Our Guide to a Cosy Autumn Day in Porthcawl 🍂
You really cannot beat an autumn trip to Porthcawl!
As sisters who both live and work in Porthcawl, we are lucky enough to have so much on our doorstop that still takes our breath away as much as the very first time we saw it.
We've compiled a list of our favourite things to do here in the Autumn. All of the summer crowds have eased off and it's often the perfect time for a coastal walk followed by a lovely coffee. And yes, we're definitely including a little Maple shopping along the way!
☕ Start with a Proper Coffee at Corner Coffee
If we're planning a cosy autumn day in Porthcawl, our first stop would have to be Corner Coffee at Porthcawl Harbour.
Corner coffee is an absolute non-negotiable for us. We both absolutely loved the hot chocolate and don't get us started on the breakfast selection... the full breakfast is an absolute belter and for those with a sweet tooth they always have a proper stack of pancakes on offer that goes down a treat.
Their motto is 'Life's too short for bad coffee' and we are totally inclined to agree with them. The open plan seating brings a welcoming vibe that we just love.
🌊 Wrap Up & Head for the Coast
Once you've had your coffee, it's time to wrap up warm and head towards the sea.
You don't need a big plan. One of the best things about Porthcawl is simply getting outside and following the coast.
Walking is one of our favourite things to do on a pleasant day in Porthcawl. We are so lucky to have 3 fabulous beaches to enjoy and lots of stunning coastal paths. We've even spotted dolphins quite a few times which is always a lovely bonus!
A Seafront Stroll
For an easy walk, head along the Porthcawl seafront and promenade. The prom stretches along the whole way but conveniently, is not too far from the town centre, so when you've had enough fresh air it's very easy to stop for a rest and recharge and maybe even a spot of shopping.
Rest Bay & the Coastal Path
If you're looking for something a little longer, Rest Bay is a lovely starting point for a coastal walk.
The Wales Coast Path route from Rest Bay towards Kenfig Nature Reserve is around 3 miles (5 km) and takes you along the beach, past dunes and towards Sker Point, with beautiful coastal views along the way.
Autumn is a particularly lovely time to do it — just make sure you have your waterproofs and sensible shoes!
Kenfig National Nature Reserve
For a proper autumn wander, Kenfig National Nature Reserve is another favourite.
There are a number of routes through the dunes and around Kenfig Pool, so you can choose something shorter or make more of a day of it. The reserve is known for its wildlife, dunes and quiet stretches of coastline, making it a lovely place to escape for a few hours.
🧤 Forgotten Your Hat or Gloves?
The weather can catch us all out at times and theres nothing like a stroll on the seafront to make you realise you haven't wrapped up warmly enough.
Offshore clothing offers clothes for both men and women and we also stock loads of accessories such as hats, gloves, umbrellas and scarves, so if you are caught off guard, it's the perfect shop to visit!
🛍️ Have a Wander Around Porthcawl's Independent Shops
Autumn is definitely one of our favourite times of year, especially when it comes to the cosy colours and textures and we always have lots of inspiration for both your home and yourself.
Brands such as Sophie Allport, Wrendale and Emma Bridgewater know exactly what they're doing in the way of adding some Autumnal charm. And for clothes and accessories, Alice Wheeler, Roka and White Stuff will always leave you dressed to impress.
One of our most popular brands for this time of year is Warmies, they offer microwaveable, cuddle companions that are perfect for staying warm as the nights draw in.
Sometimes it doesn't take a whole wardrobe change to make you embrace the change in season. Something as simple as a candle, wax melt or just a lovely new mug can do the trick!
One thing we aren't short of in Porthcawl is an amazing selection of independent shops. There are so many different shops to explore, each one as unique as the next. Divine, is perfect for Italian clothing and lovely jewellery, Koko has lots of lovely hand made jewellery and Weekdayz on Station Hill is an absolute treasure trove of Vintage goods.
Just opposite Maple Chocolates, you'll find Guttridge Flowers, with beautiful floral arrangements, and Home & Colonial, a lovely independent deli where you can pick up delicious treats and fresh Welsh cakes.
You may come to Porthcawl with one thing in mind, but often you'll find so many other ideas you hadn't yet considered! One of the best things about Porthcawl is that there's always another independent shop to discover.
🍫 Don't Leave Without Something Sweet
No cosy autumn day in Porthcawl would be complete without something delicious to take home.
We may be ever so slightly biased but if you're in need of a sweet treat, there's only one place to go, Maple Chocolates.
The original Maple, which has been running since 2012, has everything you could want to satisfy any sweet tooth. Whether it be for a gift or simply treating yourself, we have over 100 different flavoured chocolates to choose from so there's sure to be something to take your fancy.
Just remember that Maple Chocolates is the only one of our shops that isn't dog friendly, because we have food products displayed lower down in the shop.
🐾 Bring Your Four-Legged Friend
Speaking of dogs...
If you're planning a dog-friendly day out in Porthcawl, autumn is a lovely time to bring your four-legged friend along.
The coast is perfect for a crisp walk, and many of the places you'll want to visit are happy to welcome dogs.
At Maple, all of our shops are dog friendly apart from Maple Chocolates.
Most of our shops also have water bowls outside if they need a little drink along the way.
🍽️ Where We'd Eat in Porthcawl
Shopping can often lead to extreme hunger and Porthcawl is just the place for whatever you might fancy.
Luckily, Porthcawl has plenty of places to stop for something delicious.
🥞 Brunch at Corner Coffee
If you're looking for somewhere to start the day then we highly recommend brunch at corner coffee. They have lots of different dishes on offer as well as loads of pastries and cakes. Their Porthcawl Harbour location makes it particularly easy to combine with a seaside stroll.
🍩 Fancy a little snack?
If it's a sweet treat you're after then Who Cult is just the place. Fresh, hand made donuts right beside the harbour, what more could you want. Both Beth and I suggest the cinnamon knot, perfect for Autumn!
🍜 Asiad
Asiad is one of our favourite places to eat, not only in Porthcawl, but anywhere. Offering Asian style small plates, their attention to detail is second to none and they use loads of local produce. One thing you simply have to have here is their cauliflower, it'll change your life!!
🐟 Fish & Chips by the Sea
And if it's a more traditional seaside treat you are after, look no further than our vast range of Fish and Chip shops. Beales, Finnegans and the Boathouse, to name just a few, all have the usual offerings of any good fish and chip shop. If you ask me, everything is better smothered in a hot curry sauce!
☔ What If the Weather Isn't Playing Ball?
We do live in Wales, so naturally it's going to rain a LOT.
We are so lucky to have a wonderful museum on John Street where you can discover all you need to know about Porthcawl's history. It's based in the old Police Station and is open Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 11-3.
It's also dog friendly, so your four-legged friend doesn't necessarily have to miss out.
And if the rain is only a shower, that's even better — it gives you an excellent excuse to stop for another coffee afterwards!
❤️ Come and Enjoy Autumn in Porthcawl
We are definitely biased, as Porthcawl is where we call home, but we genuinely love where we live!
It's a bit quieter during Autumn than the summer, but we actually like the slightly slower way of life, more time to browse and also to sip coffee and watch the world go by.
Grab your coat, bring the dog, get your walking shoes on and come and spend a cosy Autumn day in Porthcawl.
And if you see us while you're out and about, come and say hello. ❤️
Love,
Rachel & Bethany x
