Porthcawl
The pretty seaside resort of Porthcawl is located between the cities of Swansea and Cardiff. If ever you were looking for the perfect holiday destination to use as a base for exploring South Wales, you have found it in this seaside resort. Porthcawl is only a few miles from the M4 motorway and provides easy access to the rest of the south coast. Porthcawl has everything that you would expect from a seaside resort, from all the fun of the fair with the rides and associated excitement, to space to relax and unwind, soaking up the sun on the beautiful beaches. The bars and restaurants are known for the high quality of the food that they serve and the friendliness of the atmosphere that they provide. Plus you also have the option of avoiding the big cities and heading out and exploring the nearby picturesque villages of Nottage and Newton. Once visited Porthcawl is not easily forgotten and many visitors return here year after year to take advantage of everything that it has to offer.
About Porthcawl
Porthcawl has all of the charm that you would expect from an old established seaside resort. At one time the town owed its survival to the coal industry as the town’s port was used for exporting coal from the South Wales mines. With the demise of the coal industry and the larger ports in the area taking over the shipping industry the town of Porthcawl stepped away from the shipping and coal industry and instead became invested in the leisure industry. The goal of the town seems to be to provide everything necessary for the respite and relaxation of its visitors. The promenade which runs along the seafront dates back to 1887 and is still the perfect place for a quiet walk during the evening, just as it was over a century ago. The Grand Pavilion and the Porthcawl Pavilion are the places to head to if you want to find out more about the history of the town and this part of South Wales. Take the family for a historically themed day out at either Bryngarw Park or Morgan Park and discover even more about the region.
Things to See and Do
Get in touch with nature along the Merthyr Mawr Dunes or at the Kenfig Nature Reserve, both of these areas are only a short distance from the heart of town. Porthcawl boasts two beaches both of which have been awarded blue flag status. The beaches are very popular with the local surfing community and both national and international surfing competitions are held regularly here. The town also hosts an Elvis festival and a jazz festival. This part of South Wales also offers a little taste of the US in the form of the Coney Beach Pleasure Park complete with all of the rides and features that you would expect from a pleasure park. If you prefer your activities to be a little more sedate the Royal Porthcawl Golf Club could be the place to spend a few hours focussing on improving your swing.