Porthcawl Harbour Quarter

Quaint little bit of old Porthcawl, the harbour still has a couple of fishing boats bobbing about in 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, situated 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 café 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.