Visit Porthcawl

Beaches

If it’s a beach holiday you’re looking for, you’ve come to the right place - Porthcawl boasts not one, but seven magnificent beaches! From peaceful, sheltered bays to expanses of white, powdery sand filled with water sports, amusements and more, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

We’ve selected just a few of our favourite Porthcawl beaches below to get you started, but you’ll find even more to explore by heading to Trecco Bay’s local attractions page.

Trecco Bay Beach

You couldn’t be better placed for visiting Trecco Bay Beach if you’re staying at our holiday park of the same name – it’s right on the doorstep! Retaining its Blue Flag status for another year running, the unspoilt Trecco Bay provides excellent water quality and a lifeguard service between April and September, meaning it’s the perfect beach for kids to enjoy a paddle. The surfing conditions can be superb too if you fancy riding some waves.

Rest Bay Beach

Another award-winning Blue Flag beach to grace Wales’ south coast is Rest Bay, abundant in fine golden sand and rock pools teeming with marine life. The beach is home to Porthcawl Surf School, which not only offers surfing lessons but paddle boarding too, or why not try wind surfing or kayaking? If you’d rather relax, there’s plenty of room for chilling on the sand and admiring the views.

Sandy Bay

Known to locals as Coney Beach, Sandy Bay is the place to be if it’s all-out bucket and spade fun you’re after. Popular with families with children, this wide sandy beach is backed by Coney Beach Pleasure Park, jam-packed with rides and other amusements to keep the kids occupied. The beach itself is great for swimming and you’ll only be a short walk from the centre of Porthcawl, which can be found just beyond the harbour.

Museums and History

If you feel like spending a family day out delving into some local history, you’ll discover an array of museums and historic attractions both in Porthcawl itself and beyond. See some of our recommendations below for some inspiration on more things to do in Porthcawl.

Porthcawl Museum

If you’re staying locally, you won’t have to travel far with a visit to Porthcawl Museum. Housed in what used to be the town’s police station, you can explore the old police cells, plus a diverse variety of fascinating exhibitions ranging from World War II to archaeology. At only £2 entry for adults and 50p for children 16 and under, it’s a cost friendly day out the whole family will love!

Porthcawl RNLI Lifeboat Station

Run exclusively by volunteers, the Porthcawl RNLI Lifeboat Station operates two lifeboats and is one of the busiest stations in Wales. With the main boathouse open to the public, you can enjoy a free guided tour from the volunteers and if you visit on a Sunday morning you might catch them taking part in a training session. There’s also a gift shop if you’d like to support this fantastic cause.

Coity Castle

Travel slightly further afield to Bridgend and you’ll come across even more brilliant days out, including the imposing ruin of Coity Castle. Founded in the 12th century it’s the perfect slice of medieval history and has seen several modifications and rebuilds over time. With lots of grassy areas and a small children’s’ playground, it’s also a great spot for a family picnic when weather permits.

Adventure Activities

If you’re the kind of family who prefers a slightly faster pace on holiday, there are numerous adventure activities to get involved in on your break in Porthcawl, some of which you can sample at Trecco Bay itself if you’re staying on park. Discover just a handful of our suggestions below and get organising your next adventure.

Trecco Bay Holiday Park

Trecco Bay Holiday Park offers an exciting programme of activities and facilities for all ages. If you want to keep the kids active, they’ll have the best time on our outdoor climbing wall and bungee trampolines, or let them scale new heights on our popular high ropes course! If they prefer to stay on the ground, our new Sports Dome has plenty to offer too, from hoverboards to laser tag and more.

Coney Beach Amusement Park

Delight in all the fun of the fair at Coney Beach Pleasure Park, a traditional amusement park packed full with thrilling rides, arcades and delicious food and drink vendors. Purchase your wristbands online before you go and make the most of unlimited rides during your visit – they’re excellent value for money. Whether you’re whirling around on the waltzers or getting lost in the funhouse, there are over 20 rides to choose from and it’s one of our favourite things to do in Porthcawl.

Go Ape, Margam

If you had fun at our on park high ropes course and are raring to take on your next challenge, why not try Go Ape at Margam Country Park? Just a short drive from Porthcawl, scramble up rope ladders, traverse across 6 metre high walkways and zoom down the zipwire - it’s also the only Go Ape to offer sea views and boasts the biggest Tarzan Swing in the UK. You might even be lucky enough to spot the largest deer herd in Wales during your treetop adventure!

Nature and Animals

Wales is home to some fantastic wildlife hotspots, so whether you fancy getting back to nature or your kids are devoted animal lovers, you’ll find your perfect day out. From zoos to country parks to nature reserves, discover some of our ideas below.

Staying at Trecco Bay? We’ve even got our very own wildlife nature trail on park for you to explore!

Wiggley's Fun Farm

Just a 15 minute drive from Porthcawl, Wiggley’s Fun Farm houses a small selection of farm animals which visitors are allowed to feed, including rabbits, ponies, sheep, donkeys and pigs. Tailored more towards younger children, the farm also has a brilliant indoor and outdoor play area as well as a short woodland walk and duck pond. Little ones will love it!

Margam Country Park

Positioned in 1000 acres of stunning parkland, Margam Country Park is occupied by all sorts of captivating wildlife – grey squirrels, badgers and foxes are just some species you might glimpse, as well as a rich variety of birds and plants. The natural beauty of the park makes it perfect for a country walk or bike ride and with so much to do you could easily spend a whole day here. There’s a 19th century Gothic castle and gardens to enjoy too.

Parc Slip Nature Reserve

Wildlife enthusiasts will love a trip to Parc Slip Nature Reserve, providing 300 acres of diverse habitats to observe. Navigate your way around the wetlands and meadows and make sure to keep your eyes peeled for woodpeckers, harvest mice and the endangered great crested newt. Whether you’re venturing around the reserve on foot, bike or with your dog by your side, there’s lots to see. There are also a number of accessible routes available for people with disabilities.