The park's viaduct was originally built by the Vale of Glamorgan Railway in 1897.
The cliffs within the park contain prominent limestone strata and frequent fossil-bearing layers.
The park covers approximately 220 acres of valley floor and cliff-top terrain.
It is a designated Local Nature Reserve due to its varied habitat zones.
The pebble beach at Porthkerry is often used for fossil hunting by local enthusiasts.
The viaduct was constructed to facilitate the transport of coal from the South Wales Valleys to Barry Docks.
Porthkerry Country Park is a 220-acre public park located on the coast of the Vale of Glamorgan. The site features a mix of woodland, meadowland, and a pebble beach backed by high limestone cliffs. A prominent feature is the Victorian-era railway viaduct that spans the valley floor. The park includes designated nature trails, a pitch and putt course, and a dedicated children's play area. The coastline is part of the Glamorgan Heritage Coast, which exhibits visible geological strata. Visitors can access a variety of habitats, including ancient woodland and semi-improved grassland. The park is managed by the Vale of Glamorgan Council and serves as a habitat for diverse wildlife including orchids and various bird species.
The base of the Victorian railway viaduct looking upwards to capture the scale of the arches.
Wear sturdy walking shoes as the coastal paths can be uneven and muddy after rain.
Bring binoculars if you are interested in bird watching, as the woodland area supports diverse avian life.
Check the tide charts before attempting a long walk along the pebble beach to avoid being cut off near the cliff base.
Do not attempt to climb the unstable cliff faces, and avoid parking in narrow residential streets outside the park during peak summer weekends.
Keep dogs on a lead in designated areas, remove all litter to protect the coastal ecosystem, and stay on marked paths to avoid cliff-edge erosion.
