Coney Beach Funfair

The fairground sits right on the seafront at Porthcawl, though I should flag straight away that Coney Beach Funfair has been closed for some years now. It's worth knowing about if you're planning a nostalgic trip to the coast, but you won't be riding any rides there currently.

When it was operating, this was proper old-school seaside fun - the kind of place where generations of Welsh families spent their pocket money on dodgems and the waltzers. The rides had that authentic vintage charm rather than the glossy corporate theme park vibe you get elsewhere. Porthcawl itself is still a working seaside town with actual beaches and the seafront promenade, so it's not like the whole area has dried up.

If you're based at Trecco Bay Holiday Park just down the road - a solid four-star operation only half a mile away - you'll find plenty of other attractions within easy reach. The town has fish and chip shops, amusement arcades that still operate, and access to Shelone Beach and Trecco Bay Beach for swimming and walking.

For families wanting that nostalgic British seaside experience, Porthcawl itself delivers even without the funfair. The beaches are decent, the town has decent facilities, and it's got that genuine feel rather than being manufactured for tourists. Just don't expect Coney Beach itself to be operating - check ahead if you're specifically keen on visiting historic fairground sites.