Christian Holiday Forge, Vale of Glamorgan — On the Dunraven Estate
This Christian holiday forge, Vale of Glamorgan, is a beautifully converted 17th-century Forge, Stable, and Granary at Southerndown Farm, on the Glamorgan Heritage Coast. The buildings originally served the Dunraven Estate, which still farms most of the land around the village, including the very car parks used for the beach today. Graded 4 stars by Visit Wales and twice recognised for its family and dog-friendly welcome, it makes a genuinely restful coastal base, with the sea, sand dunes, and open farmland all within easy walking reach along the circular coastal road.
The Dunraven Estate itself has a dramatic story. Its clifftop castle, rebuilt as a castellated mansion in the early 1800s for the Wyndham-Quin family, once stood directly above Dunraven Bay, serving as a military convalescent hospital through both world wars before falling into disrepair. After a dispute with the local council over its future, the family had it demolished in 1963 and the stone sold off. Only the walled garden, ice house, and gatehouse survive today, cared for as part of the wider Heritage Coast that the Forge itself now sits within.
Ewenny, home to “Wales’ oldest pottery” as the listing already notes, also holds one of the country’s most remarkable churches. Ewenny Priory, founded in 1141 as an offshoot of Gloucester Abbey, is widely regarded as the finest surviving Norman Romanesque building in this part of Wales, and unusually for a small monastic settlement, it’s ringed by genuine fortifications: some 330 metres of wall, two gatehouses, and a defensive tower. It’s still an active parish church today, holding the very 9.30am Sunday service already mentioned above, inside walls that have stood for close to nine hundred years.
Just up the road, Ewenny Pottery adds a different kind of continuity: founded in 1610, it’s the oldest working pottery in Wales, still run by the same Jenkins family eight generations on. The distinctive mottled glaze used on many of its pieces today was developed by a Victorian-era Jenkins who noticed railway visitors wanted a genuine local souvenir to take home, and the same technique, tweaked only slightly, is still used in the workshop today.
The coastline itself has an older story again. The headland above Dunraven Bay, Trwyn y Witch, carried an Iron Age hillfort long before any castle stood there, and erosion along its southern edge has uncovered ancient human burials over the years. It’s easy to see why the same dramatic scenery has drawn television crews ever since, from Doctor Who to Sherlock Holmes, filming against cliffs that have been shaping this coastline for thousands of years. The rock pools and layered limestone ledges exposed at low tide are worth exploring in their own right, whatever’s filming that week.
The wider Wales region is worth browsing for anyone planning a longer trip, and the Cadw page for Ewenny Priory is a good place to start planning a visit before you go. Between the beach, the farmland, the pottery, and centuries of layered history all within a short walk or drive, it’s a properly rich base for a family holiday, a solo retreat, or simply a few days of proper rest by the sea.
Perfect for:
- Families and dog owners, with a dedicated dog hamper and secure outdoor space
- Clergy and Christian workers on retreat, with tailor-made rates from January 2026
- Walkers keen to explore the Heritage Coast and Wales Coast Path
- History lovers drawn to Ewenny Priory, Ewenny Pottery, and the ruins of Dunraven Castle
- Anyone wanting genuine solitude within easy reach of Cardiff and Bridgend
- Groups wanting outdoor space, with a hot tub, fire pit, and sand pit for the children
Location
‘The Forge’ at Southerndown Farm, Southerndown, Vale of Glamorgan CF32 0RW
Southerndown is a small coastal village in the beautiful Vale of Glamorgan. It is on the coastal road and is only 15 mins from the M4.
Directions:
As you drive towards Bridgend take the directions for Ogmore by Sea. This will take you along the coastal road through Ogmore by Sea into Southerndown. Drive through the village past the Three Golden Cups public house and two houses further on is Southerndown Farmhouse. Turn left into the grounds of the Forge. The Forge is a newly converted 17th century Forge, Stable and Granary. It was originally the Forge for Dunraven Estates who still own most of the farmland around Southerndown – even the carparks for the beach!
Local Area
‘The Forge’ is situated on the circular coastal road so many beaches are within easy reach most notably Southerndown itself and its neighbouring village Ogmore by Sea. Both of these beaches are unique in their geology and are both regularly used for TV filming (Dr Who, Casualty, Sherlock Holmes) and for photography as is Porthcawl, with its unique surfing beach at Rest Bay.
There are the local famous sand dunes in Merthyr Mawr, horse riding in Ogmore village, golf at Southerndown Golf Club, cricket in Southerndown, a craft centre in in Ogmore by Sea, Wales’ oldest pottery in Ewenny, fishing at Southerndown and Ogmore, surfing at Southerndown and Porthcawl all very local and walks in every direction – particularly if you have a four-legged friend with you! The Forge is very child and dog friendly and there is plenty of room for everyone! Dogs have their very own hamper containing a rug, treats, shampoo, bags and their very own first aid box in case of accidents on the rocks or sea! We also cater for walkers, cyclists and surfers who can leave their cycles, surfboards and walking apparel safely locked away.
There is also definitely no shortage of places to eat out – the local pub run by villagers is just two doors away and the International Restaurant ‘Frolics’ is across the road from the pub. On the circular coastal route there are eight places to eat out and all are child and dog friendly!
Further away we have the historic towns of Cowbridge and Llantwit Major with their independent shops, and the popular Designer Outlet Centre, north of Bridgend. Cardiff the capital, is only 30 minutes away and can be easily reached by train if you want to leave the car at home.
St Fagans, the Welsh Folk Museum (which will take you the whole of a day to explore) near Cardiff is entirely free, Techniquest and the Amelia Farm Trust are great for day events for the children – and all less than 30 minutes away.
There is a local community Church in Ogmore by Sea (Evangelical) and in St Brides Major (Church in Wales) as well as the beautiful and historic Priory Church in Ewenny, ten minutes away, which has services each Sunday at 9.30 am. We even have our own little church in Southerndown which holds its service at 3pm on a Wednesday. All are welcome!
Facilities
The stairway in ‘The Forge’ leads to the first floor which houses a large open plan dining, recreational and kitchen area. This room faces the fields and beach and has an inspiring view! There is a games corner here to occupy the children whilst you just stare into space! Next door is a small study perfect for a quiet time and for planning your trips. There are also games/activities here for younger children. Open the Velux windows and breathe in the really fresh sea air!
Along the corridor is a family bathroom (shower) and next to this a laundry area containing a washing machine, tumble dryer, iron and ironing board. Downstairs are two bedrooms, the Stable bedroom has two 4 feet beds whilst the Forge bedroom, which is accessed by Patio doors from outside, has a King bed, bunk beds and a lounge area, with a sofa, smart TV and an ensuite (including shower). The entire accommodation is therefore suitable for a maximum of four adults and two children.
Outside there is a hot tub, patio area with rattan seating and parasol; a raised area which has wooden seating for four people to relax with a fire pit; another has a rocking seat surrounded by candles to reflect into the night. There is a table and four chairs for formal dining if you prefer to eat outdoors. There is also a barbecue available. There is a large artificial turf area which has its own boat, trunk of games and costumes for the children and a bench seating area so children can play and eat to their delight – this also contains a sand pit. There is also a large park seat in this area for adults to enjoy the view whilst their children play.
Access to ‘The Forge’ is through two sets of double gates for safety.
‘The Forge’ has now been graded as a 4* Holiday Let by Visit Wales. We have also been given 2 Welcome Awards for providing specialist accommodation for families and for dogs.
Additional Photos
Click to enlarge
Costs
Accommodation weekly costs from April 2026 to 2027 (3-6 nights are also available).
Maximum occupancy 4 Adults, 2 children (up to 14) and 2 well trained dogs.
These prices may vary depending on individual circumstances and our current availability. Discounts may be offered to Clergy and Christian Workers.
Please contact us – all information is confidential.
Energy, towels and bedding are included in the above charges.
| Month | Cost | Additional information |
| April 2026 | £875 | Easter week 1200 |
| May 2026 | £1000 | |
| June 2026 | £1125 | |
| July 2026 | £1250 | |
| August 2026 | £1500 | |
| September 2026 | £1050 | |
| October 2026 | £990 | |
| November 2026 | £825 | |
| December 2026 | £825 | Christmas Week 1500 |
| January 2027 | £1500 | New Year week |
| January 6th to March 6th | Individual retreats – individual prices | |
| March 7th -31st | £850 | |
Individual Christian Retreats at The Forge
We will be offering retreats for Christian individuals and Clergy (with their dog/s if desired) from January 6th 2026. These are tailor-made retreats offered at a very discounted rate dependent upon circumstances and duration. The Forge offers solitude and peace but also is a coastal retreat with immense walking opportunities amongst the Heritage Coast Ministering Area. Please text for details or visit our website:
theforgeatsoutherndownfarm.com
Arrival and Departure times:
4.00 pm arrival time, 10.00 am departure time. These are not fixed and we will text you as soon as The Forge is available so you can arrive earlier if you wish to. You are welcome to arrive early and park your car in the courtyard to explore or go for something to eat if we are not quite ready for you. If The Forge is free the day you leave you are welcome to stay until 12.00 noon.
Booking arrangements:
These are flexible so please contact us with your wishes and we will try to accommodate you.
Pets:
One or two house trained dogs are welcome but must not be left alone in the house.
Contact Details
To make a booking, contact the owner:
Dr Barbara Prosser
Tel 07788 241662 or 01656 880002
Email: theforgeatthefarm@gmail.com