The Mermaid

The Mermaid is a gallery tucked into Porthcawl's cultural landscape, and it's the sort of place that rewards a casual wander if you're already in town rather than a reason to drive hours out of your way. Walk in and you'll find contemporary art and work from local artists - the kind of space that changes its programme regularly, so what hangs on the walls in summer might be completely different come autumn.

It works best for art-minded visitors and anyone wanting to add some culture to a seaside break without the weight of a major museum visit. The gallery has that intimate feel where you can actually spend time with pieces rather than shuffling through crowds. If you're staying at Trecco Bay Holiday Park just up the road, it's an easy detour on a rainy afternoon or when you fancy a break from the beach.

Porthcawl itself - a proper family seaside town - gives you plenty to do alongside the gallery: the promenade, sandy beaches, and local shops. The gallery fits neatly into a day plan rather than being a full morning's activity, which is fine. Allow an hour, maybe ninety minutes if there's an exhibition that grabs you. Worth checking their opening hours and what's on before you visit, mind, as independent galleries can be a bit unpredictable with their schedules. If you're touring South Wales parks and want to tick off some local art while you're here, it does the job well enough.