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Tresilian Bay

Vale of Glamorgan, Wales


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Tresilian Bay is a secluded cove located on the Glamorgan coast of southeast Wales, offering a unique and picturesque beach experience.

Tresilian Bay is situated along the 14-mile stretch of the Glamorgan Heritage Coast, known for its limestone cliffs and stunning scenery. The beach is a rocky and shingle cove facing due south over the Bristol Channel, backed by cliffs. It is nestled underneath the chalk cliffs, providing a dramatic backdrop to the beach.

The beach is set in a picturesque cove, with the distinctive Tresilian House, a large, white farmhouse, located at the rear of the beach at the end of a small valley. The soft chalk cliffs along this coast are dotted with caves, and there is an old pillbox set above the beach. The coastal area is popular for walking, with a coastal path that passes the beach and continues along the heritage coast.

Facilities such as shops and restaurants can be found in the nearby town of Llantwit Major. The nearest car park from Tresilian Bay is at Llantwit Major beach, reached from the town centre along Colhugh Street, where a café is also located. The cove at Tresilian Bay Beach is a little under a kilometre away and can be reached by walking along the beach or along the coastal path.

The beach takes its name from Prince Silian, who is reputed to have kept court there in the 3rd and 4th centuries. The cliffs at Tresilian Bay house several caves that can be explored at low tide, with local lore suggesting that many were expanded or modified to create secret tunnels used by smugglers and pirates.

Tresilian Bay is on the Glamorgan Heritage Coast, and adjacent to the Wales Coast Path.

Cove Pebbles Rock

Weather and tides for Thursday 17 July

Today
Chance of rain 59%
Max temp. 21°C
(feels like 20°C)
Wind 13mph
Max UV Index
Tonight
Chance of rain 7%
Min temp. 16°C
(feels like 17°C)
Wind 2mph

The tide at Tresilian Bay is currently falling. Low tide will be at approximately 5:36 PM, and the next high tide will be at approximately 12:04 AM tomorrow.

Today's air pollution levels are forecast to be Low

Approximate sea surface temperature:   18.5°C  

Detailed weather and tides »
  • Popular Activities

    Walking
  • Parking

    Limited parking a short walk from the beach. Best accessed on foot via the coast path from St Donats.

  • Lifeguard

    No lifeguard cover at this beach

  • Water Quality

    Water quality not measured here

    Water quality not measured here

Recommended holiday cottages near Tresilian Bay

Things to do and see in the area

St Illtud s Church (1.3 miles)
St Illtyd's Church (1.3 miles)
Llandow Circuit (2.5 miles)
Nash Point Lighthouse (3 miles)
Beaupre Castle (4.6 miles)
Cowbridge Physic Garden (5.1 miles)
Taskforce Paint Ball Games (5.3 miles)
Dunraven Bay (5.8 miles)

All distances are approximate

Other beaches nearby

Location: Dimlands

Location type: Village

Nearest village: Sain Dunwyd (St Donat's)

OS Grid: SS947676

Country: Wales

Local Authority: Vale of Glamorgan

Parish: Llantwit Major

Nearest postcode: CF61 1YY

(for sat-nav purposes only, a beach does not have a postal address!)

Important! Beach information is compiled from a variety of different sources and is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of compilation. However, information may be incorrectly supplied by our sources or go out of date after publication. BritishBeaches.uk makes no warranty as to the accuracy of any information on this page.

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Visitor information for Tresilian Bay, Vale of Glamorgan, Wales. Weather, tides, visitor comments, beach facilities, photos, nearest postcode, beach information and nearby accommodation.

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18.97.9.170 Thu, 17 Jul 2025 14:13:46 +0100