About the area
The area flows from the hills to the coast and consequently is a great place for adventures; walking and mountain biking in the hills (along with stunning views) and surfing, kite surfing and paddleboarding at the coast. Porthcawl is a traditional seaside town with chips and ice creams to enjoy on the beach but it is also home to the annual Elvis Festival, the largest celebration of “the King”.
Around the area you can also find castle ruins such as Coity and Newcastle, and there are country parks to enjoy like Bryngarw and Parc Slip, where nature has replaced the earlier industrial activities.
Fascinating Facts
Location
Places in
Bridgend
Bridgend, a market town, developed at a ford of the River Ogmore, on the main east/west route. The Roman Road ran through the area and there is a stretch know as “Golden Mile” where the soldiers lined up to be paid. There is a quadrilateral of Norman monuments – Coity Castle, Newcastle Castle, Ogmore Castle and Ewenny Priory. The valleys to the north all had vibrant coal industries, and during the Second World War there was a large munitions industry and even a prisoner of war camp, at Island Farm.
Maesteg grew rapidly from a few scattered fam to a town by 1826 with the growth of the iron industry, and later the coal industry. The community has a strong heritage of performance and song, with 2 male voice choirs. Two miles to the south is the village of Llangynwyd, home to legendary Maid of Cefn Ydfa, with a 6th century parish church, castle ruins and one of the oldest pubs in Wales, The Old House.
Porthcawl originally developed as a port to export iron and coal but rapidly moved to deeper ports like Barry. It became a holiday resort with promenade, pavilion and traditional ice cream and coffee stops, popular with families across The Valleys. Each September the front is full of Elvis Presley fans and impersonators, as the area host The Porthcawl Elvis Presley Festival, the largest celebration of The King. Rest Bay is a long sandy beach which is famed for surfing and kiteboarding.
Places to stay and things to do
The Great House
If you're looking for a South Wales hotel situated in the breathtaking British countryside, look no further.
Royal Porthcawl Golf Club
Championship links golf course at Rest Bay in Porthcawl, Bridgend, Wales. Royal Porthcawl Golf Club offers challenging coastal golf with sea views from every hole, a traditional clubhouse and visitor tee times available. Best for keen golfers and groups. Check availability.
Quest Adventure Activities Ltd
Quest Adventure Activities Limited - Specialist Outdoor Activity Provider - Canyoning / Gorge Scrambling / Gorge Walking / Coasteering. Providing specialist outdoor Activities across South Wales for 25 years. Groups from 2 - 42 catered for including Schools / Youth / Families / Friends / Stag / Hens / Military / Couples / Individuals joining mixed groups / mixed groups. Fully Outdoor Adventure Activities Licenced [AALA] with 25 years experience. Activities based in South Wales, Cardiff, Swansea, Bridgend, Newport, Bannau Brycheiniog, Carmarthen, All groups catered for in one of the world’s most beautiful regions, waterfalls, beaches, mountains, rivers, coast, hills, valleys. Families, friends, youth, group specialists
Pyle and Kenfig Golf Club
Pyle and Kenfig Golf Course, affectionately known as ‘P & K’ with its lofty sand dunes hugging the South Wales coast of Porthcawl is situated in a wonderful stretch of golfing country.
Maesteg Golf Club
Maesteg Golf Club offers the golf enthusiast a well maintained course of considerable character and maturity (Est. 1912).
Adventures Wales
We offer a very wide range of high quality Adventure Activities to suit all ages and abilities including Fun Days, Weekend Breaks, Instruction, Adventure Breaks, Team Building and Outdoor Pursuits, Surfing and Outdoor Activity courses.
Adventures Wales
We offer a very wide range of high quality Adventure Activities to suit all ages and abilities including Fun Days, Weekend Breaks, Instruction, Adventure Breaks, Team Building and Outdoor Pursuits, Surfing and Outdoor Activity courses.
Wales Coast Path - South Wales Coast
The South Wales Coast and Severn Estuary stretch is 176km/109-mile in length running from Kenfig Dunes near Port Talbot, South Wales to Chepstow
Porthcawl Museum
The museum has a great many collections on offer, including the 49th Reconnaisance Regiment formed in 1941, Samtampa Disaster 1947, Railways, The Great War exhibition, archaeological finds and records from local churches.
Porthcawl - Trecco Bay Beach
A vast, Blue Flag beach situated at the edge of the hugely popular Trecco Bay Holiday Park. Trecco Bay Beach is favoured by families with its golden sands and excellent water quality for swimming and paddling.
Porthcawl - Town Beach
Town Beach has recently undergone a £3 million sea defence scheme upgrade along with strengthening of the sea wall along the lower promenade. It runs from Porthcawl Marina and the RNLI boat station in the east to the Grand Pavillion.
Porthcawl - Sker Beach and Pink Bay
The most westerly pair of Porthcawl’s bays and beaches, Pink Bay and Sker may not be as accessible as the more easterly beaches, but they’re quieter and unspoilt because of it.
Porthcawl - Sandy Bay
Sandy Bay Beach – a wide, sandy beach which gently slopes towards the sea and boasts views of the North Devon coast across the Bristol Channel. Popular with surfers, stand-up paddle boarders and families thanks to its very clean waters.
Porthcawl - Rest Bay Beach
Rest Bay is a popular beach at Porthcawl with miles of fine quality golden sand and some rock pools backed by low cliffs.
Porthcawl - Newton Beach
Newton is the most easterly beach at Porthcawl and is a ten minute walk from the picturesque village of Newton.
Newcastle Castle (Cadw)
A castle built to last. Evidence of the castle’s superior build quality can be seen in its striking Norman doorway, perfectly preserved after lying almost untouched since the 12th century.
Merthyr Mawr Warren National Nature Reserve
Set on the South Wales coast, Merthyr Mawr Warren National Nature Reserve, Bridgend is home to the highest dune in Wales, known as the Big Dipper.
McArthurGlen Bridgend Designer Outlet
McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Bridgend cements its status as the number one destination for fashion and lifestyle in Wales, offering a year-round saving of up to 60% off RRP.
Kenfig National Nature Reserve
Kenfig NNR (includes the area of sand dunes and Kenfig Pool) are designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Glamorgan's largest natural lake, Kenfig Pool, is set on the edge of this beautiful sand dune nature reserve.
Hikitalo Ltd
Hikitalo: Experience an authentic Finnish wood-fired sauna with breathtaking views of Sandy Bay, also known locally as Coney Beach. Seating 10 with a cold shower and cosy changing room, it’s the perfect place to relax, connect, and recharge
Grand Pavilion Theatre
Built in 1932, the Grand Pavilion is an Art-Deco multi purpose venue offering live shows, conference and wedding facilities and private parties. The Theatre is situated on the seafront with panoramic views of the Heritage Coast.
Ewenny Pottery
Ewenny Pottery is a unique pottery that has been in the same family for over eight generations. They continue to make beautiful hand thrown pottery for use in the home. Visitors are welcome, the family can be viewed practising their craft.
Dark Wales Tours
Dark Wales Tours conducts Ghost Tours around various locations in South Wales where you will discover the history, myths, legends and ghost stories of each location.
Castell Coety (Cadw)
An important Norman stronghold rebuilt in the 14th century, forming part of the three castles of Ogmore, Newcastle and Coity.
Bryngarw Country Park
Bryngarw Country Park has everything you need for a great day out, including a picnic area, play areas for the children and refreshments at our café, whether you are with your family, alone, or taking the dog for its daily walk!
Forest Feastival
Street Food Circus is pitching up in the beautiful Candleston Woods on the Merthyr Mawr Estate for four long weekends of an open-air dining experience. This outdoor gathering features some of the best street food traders and chefs from Wales and beyond, cooking a global feast beneath the canopy. Beyond the food, expect a big day out in nature with roaming circus performers, a kids' circus school, laid-back music, and communal marshmallow fire pits.
Bridgend County Show
Bridgend Country Show returns in 2026, celebrating the best of rural life near Bridgend. From livestock and equestrian competitions to local food, crafts and family entertainment, it’s a lively summer highlight in the Welsh countryside. 11 - 12 July 2026
Between the Trees
With its unique theme of nature & science, the Between the Trees festival aims to reconnect people to the natural world. It features a blend of original indie folk music, art and spoken word within a community that embraces all and encourages thinking and creativity. 27 - 30/08/2026