Myths, legends and tales

Near to our holiday properties in Cowbridge is Dunraven castle - beautifully situated overlooking the golden sands of Dunraven bay.

Dunraven castle is now a ruin where only the secret garden survives, which in itself is well worth a visit during your holiday!

The castle was used as a convalescent hospital during the First World War. At that time the ghost of a young woman, known locally as the Blue Lady, was seen many times by the staff.

They claimed they could tell when she had appeared, as she left a prominent perfume smell behind her, which resembled the yellow mimosa flower.

Just outside Cowbridge are the ruins of a once great Elizabethan manor house - Old Beaupre Castle, which partly still stands proud and still beautiful despite the ravages of time. However the Bassett family were cursed by the Gwrach Y Rhibyn - the Witch of the Stream. As the evening sun set below the old trees on the opposite side of the valley (yes, this ancient woodland still exists today), a mist would drift up the stream to stand beneath the window of a Bassett who was ill. The mist was the witch, who would howl until dawn when she would drift away - taking the soul of a Bassett. The witch was only attendant to those of pure Welsh blood, and as last true Welshman of Beaupre Castle faded away - so did the Witch.