SU CARROLL rounds up the very best activities to do and things to see close to the coastline this month
1 PLENTY OF MUSSELS
The beautiful English Riviera celebrates its connection to the sea with the two-week long England’s Seafood Feast festival, giving visitors the chance to experience some of the best seafood right where it’s landed in the towns of Brixham, Paignton and Torquay.
Frazer Pugh, director of The Handpicked Scallop Company, Josh Perkes, co-owner of Brixham Seafish and Simon Hulstone, chef-proprietor of the Michelin-starred Elephant Restaurant are among those taking part. More than 30 venues are involved and you can take your pick from seafood set menus and platters, tasting menus, crab-cracking masterclasses and guest chef events.
You can meet the faces of Feast and hear about their stories at sea, discover new fish species, be inspired by local talent and coastal artists, and give back to the ocean. Celebrate at events such as Mussels and Music, Seafood and Sax, and SUP and Seafood at Sunrise.
England’s Seafood Feast is from September 29 to October 15. Visit theseafoodfeast.co.uk.
Paignton Zoo is 100 years old this year and still packs a punch. There are over 2,000 animals in 80 acres of glorious grounds, making it a great, packed day out for all the family. A registered charity, Paignton Zoo supports a number of projects in the UK and overseas that aim to help halt species decline. At the zoo you will find everything from gorillas to giraffes, rhinos to red pandas and flamingos to frogs. Hugely popular are the lions, apes, amphibians and insects. paigntonzoo.org.uk
2 GLORIOUS GLAMORGAN
The Vale of Glamorgan has a beautiful coastline between the spectacular Gower and Cardiff. The Vale, as it’s known locally, includes the southernmost point of mainland Wales, fertile rolling countryside and the dramatic Heritage Coast. Enjoy views such as Friar’s Point from Cold Knap Point.
What better way to discover this area than the Glamorgan Walking Festival? Organised by local walking charity, Valeways, and run entirely by volunteers, there are 31 walks to choose from, including nine coastal walks.
You can enjoy a spectacular variety of walks for all levels, discovering a maze of 2 footpaths, country lanes, historic villages and churches, along with fine dining and country inns. Walks include Four Beaches in Barry, Haunted Fields in Wenvoe or join a wander around Penarth.
The Festival runs from September 5-12. Visit valeofglamorganwalkingfestival. org.uk for details.
Barry Island has the tongue-incheek nickname ‘Barrybados’ – afun-filled destination designed to get you in the holiday mood. Barry Island Pleasure Park has been entertaining families since 1897. You
