St Michael's Priory Church, Ewenny Priory

The approach to Ewenny Priory is deceptively unremarkable - you'll pass through ordinary village streets before the church suddenly appears, its sturdy Norman walls looking rather more fortress than sanctuary. This is what makes it so interesting. Built in the 12th century, St Michael's was constructed as a fortified priory, which explains the defensive stonework you'll notice straightaway. The thick walls and tower weren't decoration; they were practical medieval engineering.

Inside, the church is genuinely moving in that unhurried Welsh way. The nave feels appropriately austere, with simple stone arches and flagged floors worn smooth by centuries of footfall. You'll notice the remnants of monastic life in the architectural details - the cloister arcade still survives, giving you a proper sense of how the monks would have moved through their day.

History enthusiasts will find this worthwhile, particularly anyone interested in medieval monastic life or Norman military architecture. It's quieter than the flashier castles you'll find in the region, which is rather the point. A 20-minute visit is realistic, though you could spend longer if you're genuinely absorbing the stonework and trying to imagine the place 800 years ago.

If you're staying at Trecco Bay Holiday Park near Porthcawl, Ewenny Priory makes an excellent half-day excursion - it's only a few miles inland from the coast. Admission details aren't widely publicised, but it's a functioning parish church, so reasonable expectations apply. Go quietly, go respectfully, and you'll appreciate why this place has endured so long.