The Bear Hotel

The BEAR HOTEL dates back to the 12th Century and oozes history, charm and character. Situated in the quaint market town of Cowbridge in the picturesque Vale of Glamorgan we will be pleased to cater for your special occasion, weekend break, conference or intimate lunch or dinner. At The Bear you are assured of a warm welcome and the very highest standard of service whenever you choose to visit us.

Our extensive facilities include a flagstone Real Ale Bar, luxurious Lounge Bar offering morning coffee, light meals and a unique stone vaulted "Cellars Restaurant". Our 33 individual en-suite bedrooms are tastefully decorated and many feature delightful beamed ceilings.

Whilst you are sure to enjoy your stay in Cowbridge and the Vale of Glamorgan, The Bear is within easy reach of the spectacular Glamorgan Heritage Coast and many other attractions. Cardiff, Wales" capital city is only ten miles away and offers a great variety of places of interest to explore.

The Bear has origins as far back as the 12th Century. Probably the best known as being the inn where they changed the horses on the mail run from Cardiff to Swansea. During the 17th Century Napoleon"s troops were held in the "Bear Pit" en route to London!! This famous coaching Inn is steeped in history. Nowadays, the hotel is famed for it"s fine home cooked food, friendly atmosphere and good ale.

 

The surrounding area is rural, with numerous interesting places to visit: Llanerch Vineyards, Museum of Welsh Life, Castell Coch, Ogmore Valley and many more. You may fancy a walk along one of the fine beaches of the Glamorgan Heritage Coast, Devon is visible from the local cliff tops!

Brecon and the Valleys are close by, with breathtaking views. Some of the Valleys still have the mining houses visible as you drive through. Visit Cardiff City Centre and Bay development, just 15 minutes away. Europe"s fastest growing city for art, culture, shopping and entertainment.

The hotel is on the main high street of the beautiful town of Cowbridge, the Bond Street of South Wales. This small quaint market town boasts some fabulous shops, lingering walks around the Roman wall and some of the most beautiful town houses.

Accessibility

The Bear Hotel is a grade 2 listed building dating back to the 12th Century. Whilst this does mean we have inherited some beautiful architectural details it also means that the structure of the building does present some physical barriers to accessibility.

If you do have any access requirements please do contact us before making a reservation so that we can try to meet your requirements as best we can.

Directions

The Bear Hotel is approximately 20 minutes drive from M4 Junction 33.

M4 Westbound

Leave the M4 at Junction 33 straight onto the dual carriageway. Follow for 2 miles and take the first junction off, signposted towards Barry. At the roundabout take the 4th exit off signposted Cowbridge A48. Then take the A48 for approximately 10 miles (pass through St Nicholas & Bonvilston). Next, take the road signposted Cowbridge. At the traffic lights, go straight through into Cowbridge High Street. The Car park is located behind the hotel. Take a right just before the second set of lights (at the Town Hall) Follow the road to the left, onto North Road. You will see the Hotel on the left and the car park on the right.

M4 Eastbound
Leave the M4 at Junction 35, signposted to Bridgend and Pencoed. Go round the roundabout, under the motorway and take the exit for Bridgend. Travel down the dual carriageway for approximately 2 miles. At the first roundabout take the 2nd exit heading towards Bridgend. Continue down the dual carriageway until you reach another roundabout; take the 1st exit to Cardiff/Cowbridge A48, travelling for 5 miles until you see the sign post for Cowbridge. The Bear Hotel is situated on the High Street next to HSBC bank on your left-hand side.
The Car park is located behind the hotel. Carry on past the hotel and at the traffic lights outside the Town Hall turn left and follow the road to the left onto North Road. Our car park is on the right-hand side.

Parking

Large free car park to the rear of the hotel, covered by CCTV.

Accessed via North Road, drive to the barrier and it will open automatically. It is code operated on exit, this will be given at Reception.

Public transport info

Cowbridge High Street is served by the X2 Bus service from Cardiff Central to Porthcawl.

• The Bear Hotel
• The Bear Hotel
• Bear Hotel Teddies Bar
• Bear Hotel Apartments