I really and truly cannot express my love of this place enough!…read more St. Donats Arts Centre is situated near on the South Wales coastline in the grounds of a medieval castle (complete with jousting field), which is now an International College. Imagine a Hogwarts by the sea, and you're mostly there. They offer a large bar area with outstanding views, a gallery and cinema, and theatrical and musical performances go on in the traditional Tythe Barn. This is also the venue for the critically acclaimed Beyond the Border storytelling festival, which takes place every year. Although this venue is small, the staff are friendly and eager to please, and the regular clientele are an amazing mix of locals. The only downside to the centre is its distance from most major areas. But it is certainly well worth the trip, just make sure you check out their website before going down, as there are not events happening each day, and you certainly don't want to turn up and be disappointed!

Within the grounds of St Donat's Castle lies the enchanting St Donat's Arts Centre, housed in a…read more14th century Tithe barn which has been converted into a fully-equipped theatre. Another modern addition to the barn is the completely new and contrasting 'Glass Room' on one side. The publicly-funded centre puts on a high quality arts programme throughout the year in this unique setting, which has wonderful views right across the sea towards Exmoor. The barn itself is widely considered be be one of the most inspired public buildings in Wales. The centre provides a really diverse programme of children's theatre, craft classes, dance sessions, cinema, exhibitions, world music events, jazz in the Glassroom. festivals, choir rehearsals, workshops and live shows. It also hosts the internationally renowned Beyond the Border storytelling festival, and it's the perfect, enchanting venue for this lovely event (with outreach storytelling in venues elsewhere in the area, too). The Box Office and Gallery are open 10am - 4pm on weekdays, plus evenings and weekends when there are performances taking place. Check the website for upcoming events, and keep your fingers crossed that the weather is fine when you visit so you can also enjoy far-reaching views out to sea.

Do people still wear surf clothing? I mean, obviously surfers and people in Cornwall do, but anyone…read moreelse? At the beginning of the Noughties (can we seriously, as a society, not come up with a better name for the previous decade?) you couldn't move for people in Quicksilver, Rip Curl and Animal clothing. If you still rock that look then in L.M. Sports you'll find plenty of Animal clothing to keep you stocked up for the next couple of years. Oh and some snooker cues. And football boots. But mainly Animal branded clothing. Shoes too, trainers and boots for non-sporty purposes. You'll find the best bargains on the sale rails that are outside the shop (as long as it isn't raining, obviously). There's also a large bag section to the rear of the shop, yes with lots of Animal bags to choose from and up the stairs, rather oddly, you'll find a uniform shop. If you like Animal this shop is for you, otherwise, if there is nothing on the sale rails that take your fancy then you needn't venture in really.

Me and my husband are big fans of this shop. Every time we go shopping you will find us going…read morethere. Outside the shop there is always reduced clothes and shoes then inside there is loads of great offers. The main brands they sell in there are animal and weird fish you can buy clothing for half the price that you would in other shops. There is also a small collection of animal sunglasses, childrenswear, shoes and coats. Then at the back of the shop there is a room with branded surfy bags. Upstairs it sells all the local school uniforms. i Think this is the only place you can get them. They are all really well laid out and a decent price. I love this shop and I will be stocking up on there lovely warm hooded jumpers and fleeces for the winter.

Jacky Bowden is the woman behind Jaybee Jewellery. Occupying a roomy concession in the Old Wool…read moreBarn Art & Craft Centre at Verity's Court, peaceful haven where she can create some magic using some of the most delicious raw materials. Her studio is awash with Swarovski crystal and iridescent handmade glass, all glistening in the soft afternoon sunlight. There's a fine selection of ready made pieces to choose from, or you can order bespoke items, to go with a special outfit, or for a special occasion, such as a wedding etc... As with the cake shop, I neglected to ask intelligent questions like 'how long does it usually take for you to process a commission', but instead I cooed appreciatively as I cast my hungry eyes over all of the twinkling trinkets that were on disply. (I used to be a jewellery designer once upon a time, and bought a load of crystal, including Swarovski crystal, when I went to live in Prague for a few months. I love it!)

The Beehive is probably my favourite gift shop in Cowbridge. It stocks an exquisite array of…read moreincredibly beautiful things from jewellery to things for the house and home. Much of the stock is a lot of fun, and crafty instead of looking mass produced, which it generally isn't! It really is a veritable Aladdin's cave of wonder, and so if you are in the market for gifts, this really is the place to visit! It will not disappoint! In terms of pricing, it is, as you would expect, a little more pricey than less inspiring outlets... and, being in the most affluent town in South Wales, and possibly the country, things here tend to carry a premium wherever you shop. This aside, it is worth spending a little extra to buy something that you, or your friends, will treasure for a good time to come!

This pretty shop is a real find situated off the main street in a cobbled court yard. It stocks…read moresome beautiful jewellery, the glass beads being my favourites, as well as some exquisite pottery and window hangers. They have a fantastic selection of cards for all occasions, as well as a number of brain teaser type presents and educational craft type toys for children. The Bee Hive is a stocklist of Hunter wellies (which are so 'now') and has a good range of colours available, as well as having a good selection of Joules products.

Predominantly a shop which sells guitars and harps. The lady who runs this store is incredibly…read moreknowledgeable on her stock (particularly when it comes to the harps). They do however, also have a good selection of music books and sheet paper, Including many scores from popular films, TV shows and Musicals. My younger sister particularly liked this store as she was delighted to discover that they had a Glee music book, which she has now been practicing continuously!

When it comes to musical instrument shops, there's a lot to be said for service. In the more…read morepopular, wider-known stores such as Cranes, there's an unfortunate tendency for snootiness to set in amongst the staff. That distasteful though that goes "we are the instrument masters, and you people want to come and get your grubby fingers all over them? Eugh! Peasants!" And Cranes has that particular element of snobbishness all over them. And in stores such as Gamlin's, there is so much choice, and so many people asking you questions about what you're looking for that there is a small element of intimidation. That's not their fault; it's a symptom of their dedication to their field. In Pencerdd Cyf though, you have the perfect balance. The reverence for the instruments and the knowledgability that comes with it is there, but there's no sense of "us insiders, you outsiders". Instead, there's an atmosphere of community in the store; an atmosphere that fosters musicianship. If I could combine the service here with the stock of Cranes, you might just have the perfect music store.