I’m not sure why this one took so long to tick off my bucket list, but at the age of 36, I finally made it to Barry Island, Wales.
An island little more than 150 miles from where I lived, and where I told my friends I would one-day visit. And yes, simply because my name sounds the same.
Prior to this, my only trip to Wales had been a football match in Cardiff at the Millennium Stadium in 2005. That was a day trip with two friends and no opportunity to get on the train to Barry that day.
This weekend four of us were in Cardiff for the WWE Clash at the Castle event. We drove up on Friday afternoon with the plan of driving back immediately after the show on Saturday night. My friends were only half-tempted to tag along to Barry with me on Saturday morning but I didn’t want to ruin their trip in fear there would be nothing there.
The forecast wasn’t great but the weather held up, as I left our apartment to walk to the train station and then get the delayed 07:25 to Barry Island, a few stops and half hour down the line.
None of the shops nor the amusement park as featured in the TV series Gavin & Stacey, were open. I’ve never actually watched the television show for the record. The place had very little life early on a Saturday morning aside from some children’s swimming relay race it appeared.
There were still a few opportunities to take a selfie or two though, in front of the name at the train station, and on the beach.
I wanted to get back before 11:00 before we had to check out of our apartment, and then hang out with friends before the show. So most of my time was spent on and around the beach.
I didn’t have time to visit or wait for the Barry War Museum or Barry Island Pleasure Beach to open, whilst the parks and gardens were too far to walk. Anyway, what’s wrong with a couple of hours at the beach?
For locals I am sure it’s a good day out but it’s a bit of an effort if you live outside Wales and are not named Barrie or Barry. Will I visit again one day? Never say never.