Porthcawl Beach

The beach at Porthcawl curves in a proper golden crescent, backed by Victorian promenade buildings that have seen better days but still command a certain seaside respectability. It's the kind of place where families have been coming for generations - the sand is decent, the water swallowable if you're brave enough in summer, and there's enough going on to keep you occupied for an afternoon without breaking the bank.

What you actually get here is straightforward seaside fun. There's a fairground tucked behind the seafront, chip shops that do the basics well, and enough space on the beach itself that you won't be shoulder-to-shoulder with other visitors even in July. The promenade walk is pleasant enough, though it's not going to rival the Gower Peninsula for drama. If you've got young kids, they'll be happy for a couple of hours building sandcastles and splashing about. Teenagers will find it dated.

Trecco Bay Holiday Park sits just down the road - under a mile away - which makes Porthcawl Beach the obvious choice if you're staying there. You can be on the sand within five minutes of leaving your accommodation. The real strength of Porthcawl is that it doesn't pretend to be anything it isn't. It's a working seaside resort, a bit tired round the edges, but genuinely friendly and unpretentious. Go for the afternoon, grab a 99 and a laugh, then head back to the caravan. It does the job.