Bridgend, South Wales

Explore Bridgend Beaches and Coastline

Bridgend is in south Wales. The coast is dominated by an extensive sand dune system that was once the largest in Europe. Today two important sections remain, Merthyr Mawr Sand Dunes and those at Kenfig National Nature Reserve. Sitting between these two dune systems is the main seaside town of Porthcawl.


Why not check beaches nearby as we have 4 beaches in Bridgend. You can even take a look at our list of Bridgend dog friendly beaches or even our United Kingdom Blue Flag beach list.

Bridgend Coast Map

Bridgend Coast Search Bar

Where would you like to go? Use our search bar to search across all our local listings, ideal for finding that nearest spot to visit:

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Want some ideas on where to visit?

Every favourite location must be visited for the first time. Want some ideas, why not check out the below small selection of coastal locations, including beaches, activities, things to see and do, and places to stay and eat:

Trecco-bay-beach

Trecco Bay Beach

Trecco Bay beach is one of the many Porthcawl bays and is a large sand and rocky beach between two rocky points, situated between Sandy Bay and Newton Beach. The only facilities are at the holiday park and you do have seasonal lifeguards. Although only a short walk from Trecco Bay holiday park this beach is typically not that busy. Read more…
Newton-Bay-Black-Rock-beach

Newton Bay Beach

Newton Bay beach is also known as Black Rock beach to the east of Porthcawl is a long sandy and rocky beach, backed by sand dunes. The beach stretches from Newton Point to the mouth of the River Ogmore at Ogmore-by-Sea. The Newton Burrows and Merthyr Mawr sand dunes are designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Newton Beach is Read more…
sandy-bay

Sandy Bay Beach

Sandy Bay beach in Porthcawl is a large sheltered and sandy beach in front of the fairground known as Coney Beach. Sandy Bay curves round and joins onto Trecco Bay beach after Rhych Point. Sandy Bay is popular with families who can enjoy a traditional seaside location including donkey and pony rides on the beach, alongside other facilities such as trampolines Read more…
Bryngarw-Country-Park

Bryngarw Country Park

Bryngarw Country Park is in Bridgend in Wales and is a huge park hosting events and nature walks for the family as well as family fun days and exhibitions. Here you’ll find formal gardens, woodlands, beautiful glades and many exotic trees all in a river setting by the River Garw. There’s a great play area for the kids and a Read more…
Merthyr-Mawr-sand-dunes

Merthyr Mawr Sand Dunes

Merthyr Mawr Sand Dunes are part of a really large sand dune complex located by Porthcawl on the south coast of Wales. The sand dunes at Merthyr Mawr are the second highest in Europe and shows off various stages of development from bare sand to areas of dune woodland and scrub. The area is managed by Natural Resources Wales (NRW), Read more…
Coity-Castle

Coity Castle

Coity Castle remains dates from the fourteenth century and later, although, originally established soon after 1100. The castle began as a ringwork, defensive structure, then a rectangular stone keep and the main curtain wall were added by the Normans in the 12th century, under the de Turberville family. The three-storey keep was primarily a defensive structure. Read more…
Kenfig-National-Nature-Reserve

Kenfig National Nature Reserve

Kenfig National Nature Reserve is near Porthcawl, Bridgend and offers a fresh water lake and dunes. This is a highlight for bird watchers as the area is a stopover for many migrating birds. There are great views from the rserve across the Swansea Bay and wild orchids grow in the woodlands wit butterflies and birds making it home. There is also Read more…
Place to eat

The Wyndham Arms Pub

The Wyndham Arms is a Wetherspoon pub in Bridgend. Our pub offers a range of real ales, craft beers and freshly ground Lavazza coffee. Breakfast is served until noon, with our full food menu available until 11 pm.     Read more…
Porthcawl-lifeboat-station

Porthcawl lifeboat station

Porthcawl lifeboat station was established in 1860 and now operates an inshore lifeboat. Station is generally open daily and the Shop daily Easter to Christmas. Read more…
Rest-Bay-beach

Rest Bay Beach

Rest Bay beach is approximately 2.5 kilometres at low tide, and faces south west towards the Bristol Channel.  The beach is a mix of sand with rock slabs and pebbles at the high tide line. Porthcawl town sits in the south-east end of the bay, while the north-west end has the Royal Porthcawl Golf Course. Popular with surfers, windsurfing and Read more…
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