A charming market town situated just 30 minutes from Cardiff has earned acclaim for its stunning gardens, prize-winning pubs and delightful high street . Cowbridge in South Wales was declared the finest place to live in Wales by the Sunday Times in 2017, and it features a wealth of independent shops, eateries, and a weekly farmers' market. Each Saturday, guests can explore the farmer's market at Arthur John's car park, where they can browse handcrafted produce ranging from meats and cheeses to plants and herbs and fresh fish. The organisers detail that all the products at the market have been "grown, reared, caught, brewed, pickled, baked, smoked or processed" by stall holders. For shopping enthusiasts there are numerous charity shops alongside independent retailers like No39, which stocks furniture and gifts, and Stwff-Stuff where you can find an assortment of delightful items like bags, jewellery, and trinkets, reports the Express . The Happy Days Vintage Home Store is ideal for a leisurely browse, and you can hunt for old-fashioned, distinctive furniture and household pieces. They stock everything from nostalgic toys, records, clothes, postcards, and retro signs - and there is even a cafe inside tucked amongst the eclectic mix of items. One of the top attractions in Cowbridge is the Physic Garden, a serene spot for relaxation, strolling, and contemplation. The garden boasts a "glorious array of medicinal plants and herbs", with its half-acre plot housing species traditionally used for healing and culinary purposes. Thanks to the Welsh Historic Gardens Trust, the garden underwent a revamp several years ago and was officially inaugurated by Queen Camilla, then the Duchess of Cornwall, in 2008. Visitors have described the gardens as a "tranquil haven". One visitor wrote: "An absolute haven in the centre of town. Have been here many times when we've needed an uplift. Volunteers are helpful and really well informed about what is growing." Another said: "A little oasis of calm...we recently met a friend for lunch in Cowbridge and we got there early so we decided to spend some time walking around the Physic gardens...it was so calm and peaceful." Among the town's pubs and restaurants is The Bear Hotel, a recipient of a 2025 TripAdvisor award, and the Penny Farthing, which has a 2024 Travellers' Choice award. The nearby Hare and Hounds features in the Michelin Guide and has been awarded a Bib Gourmand for "good quality, good value cooking". For those with a penchant for food, the Elephant & Bun delicatessen offers a selection of charcuterie and cheeses, wines and cider, while the award-winning ice cream parlour, Fablas, is a must-visit. The town also boasts parks and numerous walking paths for those who are fond of the great outdoors. Other attractions near Cowbridge encompass the Hensol Castle Distillery, the Vale Resort Golf Club, St Hilary Vineyard, and Warren Mill Farm.