Hardy’s Bay

The beach at Hardy's Bay sits just outside Porthcawl, a proper working Welsh seaside town that hasn't been entirely swallowed by holiday parks and chip shops. It's a small, sheltered cove rather than a sprawl - the sort of place where you can actually hear yourself think, even in summer. The sand is decent, backed by low cliffs with a bit of character, and it's protected enough that the water feels calmer than some of the more exposed stretches along this coast.

What makes it worth the trip is exactly what makes it quiet. There's no amusement arcade, no fairground, no bouncy castles fighting for space. Instead you get families who actually want to swim, paddlers nosing about in rock pools, and walkers who've wandered off the main Porthcawl strip. The beach works best in decent weather - when it's grey and damp, there's not much to keep you here beyond an hour or so.

It's free and accessible year-round, though parking nearby can get tight on bank holidays. Allow an hour or two if you've got young kids who like exploring; longer if you're the type to just sit and watch the water. If you're staying at Trecco Bay Holiday Park nearby, it's an easy drive and a refreshing alternative to the busier town beach. The walk along the cliffs either side is worth doing, particularly heading towards Porthcawl proper if the weather's cooperating.