Merthyr Mawr, a tiny village near Bridgend, is being described as a miniature version of the Cotswolds in South Wales. With fewer than 300 residents, it features quiet pathways and thatched cottages that look like a postcard.
A Hidden Gem
The village is centered around the Merthyr Mawr Estate, a 19th-century mansion. Most of the land and buildings are privately owned, so properties rarely come up for sale. Visitors can explore the parish church of St Teilo, built between 1849 and 1851, and the remains of an Iron Age hillfort. The nearby sand dunes were used as a filming location for the 1962 film Lawrence of Arabia.
Social Media Buzz
Travel influencer katesscapes showcased the estate on Instagram with a series of pictures. In the caption, she wrote: "Have you heard about this picturesque Welsh village estate that feels like you’ve stepped back in time?" She added: "This is the Merthyr Mawr village estate. An idyllic countryside estate full of thatched roof, chocolate box cottages that look like they’re straight out of a fairytale book."
She also noted: "If you’d like to meander around, parking is free at the riverside carpark, and it’s a short walk away from nearby Ogmore Castle (access over the stepping stones at Ogmore River) and makes a really lovely family or couples day out."
Followers were wowed by the pictures. One said: "Gosh it's so pretty." Another wrote: "Beautiful all year round, especially with the horses grazing in the fields beyond the bridge."
Getting There
By road from the east, take the M4 west, leave at junction 35 for Bridgend, join the A473 onto Waterton Road, then at the Waterton Cross roundabout take the third exit to the A48/Bypass Road. Continue straight at the first roundabout, and at the second take the first exit to the B4265/Ewenny Road. After about 0.7 miles, turn right onto New Inn Road, then left onto Merthyrmawr Road.
From the west, travel east on the M4, leave at junction 37 for Pyle/Porthcawl/Pil, take the first exit onto the A4229, then the third exit onto the A48 at the roundabout. Stay on the A48 for about 3.2 miles, continuing onto Bypass Road, then turn right onto Merthyrmawr Road just as you enter Bridgend.
There is a small car park near St Teilos Church, or you can park at Ogmore Castle and walk across the Ewenny River via stepping stones. By public transport, take the 303 First Cymru bus from Bridgend bus station to Llantwit Major, get off at the Pelican Inn, walk past Ogmore Castle, and cross the river via stepping stones. Alternatively, get off at Ewenny Pottery and walk about 1.5 miles along New Inn Road, turning right at Merthyrmawr Road. The walk is flat but has no pavements. Buses run roughly hourly Monday to Saturday and every two hours on Sundays.
