Porthcawl

A young town

Porthcawl has 15.640 inhabitants and is located approximately 40 kms West of Cardiff, the Capital of Wales.  Its harbour, its beaches and its mild climate make it an ideal holiday resort in both winter and summer alike.

Porthcawl's growth really began after 1845. Within 5 years in its expansion, it had swallowed up the two larger villages of Nottage, to the North, and Newton, to the East. Only the well-preserved St John's Church in Newton has survived the Norman Conquest in the 12^th century.

From the mine to the sea

At that time Porthcawl was chosen to be the port through which coal and iron ore was to be exported from the South-Wales valleys. After the construction of a railway and pier, numerous warehouses were built, and the docks and harbour were enlarged and the road links were improved. House building developed on a large scale, a railway station was built and many new schools were built of which only two remain today.

A relaxed way of life

During the early 20^th Century as the coal and iron ore industry declined, so did the commercial activity in Porthcawl. The town then turned towards tourism. A Fun Fair stands near by, which is open in the summer.

The town is mainly made up of terraced and detached houses, with very few blocks of flats, attracting mostly family holidaymakers. As part of a large urban regeneration project, the seafront has been completely transformed giving an unrivalled view across the Bristol Channel into England beyond.