The Heritage Hiker’s Guide to Southerndown

Where is Southerndown?

Southerndown is a small village on the coast between Ogmore-By-Sea and Llantwit Major in the Vale of Glamorgan. The Southerndown Coast is a site of special scientific interest (SSSI). Much of the coastline is designated for both for it’s geology and botanic value. A stretch of shore, cliff, cliff-top, and several short steep valleys reveal the local geological strata. Carboniferous Limestone from upwards of 300 million years ago lies at the present sea level. The local beach is known as Dunraven Bay and the whole area is rich in settlement history. There is the scheduled Iron Age Dunraven Castle Hillfort, Iron Age enclosures and the remains of impressive gardens of the former Dunraven Castle Mansion.

History of Dunraven Castle Hillfort

Dunraven Castle Hillfort is a promontory fort above the sea on the Trwyn y Witch headland. The northern half of the enclosed area has eroded away. A Medieval hall house was built over part of the ramparts; then a 16^th century mansion/castle followed by Dunraven Castle mansion in the 1800s. Within the surviving enclosed land of the hillfort there is evidence of 21 Iron Age roundhouses.

Visiting Dunraven Castle Mansion and Gardens

Dunraven Castle mansion was built between 1802-1806 remodeling a 16^th century castle/mansion (believed to have been built by the Vaughn family). The mansion was built over the site of an earlier Medieval hall house. It was built for Thomas Wyndham, Glamorgan MP.  The remains of the walled garden can still be seen, most impressive is the ice house, a medieval styled folly that lies within its walls. Dunraven Castle mansion was used as a Red Cross Hospital during WWI and again during WWII and later as a guest house before being demolished in 1962.

There is a former estate gatehouse that marks the start of the path up to the gardens and headland next to the Heritage Coast Visitor Centre. Where there is a small car park for disabled badge holders, toilets and a seasonal ice-cream kiosk.

Walks

The Dunraven Estate can be seen along the Ogmore to Barry section of Wales Coastpath or Vale Trail 1. There is parking at Beach Road Car Park (charges apply), a walk down to the area and back up again is required.

For articles relating to areas near Southerndown see Ogmore-by-Sea and Merthyr Mawr.