Things to do in and around Porthcawl

In summer relax on one of our award winning beaches, take a ride on a donkey or visit the funfair.

Enjoy a stroll along the promenade with many places to sit and enjoy our wonderful coastal views or call into one of our seafront cafes.

Kenfig National Nature Reserve

Glamorgan’s largest natural lake, Kenfig Pool is set on the edge of this beautiful sand dune nature reserve with spectacular views across the Heritage Coast and Swansea Bay towards the Gower Peninsular. Containing some of the finest wildlife habitats in Wales with wild orchids, butterflies and birds, the reserve is a haven for migrating birds. Two bird hides overlook Kenfig Pool and there is a fascinating visitor centre with exhibition and shop. Admission Free

Telephone: +44 (0)1656 743386 | Kenfig Nature Reserve

 

Adventures Outdoor Activity Centre

If you’ve never been quad biking, or climbed an artificial rock face, then it’s time to change that, and there’s no better place to do it. A wonderfully welcoming team are on hand to teach, train and assist throughout, so you are never just left to fend for yourself. It’s a great idea for groups, corporate team building and school activities Adventures also offer a number of other activities including, Kayaking, Mountain Walks, Gorge Scrambling and Mountain Biking. The centre is open every day throughout the year and has flood lighting so you can stay till late into the evening.

Telephone: +44 (0)1656 782300 | Adventures Outdoor Activity Centre

Bedford Park

Based around the former 1780’s Ironworks, established by John Bedford, the park is an interesting mix of industrial archaeology, rare plants and flowers, where visitors can study interpretation panels, take country walks and nature trails or just relax over a picnic lunch while the children take advantage of the play areas or classroom facilities.

Admission Free

Telephone: +44 (0)1656 725155 | Bedford Park

The Old Police Station

Situated in John Street, this listed building was a working Police Station from 1881 to its closure in 1974, and the original cells are still in use, albeit for storage, while the original Charge Room, now houses the local Heritage Coast Tourist Information Centre.

The building also houses the town Museum tracing in fascinating detail, the social history of the area, as well as a collection of war momentos of the 49th Recognisance Regiment. On show also, is a continually changing collection of purchasable works by Porthcawl Art Society.

Telephone: +44 (0)1656 786639/754855 | Porthcawl Museum

Coney Beach Pleasure Park

No seaside resort is complete without a pleasure park and Porthcawl has a terrific one! A great selection of rides and amusements including the ‘Megablitz’ rollercoaster are available to try, along with slot machines, candy floss, fish and chips, hot do-nuts, cafes, sweet stalls, bars, cabaret evenings, and limitless enjoyment!

Telephone: +44 (0)1656 788911

Telephone: +44 (0)1656 786639/754855 | Coney Beach

Grand Pavilion

Every seaside resort has to have a traditional summer theatre, and if it’s on the promenade facing the seas, that’s even better. Well Porthcawl’s Grand Pavilion is just that. Built at a cost of £25,000 in 1932, you cannot fail to miss it, with its distinctive facade and unique features illuminated at night.

Before it was built, the site was just an expanse of sand that was occasionally occupied by a small fair or by picnic parties. The difference with this theatre though, is that it is open all year and offers top class entertainment to suit all age groups and tastes.

The Pavilion offers shows all the year round, culminating in the ever-popular Christmas Pantomime. It also has an elegant Cafe Bar for light snacks overlooking the sea front.

Telephone: +44 (0)1656 815995 | Grand Pavillion

Trecco Bay

You’re spoilt for choice at Trecco Bay. Rest assured that whatever the weather there’s something for the whole family to enjoy. Kids can look forward to excitement at Splashland and adventure at Jungle Jim’s, whilst adults can relax in a great variety of bars and restaurants, including some child free venues for our adult guests

Telephone: +44 (0)8443 353561 | Trecco Bay