Art of the Fairytale

Walking into Art of the Fairytale in Bridgend County Borough feels like stepping into someone's storybook collection - which is exactly the point. The gallery is built around original fairytale illustrations and artwork, the sort of thing that makes you remember why you loved these stories as a kid. You'll find everything from classic tale interpretations to contemporary takes on the old narratives, spread across rooms that don't feel stuffy or overwrought.

It's genuinely good for families with children aged five to twelve - they actually stay engaged rather than asking when they can leave after fifteen minutes. Adults get something out of it too, particularly if you're interested in illustration or the history of how these stories have been visualised over decades. The artwork ranges from delicate watercolours to bold modern pieces, so there's visual variety to keep things interesting.

You'll need a solid hour here if you're reading the information boards and letting kids take things in properly. Rush through and you'll miss half the point. The gallery works well as part of a broader Bridgend day out - it's close enough to Porthcawl that you could easily combine it with a beach visit, which is handy if you're staying at nearby Trecco Bay Holiday Park. That's really the angle: pair it with seaside time rather than treating it as a standalone destination.

Bring a notebook if you're into illustration work. The gift shop has decent stock, though prices are what you'd expect for a gallery space. Worth a morning or early afternoon visit when you're in the area.