Porthcawl, a coastal resort in Bridgend, Wales, has been named the finest holiday destination for 2026 by Parkdean Resorts. Known for its excellent water quality, diverse activities including the world's largest Elvis festival, and a range of cafés, restaurants and independent shops, the town offers a quintessential seaside experience.
Porthcawl features seven distinct beaches, from popular sandy spots to rocky coves. Rest Bay and Trecco Bay are Blue Flag beaches popular with surfers and water sports enthusiasts. Pink Bay boasts unique marbled pink rocks, while Sker Beach offers a secluded sandy alternative accessible only on foot via a 20-minute walk from Rest Bay or a 40-minute walk from the nearest toilet. At low tide, a plaque commemorating lives lost on the S.S. Santampa and the Mumbles lifeboat is visible.
The town caters to all with its new Watersports Centre, the celebrated Royal Porthcawl Golf Club, traditional seaside attractions like funfair rides and ice cream along the Esplanade, and peaceful seafront cafés. The harbour houses the RNLI station and Wales' oldest listed bonded warehouse, the Jennings Building, now a waterside location with cafes and restaurants.
Porthcawl also hosts the annual Porthcawl Elvis Festival, regarded as the world's biggest Elvis festival, drawing tens of thousands of fans and hundreds of tribute acts. One reviewer described it as 'a glorious, chaotic, slightly mad love-in for the King of Rock 'n' Roll'. Andy Edge, Chief Marketing Officer at Parkdean Resorts, noted that nostalgia is a key factor in holiday choices, with travellers gravitating towards traditional seaside locations that offer a balance of entertainment and relaxation.
