Lakeside Golf Course

The course sits right on the edge of a proper lake, which sounds more dramatic than it plays - but that doesn't mean it's dull. Eighteen holes of straightforward, well-maintained golf with water dotting the back nine means you'll want your A-game on the approach shots. The scenery across the water is pleasant enough, though you're not exactly playing in the Cotswolds.

It's the kind of place that rewards steady golf rather than flash. Beginners won't feel entirely out of place, but regular golfers will get the most satisfaction here. The greens are decent, the fairways forgiving on most holes, and the whole thing moves at a civilised pace. You can knock it round in under four hours if the course isn't rammed.

Porthcawl's just down the road - a seaside town that's seen better days but has character - so this works well as part of a wider holiday. If you're staying at Trecco Bay Holiday Park five miles north, you could make this your morning round and still catch lunch in town. The drive from Bridgend itself takes under twenty minutes.

Cost-wise, expect to pay green fees that won't break the bank, though you'd need to ring ahead or check their website for exact rates and whether you need membership. Best avoided in winter when the course can get waterlogged, and mornings tend to move faster than afternoons when the club players turn up.