Ewenny Priory

The ruins of Ewenny Priory sit quietly in a small village about five miles inland from Porthcawl, and honestly, they're worth seeking out if you're spending time in the area. What you get is a proper medieval monastery - founded in the 12th century - with enough stonework still standing to give you a real sense of the place. The church remains largely intact, which is the main draw, and you can walk around the outer walls and get a feel for how it was laid out.

It's the kind of stop that appeals most to history types and walkers rather than kids looking for action. There's no visitor centre, no café, no theatrical interpretation - just the ruins, some information boards, and the quiet of the Welsh countryside. That's actually rather refreshing. You'll need maybe 30 to 45 minutes to have a proper look around unless you're really into medieval architecture, in which case you could happily spend longer sketching or photographing.

The setting is genuinely lovely - rolling fields, decent views - and it pairs well with a base at Trecco Bay Holiday Park if you're doing a week in the area. Porthcawl itself is close enough for a seaside evening if the priory leaves you wanting something a bit livelier. Access appears to be free, and there's no apparent time restriction, though you'll want to check locally before planning a visit. Go on a dry day - the ground gets boggy.