Express reporter Sarah Barltrop visited Porthcawl in September and found the seaside town nearly empty of crowds. She says the coastline—especially the seven sandy beaches—is the one reason she would go back.
What Makes Porthcawl Special
About 40 minutes from Cardiff, Porthcawl offers a traditional British seaside break. There is a long promenade lined with cafes and independent businesses, plenty of places for ice cream or coffee, and sweeping views across the Channel. According to Visit Wales, the abundance of independent cafes, bars and shops along the promenade is one of the town's biggest attractions. There is also a championship golf course with stunning views.
One local told Barltrop that actor Rob Brydon, who went to school in Porthcawl, calls it the “jewel of the Welsh Riviera.” After spending an afternoon there, she says she can understand why.
The Beaches Are the Standout
Porthcawl is home to seven sandy beaches, which Barltrop calls the town's biggest selling point. Whether you want to stretch your legs, spend the day on the sand, or watch surfers, there is a beach to suit. The variety means you can explore different parts of the coastline on multiple visits. As she walked away from the busier part of the promenade, the town gave way to sand dunes and wide stretches of beach—the standout view of the day.
One beach has stunning sand dunes behind the old amusements. Barltrop visited in September, so the beaches were incredibly quiet, bar a few people walking their dogs. This gave the place a local feel, much more peaceful than better-known resorts like Brighton or Blackpool. She says if you want somewhere less hectic, Porthcawl is well worth considering.
Plans to Return
Barltrop only had an afternoon to explore, so she would happily return to spend more time exploring the coastline, taking walks, and making the most of the slower pace of life.
