Explore a secluded sandy cove backed by dramatic cliffs, perfect for families seeking a peaceful beach escape with excellent water quality.

Jackson's Bay is a small, secluded sandy cove located in Barry, Vale of Glamorgan, Wales, situated beneath high cliffs near Barry Island. This charming beach is very popular with locals and offers a good sandy beach with an excellent annual water quality rating, holding the prestigious Seaside Award—the national standard for the best beaches across the UK. The 170-metre cove provides a peaceful coastal setting ideal for families looking to escape busier beaches. Access is available down a steep path from Redbrink Crescent or along the scenic 'Clement Colley Walk' which runs around the headland to Barry Island. The beach's sheltered location and sandy composition make it suitable for families with young children and various ages. Jackson's Bay welcomes dogs year-round, making it an excellent choice for families with pets. The designation as a Seaside Award Beach guarantees visitors a clean, attractive, and well-managed coastal environment. The dramatic clifftop backdrop creates a naturally striking setting for a family day out, whether for swimming, picnicking, or simply enjoying Wales' beautiful coastline.

Venue Details

What this place offers

Toilets

Public transport nearby

Accessible toilets

Free WiFi

Baby changing facilities

Food available

On-site parking

🐕Dog-friendly

Parking nearby

Pushchair friendly

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MAXINE BUTLER

3 years ago

What a beautiful secluded part of Barry. Less busier than the main Barry Island Beach where dogs are allowed to enjoy their time with family too.

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Russ Metson

4 years ago

Nice beach but the water can be a bit green when the tide is out. Good place to take the dog though and it does have some beautiful scenery.

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Angharad Catterall

4 years ago

Finally visited Jacksons Bay. A small cove like beach just over from Barry Island. Dog friendly year round with great views on the path over. Not as well know as Barry Island so is mostly less crowder. Some fab little rock pools when the tide is out. Used by people who like to paddle board, kayak ect.

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Lindzlifeinreviews

5 years ago

Beautiful little beach! Perfect for swimmers. Dogs allowed too. In the mornings you only get a tiny slither of sand, just enough though to park your things before swimming. Later in the day however when the tide is out the beach is huge more than enough room for all the little ones to run around and play. It can get quite packed. Handy toilets and shower at the entrance also. Perfect!

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Dean Harper

5 years ago

It is a fairly steep narrow access path but everyone is friendly and accommodating of our trolly 🙂 and of course it is dog friendly. The dogs we encountered were all well behaved and socialised. Good Bay in which to Sup (paddle board). It is tidal so the sand and silt hangs in the water so unfortunately not clear water.

Reviews last updated: 29 September 2026