Little-known stunning market town is a ‘peaceful haven’ with award-winning pubs

A little-known market town just 30 minutes from Cardiff has been praised for its beautiful gardens, award-winning pubs and quaint high street.

Cowbridge in South Wales was crowned the best place to live in Wales by the Sunday Times in 2017, and it boasts an array of independent shops, restaurants, and a weekly farmers’ market.

Every Saturday, visitors can enjoy the farmer’s market at Arthur John’s car park, where they can peruse homemade goods from meats and cheeses to plants and herbs and fresh fish.

The organisers explain all the products at the market have been “grown, reared, caught, brewed, pickled, baked, smoked or processed” by stall holders.

For those who like shopping there are several charity shops as well as independent stores like No39, which sells furniture and gifts, and Stwff-Stuff where you can get an array of sweet items like bags, jewellery, and trinkets.

The Happy Days Vintage Home Store is perfect for a mooch around, and you can shop for old-fashioned, unique furniture and home items. They sell everything from nostalgic toys, records, clothes, postcards, and retro signs - and there is even a cafe inside nestled among the eclectic mix of items.

One of Cowbridge’s top spots is the Physic Garden, which offers a place to relax, walk, and reflect. The garden has a “glorious array of medicinal plants and herbs” and the half-acre area contains species that would have traditionally been used for healing and cooking. The garden was revamped several years ago thanks to the Welsh Historic Gardens Trust, and it was officially opened by Queen Camilla, then the Duchess of Cornwall, in 2008.

Visitors to the town said the gardens were a “tranquil haven”, with one writing: “An absolute haven in the centre of town. Have been here many times when we've needed an uplift. Volunteers are helpful and really well informed about what is growing.” Another said: “A little oasis of calm…we recently met a friend for lunch in Cowbridge and we got there early so we decided to spend some time walking around the Physic gardens…it was so calm and peaceful.”

Among the pubs and restaurants in the town is The Bear Hotel, which has a 2025 TripAdvisor award, and the Penny Farthing, which has a 2024 Travellers’ Choice award. The nearby Hare and Hounds is included in the Michelin Guide and has been awarded a Bib Gourmand for “good quality, good value cooking”.

For food-lovers, there is also the Elephant & Bun delicatessen where they can pick up charcuterie and cheeses, wines and cider, as well as the award-winning ice cream parlour, Fablas.

The town also has parks and plenty of walking routes nearby for those who love the great outdoors. Other things to do near Cowbridge include the Hensol Castle Distillery, the Vale Resort Golf Club, St Hilary Vineyard, and Warren Mill Farm.