Dinas Powis (Wales)

Dinas Powys (Welsh pronunciation: [ˈdinas ˈpɔwɪs]; also spelt "Dinas Powis" in English) is a town and community in the Vale of Glamorgan, South Wales. Its name means "fort of the provincial place" and refers to the Iron Age hillfort which overlooks the village. Dinas Powys is 5.6 miles (9.0 km) south-west of the centre of Cardiff and is situated on the A4055 road from Cardiff to Barry, making it a popular dormitory village for city commuters. It neighbours the larger town of Penarth. Although several housing developments have been added since the late 20th century, the old centre of Dinas Powys maintains a traditional, almost rural character. It has a village common and small independent shops, public houses, restaurants and community facilities. Garages, small supermarkets, a pharmacy and a veterinary practice can be found in other parts of the town. According to recent electoral rolls, the population is in the region of 8,800, making Dinas Powys the fifth largest settlement in the Vale of Glamorgan.