Visiting the beaches at Porthcawl, nestled in the heart of South Wales, offers a unique blend of breathtaking scenery, rich heritage, and a variety of activities that cater to every beachgoer’s dream. This coastal town, with its picturesque views of the Bristol Channel, has a special charm that has attracted visitors for generations. From the tranquil sands of Rest Bay to the family-friendly atmosphere of Coney Beach, Porthcawl’s shores provide the perfect backdrop for a quintessentially British seaside experience.
We will take you through the seven Porthcawl Bays in order of West to East:
Sker Beach (Kenfig Sands)
Sker Beach, also known as Kenfig Sands, feels gloriously remote. There’s no direct road access, so you’ll need to walk through Kenfig National Nature Reserve, which is teeming with wildlife and shifting dunes. That effort pays off with peace, space, and unspoilt coastal views.
- Type: Long, sandy, and wild, backed by dunes and a nature reserve.
- Facilities: None — this is a back-to-basics beach, so bring everything you need.
- Dog Policy: Dogs are welcome throughout the year.
- Vibe: Peaceful, isolated, and ruggedly beautiful — perfect for walkers, birdwatchers, and anyone craving solitude.
Pink Bay
Tucked between Sker and Rest Bay, Pink Bay is a smaller and quieter bay. Its pink-hued rocks give the beach its name, and at low tide you’ll find firm sand and rock pools to explore. It’s a favourite among locals who prefer calm corners over crowds.
- Type: Mixed sand and pebbles with interesting rock formations.
- Facilities: Limited — no on-site amenities, but the Rest Bay cafe and toilets are a short walk away.
- Dog Policy: Dogs are welcome all year.
- Vibe: Tranquil, natural, and slightly hidden — ideal for gentle walks, beachcombing, and reflection.
Rest Bay Beach
Rest Bay, is one of Porthcawl’s most popular beaches, and for good reason. It’s a wide, golden sandy bay, great for surfing, paddleboarding, or just soaking up the sea air. You’ll find a surf school, cafe, toilets, and showers, plus accessible ramps from the car park.
- Type: Wide sandy beach with consistent surf and shallow entry.
- Facilities: Cafe, toilets, showers, surf school, car park, disabled access.
- Dog Policy: No dogs are allowed between 1 May and 30 September; dogs are welcome the rest of the year.
- Vibe: Energetic, friendly, and outdoorsy — perfect for surf lovers and active days out.
Porthcawl Town Beach
Set right by the Grand Pavilion and Esplanade, Town Beach is more about seaside atmosphere than swimming (which is prohibited). It’s rocky at high tide, with some sand visible at low tide, making it great for rock pooling or simply watching the waves with a coffee in hand.
- Type: Rocky and pebbly with pockets of sand (no swimming).
- Facilities: Cafes, restaurants, shops, and toilets are nearby.
- Dog Policy: No dogs between 1 May and 30 September; allowed off-season.
- Vibe: Classic seaside — lively promenade life with a hint of nostalgia.
Sandy Bay (Coney Beach)
Porthcawl’s best-known family beach. Sandy Bay is wide, golden, and backed by amusements, cafes, and the promenade. Lifeguards are on duty in summer, and the sand is perfect for building castles or long paddles at low tide.
- Type: Broad sandy bay with a gentle slope and safe bathing areas.
- Facilities: Toilets, cafes, amusements, seafront shops, deckchair hire, and car parks.
- Dog Policy: No dogs are allowed between 1 May and 30 September; dogs are welcome the rest of the year.
- Vibe: Bright, bustling, and fun — ideal for families, kids, and those who love a full seaside day out.
Trecco Bay
Tucked beside a large holiday park, Trecco Bay combines a clean, family-friendly beach with easy access to cafes and shops. It’s a Blue Flag beach, renowned for its excellent water quality and seasonal lifeguard coverage.
- Type: Sandy and partly rocky beach with safe bathing areas.
- Facilities: A holiday park is nearby, offering cafes, toilets, shops, and entertainment.
- Dog Policy: No dogs between 1 May and 30 September; allowed off-season.
- Vibe: Family-oriented, sociable, and convenient — great for a day that blends nature with comfort.
Newton Beach
Stretching east toward the River Ogmore, Newton Beach (also called Black Rock Beach) offers a wilder feel. There’s a mix of sand, rock, and dunes, and at low tide, it’s a dream for long walks, kitesurfing, or playing fetch with the dog.
- Type: Mixed sandy and rocky beach backed by dunes.
- Facilities: Minimal — the nearest toilets and cafe are located in Newton village or Trecco Bay.
- Dog Policy: Dogs are welcome throughout the year.
- Vibe: Natural, quiet, and spacious — great for walkers, dog owners, and those seeking a slower pace.
Merthyr Mawr Sand Dunes
Not technically a bay, but unmissable. These dunes are part of Merthyr Mawr Warren National Nature Reserve, and are some of the tallest in Europe. You can wander for miles, spot wildlife, or climb the “Big Dipper” for sweeping sea views.
- Type: Expansive dune system with grassy and sandy trails.
- Facilities: Limited — small car park and footpaths, no toilets or cafes.
- Dog Policy: Dogs allowed but must be under control to protect wildlife.
- Vibe: Wild, windswept, and adventurous — perfect for photographers and walkers who love natural drama.
Wrapping Up
From the solitude of Sker to the buzz of Coney Beach, Porthcawl’s bays really do offer something for every mood. You can surf, stroll, explore rock pools, or sit back with your dog and watch the tide roll in.
Whether you’re after a classic British seaside day or a quiet stretch of nature, this little corner of South Wales delivers it all, one bay at a time.
For more information, see our Porthcawl Destination Guide.