What is there to do in Porthcawl?
We’re incredibly lucky to be based in Porthcawl, a lovely seaside resort full of beautiful beaches, a gorgeous promenade and of course, delicious ice cream and fish and chip shops!
As well as being famous for the Elvis Festival, and home to the largest holiday park in the UK, Porthcawl is a unique mix of boutique shops, modern restaurants and unspoilt scenery. With so many things to see, eat and do, it’s the perfect place to spend a summer’s day.
The next time you visit one of our shops, make it a day trip, and bring the whole family with you! Read on to find out what you can do in Porthcawl, and if you can’t fit it all into one trip, you’ll just have to become a regular!
Start your day the right way...
If your day has to start with caffeine, there are some lovely little coffee shops for you to try. Sit on the balcony at Rest Bay Cafe Bar and enjoy spotting surfers in the sea, sit outside at Coffi Co and Sidolis and watch the waves in the harbour, or pick up a coffee at the Piccolo Bar and linger on the seafront.
Leave your Footprints on the Sand
Porthcawl is home to lots of beautiful beaches: Sker Beach, Pink Bay, Rest Bay, Town Beach, Coney Beach, Trecco Bay and Newton Beach. Rest Bay and Trecco Bay are Blue flag beaches that are perfect for building sandcastles, exploring rock pools and paddling in the sea.
For thrill seekers, the fairground sits behind Coney Beach, and has lots of stalls and rides to enjoy. If you want to give kayaking, paddle boarding or surfing a go, check out Porthcawl Surf School for more information about booking a session.
Take a Break for Lunch
There are plenty of places to refuel for lunch so whether you’re looking for a light bite, quick sandwich or something more substantial, you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for within walking distance of the beaches!
You’ll have views of the sea from Cosy Corner and the Waterfront; Harbour Bar and Kitchen and Double Zero Pizza are overlooking the harbour, and Isabella’s Brasserie and Dockside Bar & Grill are in the centre of town.
Of course, no seaside town would be complete without LOTS of places to buy ice cream, and Porthcawl has no end of ice cream parlours to choose from! Fablas, Fulgonis, Cadwaladers and Booth’s Cafe Bar are just a few of your options… The bigger question is what flavour will you choose?
An Afternoon of Sightseeing
Porthcawl’s new open top bus is ideal to take in the views of the town, and help you get your bearings. As well as being a direct link from Rest Bay to Trecco Bay, the bus will give you a unique view of our glorious coastline! You’ll drive beside the promenade that was built in 1887 to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee, the Grand Pavilion, and Porthcawl harbour.
If you’re a keen golfer, the Royal Porthcawl has an outstanding golf course with spectacular views of the sea. Porthcawl Museum is worth a visit to find out more about our local history and heritage. Located on John Street, it’s literally a stone's throw away from our Maple stores!
Pop into Maple Chocolates for an afternoon energy boost before you explore the rest of the shops on John Street, Well Street and Station Hill. Browsing in a Maple store is an experience in itself as we have so many wonderful gifts, jewellery and homeware for you to take a look at, so make sure you leave enough time to shop!
Wind Down for the Evening
Of course, before you head back home, you must buy some fish and chips and eat them sitting on the seafront. Finnegans, Beales, and the Boathouse are just a few of our favourite fish and chip shops, but you’ll see lots more as you wander around the town.
With so many different places to eat, drink and be merry - and all sorts of activities available in between - we hope we’ve inspired you to visit Porthcawl this summer!
Leave a comment