RNLI Barry Island Visitor Centre and Shop

The RNLI’s Barry Island Visitor Centre officially opened in the Vale of Glamorgan in April 2017. It’s completely free to visit and provides a fun way for all ages to learn how to respect the water along our coastline. You can’t miss it above Whitmore Bay - look out for the big yellow welly outside. 

Inside, get a flavour of what it’s like to be an RNLI lifeboat crew member by hopping into a D class inshore lifeboat while hearing inspirational rescue stories from volunteers. Play bilingual interactive games and learn about the specific dangers of the waters around Barry Island, which includes a tide tank highlighting the huge tidal range of the Bristol Channel, which is second only in the world to the Bay of Fundy in Canada. And race against the clock to kit up a lifeboat crew member in time for an emergency lifeboat launch. There’s something for the whole family. For school visit enquiries, please contact [email protected].

Don’t forget to pop into the RNLI shop as well which is run by local volunteers. Here you’ll find a good selection of homewares, clothing, tasty treats, toys, greeting cards and more. All profits go towards saving lives at sea.

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