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On the face of it Porthcawl seems to be a typical seaside resort.  Just 30 minutes from Cardiff, the town has everything you would expect - sandy beaches (7 in total), one of the biggest holiday parks in Europe, a fairground, seafront Grand Pavilion, fish and chip shops, ice cream parlours and, of course, donkey rides.

But while the traditional bucket and spade holidays are still popular, there are plenty of alternatives for those wanting something a little different.

The coastline here (known locally as the Golden Coast) is fast gaining a reputation for its watersports.  The surfing at the town's Rest Bay is said by experts to be some of the best in the country whilst the nearby Adventures Activity Centre is ideal for those wanting to try their hand at some other outdoor activities such as kayaking and coasteering.

At a slightly more sedate pace and at the western end of the town is Kenfig National Nature Reserve.  Part of a huge sand dune system and an internationally renowned wetland, the reserve is home to many rare birds and plants and visitors are welcome to explore at their leisure.

Just a couple of miles inland from Porthcawl is the Bridgend Designer Outlet.  Browse some famous high street stores to pick up some great bargains.  There are over 90 shops and countless cafes and coffee shops as well as a very helpful Tourist Information Centre.  

Porthcawl is also home to two major festivals, one traditional and one slightly more quirky.

First up, each March is the Porthcawl Interceltic Festival when the town reverberates to the sound of some great Celtic music.  Singers, dancers and musicians from Scotland, Ireland, Cornwall, Brittany, the Isle of Man and of course Wales descend on the town's Grand Pavilion for three days of concerts, performances and sessions. 

The highlight of the festival is the Parade of the Celts - a colourful procession through the town's streets by the festival's participants, many in their National Dress.  The parade heralds the start of the proceedings which then continue all weekend.

The town's other major festival is the Porthcawl Elvis Festival - the largest festival of its kind in the world.  Held each September the town is awash with Elvis impersonators and fans with the town's bars, restaurants and hotels all paying tribute to The King in their own way.  The festival then culminates at the Grand Pavilion with the annual Elvies awards and the crowning of the festival's best Elvis tribute act.

Although both events are centered on the seafront's historic Grand Pavilion, the whole town gets in the party spirit with events happening throughout the resort.