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Porthcawl & the Golden Coast
The dramatic rugged cliffs and secluded coves of the Glamorgan Heritage Coast with their breathtaking views and fresh breezes give way to a dramatic change of scenery that heralds the windswept sand dunes of Merthyr Mawr. Then its on to Porthcawl with it’s Blue flag beach at Trecco and Rest Bay on Southern Wales' 'Golden Coast'
The entire coast is brimming with stories and legends. Tragic wrecks and devious smugglers plied their wicked trade along these wild and lonely shores. Castles and manor houses that were built by successive conquerors are the legacy left for today’s visitors. Magnificent Norman castles and a wealth of heritage attractions along with delightful towns, small villages and miles of footpaths and country lanes make it a superb base for touring.
The comparatively flat coastal plain and hinterland is ideal for avid walkers and cyclists. The coast provides excellent facilities all year round for keen surfers and all water sports, at Porthcawl, but get to know the locals and you might uncover some of the more secret surf spots.
Basking in the summer sunshine on the 'Golden Coast' is Porthcawl boasting some of the cleanest beaches in South Wales. Rest Bay has been awarded the coveted European Blue Flag plus a Tidy Britain Seaside Award and is a surfer's paradise. Not too far away are numerous golf clubs.
During the summer months the pleasure steamers Waverley & Balmoral leave Porthcawl’s harbour for cruises along the Bristol Channel, and over to Lundy Island.
Take a personal sea-fishing trip or learn scuba diving with trained instructors. Sign on for surf lessons with Porthcawl’s own Surfing Academy. Visit the indoor skateboarding centre right on the harbour or try sand kiting with the largest kite centre in Britain. Play Golf or try your hand at Go-Karting, or maybe a leisurely cycle ride along the coast paths?
Only a few minutes north of Porthcawl is the Kenfig National Nature Reserve - one of the most impressive conservation sites in Britain.
Nearby Newton village has the historic Norman church reputed to be founded by one of the Knights of St. John. St. John’s well on the green is reputed to have healing waters, while the well at Nottage village is closely associated with the patron Saint of Wales in fact it bears his name.
There are dozens of quality hotels and guesthouses in the resort as well as top quality shows at the Grand Pavilion on the seafront and events throughout the summer including the annual Porthcawl Carnival and Sea Festival, or the Beer Festival at Newton. The annual Jazz weekend and Wales’ only Celtic Festival of music and dance.
More detail on Porthcawl
Porthcawl is twinned with Saint Sebastien, France
http://www.saintsebastienporthcawl.org/
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