St John the Baptist Church

The church sits right at the heart of Porthcawl, a sturdy stone building that's been watching over the town since medieval times. St John the Baptist isn't flashy - there's no grand facade or soaring spire to stop you in your tracks - but that's rather the point. Walk inside and you'll find proper old-school craftsmanship: timber roof, decent stained glass, and the kind of peace you get nowhere else on a sunny Saturday afternoon.

It's the sort of place that rewards slow looking rather than quick snapshots. The interior has that particular smell - old stone, furniture polish, devotion - that you either find deeply moving or slightly melancholic depending on your mood. History buffs will appreciate the medieval bones of the building, though frankly the information boards could be better. Families with restless kids might struggle past fifteen minutes unless they're genuinely interested in old churches.

Admission is free, which is one less decision to make. Porthcawl itself is a seaside town with actual beaches - Sandy Bay and Trecco Bay are the draws - so if you're staying at Trecco Bay Holiday Park just down the road, popping into the church works as a rainy-day plan or a morning stroll before heading to the sand. Don't make a special trip from afar, but if you're in the area it's worth twenty minutes of your time. Go when it's quiet - early morning or weekday afternoons beat the tourist shuffle.