Rest Bay, Porthcawl
Golden sands and good surf in south Wales
(Words/photos: Mike Slocombe, Sept 2006)

Situated on what is now known as the 'Glamorgan Heritage Coast,' Rest Bay is a delightful west facing sandy beach with a good reputation for surfing.

I used to regularly visit Rest Bay on my school holidays, relishing the opportunity to explore the endless rock pools or dive into the chilly waters, and then walking up the slope to the cafe for ice creams and tea.

For sporty types, there's windsurfing or kitesurfing facilities and a Life Guard station, and if you get bored, you can always jump on the road train back into Porthcawl for a pint in the Jolly Sailor.


Walking towards Rest Bay from Porthcawl.

In the distance can be seen the 1880 Rest Convalescent Home, built with help of advice from Florence Nightingale.

Beyond that (to the left) is the somewhat less picturesque Port Talbot steelworks, which movie director Ridley Scott used as the inspiration for the dark, dystopian buildings in Blade Runner.



Rest Bay views












A warm welcome!