Around 40 minutes from Cardiff, one town has everything you’d expect from a traditional British seaside break. There’s a long promenade lined with cafes and independent businesses, plenty of places to stop for an ice cream or coffee and sweeping views across the Channel.
According to Visit Wales, the abundance of independent cafes, bars and shops along the promenade is one of the town’s biggest attractions, and they certainly add to its appeal. There is also a championship golf course that attracts the crowds with stunning views. But while I enjoyed wandering around the town, it was the coastline that really stood out.
One local told me that actor Rob Brydon, who went to school in Porthcawl, describes it as the “jewel of the Welsh Riviera”. After spending an afternoon there, I can understand why.
Porthcawl is home to seven sandy beaches, and for me they’re the town’s biggest selling point. Whether you’re looking for somewhere to stretch your legs, spend the day on the sand or watch surfers taking on the waves, there’s a beach to suit.
The variety means you can easily spend more than one visit exploring different parts of the coastline rather than staying in one spot.
As we wandered away from the busier part of the promenade, the town gave way to sand dunes and wide stretches of beach, and it was by far the standout view of the day.
I visited in September, so the beaches were incredibly quiet, bar a few people walking their dogs, which made for some entertaining people-watching and gave the place a really local feel.
It was much more peaceful than some of the UK’s better-known seaside resorts, so if you’re after somewhere a little less hectic than Brighton or Blackpool, Porthcawl is well worth considering.
I only had an afternoon to explore, so I would happily return to spend more time exploring the coastline, taking in the walks and making the most of the slower pace of life.
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
