasure island in cleethorpes.
😎
Great video Tim, I'm suprised Ruth Jones didn't use Porthcawl as she grew up there, and she and Rob Brydon went to school together.
Porthcawl was great..but Barry Island is magic 👌💫
This is a great walk about. Me mam wor born there like, and I had no idea what it wor like as I never bin there.
My grandparents lived in the house Trinity street,the house the family lived in,must go back and visit
Barry Island is a lovely place you used to be able to rent the huts the bigger ones have electric and running water the smaller ones (2nd lot) just have electric but you can get water from the tap near the shower. Also the stone henge used to spray water and used to be lovely and cool 😁. As for the tent you often find them doing yoga classes there out of the sun 👍🏻
Been a few times, never ventured around to the other beach, must do it next time.
its my new fav beach
Great video with fantastic shots. Just one shot missing and that's of the Butlins Barry Island plaque.
Yes I did miss that
I love Barry island I might go there today for my dogs first birthday
Used to go to Barry Island in the 50s and early 60s when we lived in Aberdare, I remember a few funny incidents from those days, but I think the last time I was there was probably at least 55 years ago. Never watched Gavin and Stacy so I didn’t know it was made there.
You must go now...or keep your happy memories of how it used to be, it's changed..but magic still💫👌🏝
Oh! I was there the other day. It's lovely. :) I love that I can get there by train.
Home sweet home the best thing is I live here so don't have to travel far for a beach
Lucky 👌
Hi Tim, Really enjoyed the vlog never been to Wales. Looked a great place to go funfair amusements etc love Gavin & Stacey too. Cheers looking forward to Butlins this afternoon.
Glad you enjoyed it