This is a lovely place to walk to take the sea air! The middle of it is situated very close to the…read moretown centre (and car parks). During the summer months a little tourist 'road train' runs along the Esplanade as far as Rest Bay to the west. On one side of the road you can look out across the rocky beach and the Bristol Channel. One the other, you will pass the well known Grand Pavillion (a venue for many famous performers through the years) and also many fine houses and modern apartments. If you are on foot, the pavement 'runs out' before you can reach Rest Bay but you can continue over grass. Somewhere I have visited many times (the most recent being today!)

This is a really lovely library. The staff are very friendly and always willing to help with any…read morequeries or anything. The layout is very simple and easy to understand. The only problem is there is a limited number of books, but as with all Bridgend libraries, you can order them in and it's a very easy process. That said, I would still go to another library like Pyle or Pen-coed if you've got a choice, but this is still a great library if you're nearby and want to check in for one reason or another. The location is quite good.

I've walked past this statue many times over the years but only recently tried to find out some…read moreinformation about it! It appears to be a mermaid of sorts, in some kind of yoga position (at least, that is how it has always looked to my uneducated eyes). It is indeed a mermaid, carved in Portland stone by Peter Nicholas FRBS, ARCA, and weighing three tons. The dimensions are: 152cm in height, 122cm width and 122cm in depth. The circular form represents the cycle of life, its evolution from the sea to dry land and is also symbolic of Porthcawl's long association with the sea. It is signed at the bottom, P.W. NICHOLAS. 1993. Peter studied at the Cardiff Art School and the Royal College of Art and has exhibited all over Britain. He works mainly in marble and stone creating both small and large works. This sculpture is found on the grass in Seabank Gardens in West Drive (across the road from the Seabank Hotel) and beside a public seating area.

Quaint little bit of old Porthcawl, the harbour still has a couple of fishing boats bobbing about…read morein it (or wedged on the mud flat when the tide is right out). Like the whole place, it's a bit ragged round the edges, a bit unkempt, like the disused old dockside warehouse buildings waiting, probably vainly, for a trendy arty community to go and revitalise them. But, in a funny sort of way, this is part of the charm of the place, it's seaside, but not upmarket, trendy or snooty, but down to earth (wind and sea), a place for everyone.

Porthcawl Harbour and the surrounding area are a tourist attraction in the middle of Porthcawl,…read moresituated between the the esplanade and eastern promenade. Alongside the harbour itself - which is reasonably small, holding around 50 boats is a purpose built lifeboat station, which is often open to the public to explore. 'Cosy Corner' is a green, park area, which has previously been home toa theatre, cinema, roller skating rink and ballroom. It is now quite scruffy and run-down, but is pleasant enough on a summers day. The Jennings Building, a grade II listed building which is Wales' oldest maritime warehouse, is currently home to the PADS Skate Boarding Centre, which can be visited for a few quid. There is a giant chess board area near the lifeboat station - but no pieces, so immagination is required! At the end of Porthcawl Pier there is a lighthouse, which is approximately 140 years old. The Pier and the area surrounding the harbour are popular spots for sea fishing. There is a small bait and tackle shop near the lifeboat station. A small Sidoli's cafe and ice cream shop stands near the harbour. There are one or two outside tables, but this mainly caters for take-away ice creams. You can sail on the historic ships the Waverley, the world's last sea-going paddle steamer, and the Balmoral from this area during the summer months.[3] The whole of the harbour quarter has been identified as an important area as part of the Porthcawl Regeneration Strategy. The Porthcawl Sea Festival, Summer Markets and Surf Cult Festival often focus on this area - and they are best enjoyed on busy, sunny summer days.

Pyle library is your small, local library, that is good until you need something urgently. Then, by…read moresods law, it's gaurenteed not to have it, or if they do, it'll have already been taken out by another user. The staff are most helpful and very friendly, and they'll make sure that your ok in finding what you need.

I first saw the sand dunes from the other side of the river at Ogmore…read more Merthyr Mawr Sand Dunes are situated about one mile outside the village of Merthyr Mawr. Once the largest sand dune system in Europe they are a huge network, spreading across towards the Ogmore/Porthcawl coast. The dunes also claim fame to the highest single sand dune in Europe, known as the 'big dipper'. The dunes are very popular with kids for rolling and sliding down, (me included)runners for training (once saw Lynn Davies, Olympic long-jump gold medallist, running up them) and local wildlife enthusiasts. Scenes from the famous film Lawrence of Arabia were filmed at the dunes. Good desert little heat :) There is a footpath to the village of Merthyr Mawr and then one to Ogmore and its castle. WONDERFUL (dangerous?) stepping stones across the river). Also nearby is Candlestone (Candleston) Castle. (Really a fortified manor house.) A truly great area to spend a day or two exploring and picnicing. Race you up the big dipper!

A beautiful place for a walk in the summer and winter. Ogmore river running nearby so if it gets…read moretoo hot can always go for a dip in the river or the sea. The dunes are also idea for sports training and are often used by athletes for sprint training.