Family Glamping Near Porthcawl, Bridgend

Part of a long, wide 20-mile band of stunning sandy beach and dunes, Porthcawl is a seaside resort coming with the usual trappings of funfair, promenade, sprawling static caravan parks and plentiful possibilities for sea swimming and watersports. Its sandy expanses really are superb with the UK’s highest dunes. But even still, this is Wales, where hill country is never far: forest-clad uplands like Mynydd Margam and Afan Forest Park with more superb walking and mountain biking are nearby. Campsites on Porthcawl’s coast tend to be large, while additional options can be found in the Vale of Glamorgan next door and out by those uplands.

100% (342)

Top-rated campgrounds

Ye Olde Swan pub is on the opposite river bank, accessible via a bridge (the oldest bridge to cross the Thames).

Part of a long, wide 20-mile band of stunning sandy beach and dunes, Porthcawl is a seaside resort coming with the usual trappings of funfair, promenade, sprawling static caravan parks and plentiful possibilities for sea swimming and watersports. Its sandy expanses really are superb with the UK’s highest dunes. But even still, this is Wales, where hill country is never far: forest-clad uplands like Mynydd Margam and Afan Forest Park with more superb walking and mountain biking are nearby. Campsites on Porthcawl’s coast tend to be large, while additional options can be found in the Vale of Glamorgan next door and out by those uplands.

100% (342)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Radcot Leisure on Thames

89%

(305)

147km from Porthcawl · 50 units · Tents, Glamping · Oxfordshire, South East England

A Thames’ island campsite in the Oxfordshire countryside – with a lovely pub just over the bridge

2. Celtic Woodland Holidays

99%

(136)

75km from Porthcawl · 13 units · Tents, Glamping · Powys, Mid Wales

An idyllic, wooded, Wye Valley escape, offering glamping pods, a treehouse and traditional woodland camping on levelled pitches

3. Charisworth Farm

97%

(99)

129km from Porthcawl · 37 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Dorset, South West England

A spacious campsite in a traditional parkland setting, with campfires allowed and farm animals to meet

4. Stowford Manor Farm Campsite

87%

(39)

100km from Porthcawl · 51 units · Glamping · Trowbridge, England

We are a family run farm situated in the beautiful Frome valley. The farm has a range of interests from the traditional Jersey milking cows to a community of workshops used by local craftsmen. The cafe serves cream teas from Easter to the end of September and pizzas are sold in evenings during the summer months. Ours is a small family run camp site with the River Frome on one side, next to the medieval buildings of Stowford Farm. The river is suitable for fishing, boating, swimming and paddling. Historic Bradford-on-Avon is only a 5 minute drive and the City of Bath 15 minutes. For those who enjoy more rural pleasures, 200 metres from the campsite Farleigh Hungerford boasts the only river swimming club in the country, and you can become an instant member for a very small fee.

5. Glan Y Mor Camping

98%

(83)

87km from Porthcawl · 15 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · St Petrox, Pembrokeshire, South Wales

A super-friendly, family-run campsite on the edge of Pembroke

6. Westland Farm

100%

(140)

40km from Porthcawl · 21 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Barnstaple, Devon, South West England

Camping and glamping on a working farm, with yurts, huts with hot tubs, and simple, spacious, sociable camping pitches

7. Abbey Home Farm

94%

(218)

125km from Porthcawl · 21 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Cirencester, Gloucestershire, South West England

Eco-camping for real. Cooking on an open fire. Unspoilt natural beauty.

8. Cornish Tipi Holidays & Camping

97%

(147)

125km from Porthcawl · 168 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Cornwall, South West England

Wake up to the sound of birdsong, go swimming before breakfast in the clear water of a secluded lake. Cook your bacon and eggs over an open fire while you plan your day, or just laze it away in the peace and quiet of your own personal tipi. You can always go fishing tomorrow, and walk along the cliffs the day after that… The site is a unique woodland valley folded around a clear, spring-fed lake created from the old Tregildrans Quarry. Our tipis and tent pitches are dotted about this secret 20 acres full of ferns, bluebells, oak and meadowsweet. Left in peace for many years there's been no modern chemicals or poisons on the land, meaning we've got bluebells, dormice, Red Admirals and shy woodland Jays for you to spot. It’s a place set apart from the rush and clutter of the modern holiday experience, with an atmosphere that makes you forget the world outside, and just lounge, ramble, or potter about in a boat. We're committed to giving you a genuinely individual service from first contact to your time staying with us. We established CTH in 1996. This was the first and we believe still is the best tipi holiday site in the UK. We know our area inside out and can always help with local knowledge or contacts if you need them. We want to offer our guests a sustainable holiday. A return to real camping means the lowest possible impact on the land and environment - our tipi poles don’t even break the surface of the earth. Your footprint while here could only be bettered by a survival expert. You don't have to fly! a major bonus, and we source all our wood, fish and canvas locally and work with local people wherever possible.

9. Glamp or Camp at Magical Mena Farm

100%

(63)

139km from Porthcawl · 16 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Bodmin, Cornwall, South West England

Easily accessed camping on a 15-acre farm, with family facilities and a vast amount of wild space to explore

10. Coppet Hill

100%

(88)

101km from Porthcawl · 18 units · Tents, Glamping · Bridport, England

Wildlife-friendly camping and glamping with private loos at each pitch, 15 minutes' drive from the coast

11. Brig's Farm

97%

(157)

97km from Porthcawl · 21 units · Tents, Glamping · Bridport, Dorset, South West England

Family camping with campfires near Charmouth, with sea views and a couple of quirky glamping lorries

12. Cwmffrwd Farm Campsite

99%

(355)

61km from Porthcawl · 30 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Crickhowell, Wales

Simple, eco-friendly camping with epic views at the foot of a famed Welsh mountain range

13. Top Of The Woods Camping & Glamping

99%

(52)

85km from Porthcawl · 25 units · Tents, Glamping · Pembrokeshire, South Wales

Care-free Welsh camping with acres of space, excellent walks and a beautiful woodland on the doorstep

14. Camp Couture

100%

(17)

55km from Porthcawl · 4 units · Tents, Glamping · Barnstaple, Devon, South West England

We Have 10 acres, 5 of which is woodland. Each let has its own private area with seating table and fire pit some of our let’s have either a hammock or swinging chair Tent pitches are in the woodland which also have their own private area with table chairs hammock fire pit and a camp kitchen to share. We have friendly residents of Alpaca, sheep, a goat and peacocks and chickens that you are welcome to feed with the supplied food. We have a local pub you can walk to across farmers fields about a 20 minute ramble. South Molton, a 3 minute drive away, has a small artisan market voted the best in the UK

15. Homemade Holidays

100%

(18)

95km from Porthcawl · 2 units · Glamping · Devon, South West England

A hidden paradise of organic vege, swimming pond, wild areas and views, next to a large ancient woodland, footpaths and the Jurassic coastline near Lyme Regis. Two unique and comfortable off grid yurts (each sleep 5), with extra sleeping spaces available on request. Dog friendly. Kid heaven! No smoking please in the yurts. Beware fire risk in other spaces. Buzzard Yurt on the hillside at the top of the paddock, with its large terrace and stunning views across the Axe valley. Kingfisher Yurt, nestled down by the wild swimming and kayaking pond, amongst the oak trees. Each has exclusive use of their own homemade, separate, fully equipped kitchen, a cosy chill-out area with books and games, and private indoor shower. Each yurt pitch has its own compost loo and campfire area. Extra wood at low cost, freezer space and additional tent space all available. Buzzard also has a rustic indoor loo (close to daytime spaces.) Shared games/pool/music room with a piano and guitars. Homegrown vege and eggs often available from the organic smallholding. Welcome to join in with growing, harvesting, juicing, preserving, cooking, egg collection etc. Detox and unwind from the digital world - though you'll find wi-fi /ethernet cable in daytime spaces😉 Wild swimming in our natural swimming pond, which has a selection of kayaks and boards. Great for building open water confidence and paddle practice. Woodfired hot tub £50 one day, £75 for two. Msg me to book. Fresh spring water (no chemicals). Relax and enjoy the views. Dog friendly, but please let me know. Please pay for any damage to bedding or fittings, thanks 🐾 Next to Holyford Woods Nature Reserve, famous locally for its magical bluebell display. Please msg for details of great local walks, eating out etc. Seaton Wetlands, Tramway and new Jurassic Centre...Fossil hunting..Lyme Regis museum and aquarium...Beer Quarry Caves, Pecorama model train gardens...crazy golf...Sidmouth Folk Festival...Beavers on the River Otter...wolves, bears, lynx and more at Escot Park. By booking either yurt you take full responsibility for your group's safety.

16. Glangwdi Glamping

100%

(9)

53km from Porthcawl · 6 units · Glamping · Brecon, Powys, Mid Wales

Glangwdi Glamping offers furnished bell tents in sight of Pen y Fan, the Brecon Beacon’s highest peak. For some, that alone will be reason enough to book but for others there are further temptations. The site is 2.5 acres. Take, for example, Glangwdi’s pygmy goats. There’s a daily opportunity to meet these little farmyard friends and there are ducks and chickens too. And, as if that’s not enough, this flat field in the foothills is just five miles from bustling Brecon and a short walk from woods, waterfalls and wild swimming. The bell tents themselves are yet another attraction. There are six; each pitched around the edge of a neat field on a family farm. Woven hazel fencing ensures a little privacy for each camping couple or family – this place is equally suited to both. Children will love the cute pygmy goats and adults… well let’s face it, they will love the pygmy goats too. But they’ll also love the fact that you can hike straight from site to the top of 886-metre Pen y Fan and its twin peak Corn Du. And who wouldn’t enjoy a campfire under the stars, in the shadow of the Beacons? The five and six metre bell tents are each kitted out with beds, bedding and log-burning stoves. Outside, each has the off-ground fire pit and outdoor seating regular glampers will have come to expect but there’s an added extra too: a private camp kitchen, that’s also canvas covered. It provides a sheltered place to cook and dine when the weather’s wet and welcome shade when this open field is bathed in summer sun. On such days, this is just the kind of scenic spot that could tempt you to stay on site all day but if you’re feeling adventurous the mountains will soon lure you away. Hiking, biking and wild swimming (try Llyn Cwm Llwch on way up top) are all on offer here. Closer by, Held Wood is a local favourite for walks with a series of small waterfalls within it. The Taff Trail offers well-signposted routes – towards the peaks in one direction or along country lanes to the market town of Brecon in the other.

17. Caalm Camp

100%

(27)

114km from Porthcawl · 6 units · Glamping · Stour Row, England

Caalm by name, calm by nature. This blissfully chilled-out Dorset hideaway promises a relaxing stay for all

18. Broadmeadow Glamping

100%

(35)

88km from Porthcawl · 3 units · Glamping · Hereford, Herefordshire, West Midlands

A quaint wooden cabin, tucked away on a Herefordshire farm. Perfect for a romantic glamping retreat or year-round family getaways.

Camper favorites near Porthcawl

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Top Of The Woods Camping & Glamping

99%

(52)

85km from Porthcawl · 25 units · Tents, Glamping · Pembrokeshire, South Wales

Care-free Welsh camping with acres of space, excellent walks and a beautiful woodland on the doorstep

Camp Couture

100%

(17)

55km from Porthcawl · 4 units · Tents, Glamping · Barnstaple, Devon, South West England

We Have 10 acres, 5 of which is woodland. Each let has its own private area with seating table and fire pit some of our let’s have either a hammock or swinging chair Tent pitches are in the woodland which also have their own private area with table chairs hammock fire pit and a camp kitchen to share. We have friendly residents of Alpaca, sheep, a goat and peacocks and chickens that you are welcome to feed with the supplied food. We have a local pub you can walk to across farmers fields about a 20 minute ramble. South Molton, a 3 minute drive away, has a small artisan market voted the best in the UK

Homemade Holidays

100%

(18)

95km from Porthcawl · 2 units · Glamping · Devon, South West England

A hidden paradise of organic vege, swimming pond, wild areas and views, next to a large ancient woodland, footpaths and the Jurassic coastline near Lyme Regis. Two unique and comfortable off grid yurts (each sleep 5), with extra sleeping spaces available on request. Dog friendly. Kid heaven! No smoking please in the yurts. Beware fire risk in other spaces. Buzzard Yurt on the hillside at the top of the paddock, with its large terrace and stunning views across the Axe valley. Kingfisher Yurt, nestled down by the wild swimming and kayaking pond, amongst the oak trees. Each has exclusive use of their own homemade, separate, fully equipped kitchen, a cosy chill-out area with books and games, and private indoor shower. Each yurt pitch has its own compost loo and campfire area. Extra wood at low cost, freezer space and additional tent space all available. Buzzard also has a rustic indoor loo (close to daytime spaces.) Shared games/pool/music room with a piano and guitars. Homegrown vege and eggs often available from the organic smallholding. Welcome to join in with growing, harvesting, juicing, preserving, cooking, egg collection etc. Detox and unwind from the digital world - though you'll find wi-fi /ethernet cable in daytime spaces😉 Wild swimming in our natural swimming pond, which has a selection of kayaks and boards. Great for building open water confidence and paddle practice. Woodfired hot tub £50 one day, £75 for two. Msg me to book. Fresh spring water (no chemicals). Relax and enjoy the views. Dog friendly, but please let me know. Please pay for any damage to bedding or fittings, thanks 🐾 Next to Holyford Woods Nature Reserve, famous locally for its magical bluebell display. Please msg for details of great local walks, eating out etc. Seaton Wetlands, Tramway and new Jurassic Centre...Fossil hunting..Lyme Regis museum and aquarium...Beer Quarry Caves, Pecorama model train gardens...crazy golf...Sidmouth Folk Festival...Beavers on the River Otter...wolves, bears, lynx and more at Escot Park. By booking either yurt you take full responsibility for your group's safety.

Glangwdi Glamping

100%

(9)

53km from Porthcawl · 6 units · Glamping · Brecon, Powys, Mid Wales

Glangwdi Glamping offers furnished bell tents in sight of Pen y Fan, the Brecon Beacon’s highest peak. For some, that alone will be reason enough to book but for others there are further temptations. The site is 2.5 acres. Take, for example, Glangwdi’s pygmy goats. There’s a daily opportunity to meet these little farmyard friends and there are ducks and chickens too. And, as if that’s not enough, this flat field in the foothills is just five miles from bustling Brecon and a short walk from woods, waterfalls and wild swimming. The bell tents themselves are yet another attraction. There are six; each pitched around the edge of a neat field on a family farm. Woven hazel fencing ensures a little privacy for each camping couple or family – this place is equally suited to both. Children will love the cute pygmy goats and adults… well let’s face it, they will love the pygmy goats too. But they’ll also love the fact that you can hike straight from site to the top of 886-metre Pen y Fan and its twin peak Corn Du. And who wouldn’t enjoy a campfire under the stars, in the shadow of the Beacons? The five and six metre bell tents are each kitted out with beds, bedding and log-burning stoves. Outside, each has the off-ground fire pit and outdoor seating regular glampers will have come to expect but there’s an added extra too: a private camp kitchen, that’s also canvas covered. It provides a sheltered place to cook and dine when the weather’s wet and welcome shade when this open field is bathed in summer sun. On such days, this is just the kind of scenic spot that could tempt you to stay on site all day but if you’re feeling adventurous the mountains will soon lure you away. Hiking, biking and wild swimming (try Llyn Cwm Llwch on way up top) are all on offer here. Closer by, Held Wood is a local favourite for walks with a series of small waterfalls within it. The Taff Trail offers well-signposted routes – towards the peaks in one direction or along country lanes to the market town of Brecon in the other.

Caalm Camp

100%

(27)

114km from Porthcawl · 6 units · Glamping · Stour Row, England

Caalm by name, calm by nature. This blissfully chilled-out Dorset hideaway promises a relaxing stay for all

Broadmeadow Glamping

100%

(35)

88km from Porthcawl · 3 units · Glamping · Hereford, Herefordshire, West Midlands

A quaint wooden cabin, tucked away on a Herefordshire farm. Perfect for a romantic glamping retreat or year-round family getaways.

Stories from the community

Y

Yasmin

November 2025

Weekend Trip to Celtic Woodland Holidays

This was our second time staying here, and it was even more special than the first time. Every second is something to cherish. Hosts are lovely, warm and very welcoming. Facilities are outstanding, with communal kitchen and games rooms with had a pool table, air hockey and the means to play table tennis. The pod was warm, comfortable and homely. We cannot wait to stay again. Perfect getaway.

C

Callum

November 2025

Weekend Trip to Celtic Woodland Holidays

Ty Coden was beautiful. It was a sweet get away and cosey for a weekend. I would recomend a stay here.

N

Niome

October 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Westland Farm

brilliant place to stay, very relaxed there but if you need anything they was there. me and my partner stayed here with our 2 daughters and our dog and it was 100% one of the best places we have been to, great veiws, great facilities. all in all will 100% be staying again and maybe try the other cabins.

M

Molly

September 2025

4 nights at Glan Y Mor Camping

We loved our stay in The Bunker at Glan y Mor! The bunker itself was spacious enough for the two of us, warm, and the bed was very cosy. It was stocked with everything we needed for cooking, and the wood stove inside was a nice touch. Its location on the campsite also made it feel more private, which was great. The firepit outside the bunker and handy access to firewood really added to our stay. The campsite is nicely landscaped and set out, and maintains a natural woodland area. The amenities are well laid out, well maintained and high quality. The radio playing ClassicFM in the toilet block was a nice touch. There is a communal fridge and firepit, as well as other basics such as a kettle. The campsite was quiet - we had no issues with noise even though the site was busy throughout our stay. Cath and Adam were friendly and responsive, welcoming us to the campsite and recommending us nearby places to visit. The campsite is within easy walking distance within the centre of Pembroke Dock, and is also centrally located to a range of points of interest in the region, making it a great base during your stay.

S

Sarah

August 2025

With kids

3 nights at Top Of The Woods Camping & Glamping

Lovely, well appointed camp! Great facilities and hidden gems to discover once you are there! Pizzas are delicious and a truly magical spot looking towards the Priselli hills. Spa was delightful, pigs are friendly and the hay bale barn was a big hit with the kids! Highly recommend.

H

Hubert

August 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Charisworth Farm

I had the most amazing camping experience here after not camping for 10 years, and it couldn’t have been better! 🏕️ The view is absolutely stunning, and the bell tent was a great size – clean, comfortable, and really cosy. The toilets and showers are quite basic, but honestly perfect for this kind of stay. The host was super helpful with excellent communication throughout, which made everything easy and stress-free. I especially loved the firepit, and wood was available, which made the evenings extra special. 🔥✨ Overall, this place exceeded my expectations and gave me the perfect return to camping. Highly recommended!

D

Dave

August 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Abbey Home Farm

Lovely shepherd huts in a beautiful location. Plenty to explore or relax and take in nature. They were great hosts with a great farm shop

S

Selma

August 2025

With kids

5 nights at Homemade Holidays

This is a place to feel connected to the land and to completely let go of all the pressures of modern living. Jan is passionate about bio diversity and I loved walking up to the yurt, brushing past lavender and sage and wild flowers full of bees and butterflies, picking an apple on the way - and having it for breakfast whilst looking over a most glorious sunrise view from Buzzard Yurt. Then a walk in the woods and chilling in the hammock reading and soaking up the birdsong and the sound of the buzzard up above. At night - lying on the deck looking up at a starry sky and sitting round the fire toasting marshmallows. A truly relaxing and healing few days. Thank you Jan.

H

Hannah

August 2025

Group trip

3 nights at Homemade Holidays

Wow, wow, wow. So we had a fantastic time at Kingfisher Yurt, relaxing under the Oak and Ash trees. Swimming pond was perfect. Yurt was really comfortable and the kitchen was fab for dining and playing games, We hired the hot tub, which was also lovely. Jan was a perfect host. We shall be back.

S

Steven

August 2025

With pets

2 nights at Celtic Woodland Holidays

Really nice and peaceful place that is clean and well maintained. Would definitely return! The hosts are lovely and incredibly accommodating. What a brilliant location! My only gripe is with another guest, but there’s nothing the hosts could do to stop this. Essentially another guest that was blatantly a male (nice enough as a person) was using the women’s toilets. Numerous times my partner went in with my 8 year old daughter to be met by him in the loos. I know it’s the way of this mad world at the moment, as people can identify as an orphaned penguin. But if my daughter had gone in alone, this could have been a potentially dangerous situation with someone that is obviously mentally ill. I have no idea how this can be managed and prevented though without unnecessary cost. Anyway, this doesn’t affect our opinion of the venue at all. Brilliant break and a much needed period of no devices allowed for myself on my family. Thanks again.

K

Kirsty

August 2025

With kids

3 nights at Celtic Woodland Holidays

Magical treetop adventure. 100% recomend. The kids loved it!

Our Nature Domes are set in their own wildflower meadows with stunning views of the Pembrokeshire National Park

A

Ann

August 2025

With kids

3 nights at Top Of The Woods Camping & Glamping

Absolutely loved staying at Top of the woods, wished we could have stayed longer. The perfect mix of off grid and creature comforts. Gorgeous setting.

M

Michele

August 2025

With kids

3 nights at Abbey Home Farm

We had the best time in the Shepherd's Huts - it's such a magical place to stay, with beautiful views over the fields and even it's own little woodland walk. We spent two nights just us and our son, then my cousins pitched a tent on the third night. It was so peaceful to be surrounded by nature and have the place to ourselves. The huts were beautiful and cosy and the beds were comfy too. There was everything we needed to have a camping experience that felt both wild yet easy and with all that we needed. Thanks Abbey Home Farm!

J

Jade

August 2025

With kids

3 nights at Charisworth Farm

Great little campsite! Richard welcomed us and asked if we needed anything. We asked for a firepit and logs which he brought over straight away. Showed us where everything was and we saw him round the site regularly. We saw many animals from sheep to cows, to geese. It was a quiet site when we first arrived midweek.

R

Rachel

August 2025

1 night at Stowford Manor Farm Campsite

This is a lovely place to stay. The railway carriage was very comfortable and very well laid out, packing a lot of functionality into a cozy space. The grounds are beautiful and quiet. It’s just a short drive to several must see places like Bath and Avebury henge.

P

Penny

August 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Radcot Leisure on Thames

We had a wonderful time, excellent location by the river, pub and town. It was very quiet and we had enough space for our three families to run around and enjoy all the nature available! We hired the canoe and paddle boards which were fab. The beds were very comfortable and warm, toilets and showers were decent enough but did get messy quickly with all the usage. The wash up station was very basic and some of the outside benches were a bit tatty so because of that, probably an 8/10 BUT great for families.

S

Sharon

August 2025

With kids

2 nights at Glan Y Mor Camping

Great stay! Bunker was so cute and had all we needed for the time we were there. A great place to be able to travel to a few beautiful beaches, and a lovely walk to pembroke town. Would definitely return. Many thanks!

R

Rebecca

August 2025

Group trip

2 nights at Cwmffrwd Farm Campsite

This campsite is perfection. We booked a bell tent to celebrate my birthday. It was a great choice. Everything was just lovely from the warm welcome, the help with transporting all our clobber up the hill, stunning views of the mountains and the site is a wildlife haven. We saw baby swallows and a hedgehog and loved the morning birdsong. Come here for absolute peace and tranquility. We can't wait to return.

A

Andrew

August 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Westland Farm

We booked a weekend stay with our daughter and it was lovely, very peaceful and calm. She loved feeding the pigs! The hot tub stays hot for a long time once you’ve got it going so worth firing it up nice abs early. The site owners were always around and really helpful too.

M

Margareth

August 2025

3 nights at Camp Couture

Really nice place. Quite place with nice and sweet animals. Very comfortabel tent and communial Kitchen. Near barnstaple ( 20 min)

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Family glamping near Porthcawl guide

Where to go

Merthyr-Mawr Warren NNR

East of Porthcawl, the coastline bends into this extensive, protected tract of vegetated dunes, which includes Wales’ highest and Europe’s second-highest sand dune and valuable habitats for wildlife. It’s a substantial section of a dune system stretching from the Vale of Glamorgan, a few miles southeast of Porthcawl, to Swansea, 18 miles northwest. The nearest pitching to this sandy wonderland can be found in Porthcawl itself.

Mynydd Margam

Mynydd Margam is a gem of a destination seven miles north of Porthcawl. Its most notable feature is Margam Country Park, a serene enclave of landscaped grounds, woods, and deer park containing a 12th-century Cistercian ruined abbey and a country house. Above the country park the land rises into forested hills, accessed by trails like the Ogwr Ridgeway Walk. You can camp alongside the country park at campsites offering designated pitches.

Vale of Glamorgan

A few miles east of Porthcawl, on the other side of Merthyr-Mawr NNR, the lovely Vale of Glamorgan occupies the coastline along to Cardiff with well-to-do villages and towns, excellent restaurants, gentle inland countryside scattered with prehistoric sites and dramatic coast replete with swooping cliffs and serendipitous sandy bays. Pitch near Dunraven Bay or historic Llantwit Major for camping close to the area’s stunning heritage coast.

When to go

The Bristol Channel onto which Porthcawl faces can take a battering from the weather at any time of year, but generally, this coast has more sun and higher summer temperatures than the majority of Wales. July is the warmest month, while late August sees seawater temperatures reach their warmest (15°C and higher). The Between the Trees Festival, held in August in the woods behind Merthyr-Mawr Warren NNR, is the liveliest of the area’s annual events.