Church of St Mary

You'll find the Church of St Mary tucked away in Coity, a village that most people driving towards Porthcawl would sail straight past. It's worth the detour though - a proper medieval church that's been standing here since at least the 15th century, with enough character to make you linger for half an hour rather than rush through.

The building itself is substantial without being showy. Stone walls, a sturdy tower, and the kind of interior where you can actually feel the weight of centuries. There's decent carved stonework if you know what to look for, and the whole setup has that unpretentious Welsh church feel - no faffing about with gift shops or entrance fees, just a straightforward holy space.

This works best for anyone with a genuine interest in medieval churches or local history. Kids will find it tolerable for fifteen minutes max unless they're the type who enjoys hunting for old gravestones. If you're staying at nearby Trecco Bay Holiday Park, it's a pleasant five-minute drive inland from the coast - a good way to break up a seaside week with something with a bit more substance than another beach day.

Access appears unrestricted, though the exact opening hours aren't clearly advertised, so call ahead if you're making a specific trip. Don't expect much in the way of facilities - this is a working parish church, not a heritage attraction. But that's precisely what makes it worth visiting. Real, functional, unbothered by tourism.