Winter is a great time to get out an enjoy some bracing walks with your four-legged friend. There are no restrictions this time of year so you can explore all of Bridgend County’s beaches before stopping by one of our brilliant coffee shops for a warming tea or coffee.
Here are some of our paw-fect picks for you and your pooch…
Dog-friendly beaches...
Rest Bay beach
While off limits to dogs during the summer months, the Blue Flag rest Bay beach is a stunning place for a stroll with your dog in winter. Backed by low cliffs and The Royal Porthcawl Golf Course, it receives the full force of the Atlantic swells making it very popular with surfers year-round.
Newton Bay Beach
Walk along the sandy beach of Porthcawl’s easterly bay which ends at Newton Point. Positioned beside the iconic Merthyr Mawr sand dunes, this area is a great destination to unwind and appreciate the coastal air.
Sker Beach
Kenfig Sands (known locally as Sker Beach) is the most westerly of Porthcawl's beaches and is only accessible by walking from Rest Bay or the Kenfig National Nature Reserve. Generally sandy and flat, it is mostly used by locals, making it one of the quieter beaches in Porthcawl and dogs are allowed year round.
Pink Beach
A 15-minute walk from Rest Bay, Porthcawl’s quieter beach is popular with locals and surfers; it has a steep pebble bank down to the golden sand. The rocks at the top of the beach have a unique pink marbling effect - hence the name Pink Bay.
Read more about our beautiful beaches here.
Canine-loving cafes...
Coffi and Co, Porthcawl Harbour
Located in the iconic Jennings Building, sandwiched between the marina and the sea, head to Coffi & Co to indulge in Coffee, their iconic Coffi-Cocktails and fresh food. Soak up the seaside views with man’s best friend outside on terrace deckchairs.
Cafe Bar and Kiosk, Rest Bay
Overlooking beautiful Rest Bay, this is the perfect place to stop and admire Porthcawl's coastal beauty. Dogs are not permitted in the upstairs café but are welcome in the sheltered kiosk area or on the terrace. No booking is required. Tables are on a first come first served basis.
The Hyde Out, Kenfig Nature Reserve
Located at the beautiful Kenfig Nature Reserve, the Hyde Out is open Thursday - Sunday between 10am and 4pm throughout December and January. Not only will you be able to pick up a hot drink and a snack, you can also get 'A Dog's Life Gourmet Deli Treats’ so your furry friend doesn’t miss out.
And finally… Give your pet the paw-fect Christmas
Make your canine companion feel special this Christmas with the chance to meet the big man. This year, the Santa Paws experience is returning to Pyle Garden Village, meaning your furry friends will get the perfect festive picture opportunity, ideal for next year’s Christmas card. Each ticket includes a pawfect Santa smooth, a photo opportunity and a treat from Santa and his elves.
