Top Things to do in Porthcawl
What to do and see in Porthcawl, Wales: The Best Free Things to do
Discover the best top things to do in Porthcawl, United Kingdom including Porthcawl RNLI Lifeboat Station, St. John The Baptist Church, Rest Bay Beach, Maple, Newton Bay Beach, Wales Coast Path boardwalk, The Ancient Briton, The Hi Tide Inn.
Restaurants in Porthcawl
1. Porthcawl RNLI Lifeboat Station
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 19 reviews
Porthcawl RNLI Lifeboat Station is an operational inshore lifeboat station where the volunteer crew provide an on-call 24/7 search and rescue lifeboat service. The station houses both a D Class and an Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat. The station has a gift shop which is open daily and it's possible to view the lifeboats and tractors from the shop (when they're housed within the boathouse). On weekends the main boathouse is often open to the public with volunteer visit guides on hand to answer any questions. The lifeboats are launched on training exercise most Sunday mornings between 10am-12pm. Porthcawl RNLI was Wales' busiest RNLI station in 2018, launching 112 times - assisting 144 people, saving 8 lives. The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea.
2. St. John The Baptist Church
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By Theoldishgirlyandhim
Very picturesque little village of Newton which is just outside the main Porthcawl area. 2 pubs, village green, and a pretty, little church! Pretty in Summer, very lovely covered in Winter's snow!
3. Rest Bay Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 364 reviews
Reviewed By 2wit2Huw - Cardiff, United Kingdom
Rest Bay has been transformed with the new Activity Centre where you can hire Bikes, boards, wetsuits and have lessons on how to use them. An outside Costa (and toilets) or upstairs for quality food or just coffee and cakes. The Sandy flat beach has always been a favourite for surfers and children, with rock pools, clean sand and lifeguards on duty. A wonderful place for all ages.
4. Maple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 22 reviews
Maple is a family run business with six shops in John Street, Porthcawl. We sell a fabulous selection of products to suit every budget and occasion. At Maple chocolates we stock a huge selection of luxury handmade chocolates and gifts from East of India and Jellycat among others. Maple Gifts is home to jewellery brands including Nomination and Clogau; Emma Bridgewater pottery and a large range of gorgeous glassware, there is even a cookshop upstairs! Beautiful children's clothes & toys are available at Little Maple and a massive range of cards, candles, balloons & gifts are always in stock at Robyns Nest and Greetings. Last but certainly not least we have a year round eclectic mix of all things unusual and from October there is a 'not to be missed' Christmas selection at Seasons.
Reviewed By RazJ6
I popped into Maple today to look at their new selection of chocolates. There are so many lovely chocolates to choose from, including a wide selection of high quality dairy free chocolate. Staff are so friendly and helpful and we shared lots of laughs while I chose some delicious chocolate treats. I'm enjoying using the new reward card and I'm saving my points so I can buy a box of my favourite RHS dark chocolate rose and violet creams...mmmh. You get points from all the Maple shops in Porthcawl, as well as lovely products, friendly faces and staff who are genuinely interested in making sure you get what you want, like soy wax candles. Also I'm liking their biodegradable bags as I'm trying to reduce my plastic waste. If all that doesn't tempt you...in this sizzling heat, they have air conditioning! Well worth a visit!
5. Newton Bay Beach
6. Wales Coast Path boardwalk
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 35 reviews
Reviewed By margaretcL7334YI - Cardiff, United Kingdom
We love this walk its ideal if you have problems getting around because the laid pathway is even and accessible to push chairs, wheel chairs and buggies. Ideal for young cyclists so much freedom and such a lovely walk.
7. The Ancient Briton
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 104 reviews
Public House situated on Newton Green.
Reviewed By simonmI2130FE
Great atmosphere & location. Stopped here for lunch & endes up going back for an evening meal as well. Great pub food.
8. The Hi Tide Inn
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 228 reviews
Reviewed By Valleyschick1 - Rhondda Cynon Taf, United Kingdom
We arrived at Porthcawl early armed with our sun cream, wind breaks, umbrella, hand sanitiser and facemasks. Due to the virus we chose our spot carefully staying away from the steps and shoreline. We huddled by the rocks until hunger set in. We decided to eat at the HiTtide Inn because they had good reviews on TripAdvisor. The beach looked busy (not the usual busy) so we decided to ring ahead to book a table especially as it was a Monday (the governments eat out to help out scheme was on). We were allocated a time and made our way to the restaurant. We received a warm welcome from the staff. There was hand sanitiser everywhere and the staff were well organised. We ordered pie and chips which was really nice and seemed home made The prices were very reasonable and we would definitely come back in the future. The outside tables over looked the sea (beautiful setting).
