With the school holidays here and the rising cost of fuel seeing more people staying closer to home this Summer, we asked the Bro Radio team for their top places to visit for a free or affodable day out this summer.

Nathan Spackman – Vale Breakfast, Weekdays from 7am – 10am

I don’t think you can beat a trip to Barry Island. Whether you want a cheap day out with a picnic or to enjoy some good food and drink, there are plenty of options including Whitmore and Jackson, Bay 5 or Boofy’s. My hidden gem is Zio’s Gelataria, it’s hidden at the end of the Western shelter – they have loads of flavours available, all made fresh instore. You can also take it away in a chilled box, to enjoy at home. Delicious!

Gareth Knight – Afternoons, Weekdays from 2pm

I always enjoy a walk around Southerndown and Monkash. Always a beautiful walk with some stunning views across the Vale coastline and countryside. I’d recommend the Watermill, although its a chain pub the food, atmosphere and staff are great.

Ben Dain-Smith – Vale Drive, Weekdays from 4pm

It’s technically a grey area, but I’ve always enjoyed walking aross the Barrage from Penarth into Cardiff Bay. Plenty to do along the way, kids park, skate park, cafes and bike hire shops too. The family fun park is taking over Roald Dahl Plass until September too.

Geoff Selby – Monday to Wednesday from 10am – 12pm

Jean and I love a visit to Llantwit Major. Lots of free parking in the Town Centre, some friendly charity shops to look around and lots of lovely cafes to enjoy something to eat.

Chloe Monoghan – Thursday & Friday from 10am – 12pm

Having three kids, we go and try different local parks. The new one near us on West Camp in St Athan is great, there is a nice on in Rhoose Point and one behing Waitrose in Cowbridge that my kids particularly enjoy. If you’re looking for something really exciting, the Bendricks beach in Barry is great for hunting for sea glass to make crafts or looking for dinasour footprints. There are also lots of free geochacing stations to find, which are completely free and make for a fun adventure.

Dafydd Furnham – Mondays 12pm – 2pm

I love an afternoon in the Knap. Plenty of free parking, gorgeous views and a little conveinece store that sells ice cream! Picnics ahoy. There is also a lovely new coffee trailer at the entrance to the coast car park.

Simon Field – Bro Beat Club, Mondays 8pm – 10pm

I’d recommend Warren Mill Farm near Welsh St Donats, its a great affordable day out to take the children.

Matthew Harris – Vale This Week, Wednesday from 7pm – 8pm

For me it’d have to be a visit to Monknash. I love the Lighthouse and you can go down to beach or enjoy a walk along a stretch of the Wales Coast Path.

Dan Moffat – Former Bro Radio Newsreader & Vale this Week Presenter, now at BBC Radio Wales

Southerndown might be my favourite place to go in the Vale. Gorgeous down there, few quid for parking is the only cost, and can walk right along the coastal path, or walk the beach. Beautiful.

Phil England – Tuesdays from 8pm – 9pm

For me, simply walking along the coastal path is a way to pass the time. The views arre stunning and you can see so much just by walking along, best of all its free! Take a picnic or a flask and enjoy.

Have we missed a place from our list? Let us know via @LoveTheVale on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.