Welsh seaside town with Blue Flag beaches named best UK holiday destination for 2026
As many of us seek something to look forward to amidst the seemingly never-ending miserable weather, a Welsh seaside town has emerged as a very strong contender for a summer getaway.Parkdean Resorts has named the coastal resort of Porthcawl in Bridgend, Wales as the finest holiday destination for 2026.Renowned for its outstanding water quality, array of activities – including the world's largest Elvis festival – and variety of cafés, restaurants and independent shops, this nostalgic and welcoming town provides the quintessential seaside experience.Porthcawl boasts seven distinctive beaches ranging from popular sandy locations to rocky coves. Rest Bay and Trecco Bay are Blue Flag beaches and favoured by surfers and water sport enthusiasts.Pink Bay features unique marbled pink rocks and for a more secluded, sandy alternative, Sker beach is the one for you.Boasting three miles of soft golden sand, this rural slice of coast has somehow managed to escape the tourist limelight - despite being a stone's throw from the insufferably crowded Morfa Beach. It's an idyllic spot, one that will make you feel like you've discovered your own tropical island and is great for those wanting to spend the day soaking up the sun or braving the cool, cobalt waters.But, with no direct car park, getting to Sker Beach is no easy feat. In fact, you can only access the shore on foot, by walking from Rest Bay or the Kenfig National Nature Reserve. It's a 20-minute walk from Rest Bay and a 40-minute walk to the nearest toilet - so make sure you come prepared."At low tide, a plaque in memory of all the lives lost on the S.S. Santampa and the Mumbles lifeboat is visible," explained Bridgend County Borough Council. "At very low tides, wreckage can still be found."The town caters for everyone with adventure opportunities at its new Watersports Centre and its celebrated Royal Porthcawl Golf Club, traditional seaside pursuits including funfair rides and ice cream on its seafront Esplanade or peaceful sunsets at its seafront cafés.On the harbour sits the RNLI station and Wales' oldest listed bonded warehouse, the Jennings Building, which is now a thriving waterside location with cafes and restaurants. For those with a bit more energy and rhythm in their step, Porthcawl also plays host to the annual Porthcawl Elvis Festival, which is widely regarded as the world's biggest Elvis festival, drawing tens of thousands of fans of The King and hundreds of tribute acts to the town for a weekend of competitions, shows and celebrations.One reviewer of the festival said: "Elvis Festival Porthcawl was exactly what it said on the tin – a glorious, chaotic, slightly aft, love-in for the King of Rock 'n' Roll. The town went full Elvis, the fans bought the fire and the tributes acts delivered from start to finish."Best holiday cottage deals in WalesFrom £35 per nightSykes CottagesSee the dealsWales is renowned for its stunning mountains, picturesque coastline and rich Celtic history. Sykes cottages have a wide and varied collection of cottages, houses and apartments to rent across the country. Prices start from £35 per night.Andy Edge, Chief Marketing Officer at Parkdean Resorts, which operates a holiday park in Porthcawl, noted that nostalgia is proving to be a significant factor in families' holiday choices this year.He said: "Nostalgia has been a key theme for 2026 already and our data suggests travel is reflecting this too. This year we're seeing a real resurgence in some of Britain's most loved coastal and countryside locations with travellers gravitating towards places like Porthcawl, Cayton Bay and Poole. These towns offer the perfect balance of traditional seaside charm, beautiful surroundings and easy accessibility – all key factors for people planning a staycation this year."He continued: "For families, the best holidays are all about balance, somewhere with plenty of entertainment to keep everyone busy but relaxing enough for all to recharge. Popular seaside destinations such as Newquay, Torquay, and Porthcawl continue to be firm favourites thanks to their beaches, attractions and family-friendly activities. These locations are ideal for making memories together, whether that's beach days, coastal walks or classic arcade fun."If you fancy a trip to Porthcawl, Sykes Holiday Cottages has plenty of places to stay in the area. Among the options is the charming Kenfig Farm cottage and the spectacular, modern Links.Coney Beach Pleasure Park graced the town for more than 100 years, after the historic seaside amusement park was established in around 1918. Following a sale to the Welsh Government in 2023, the park closed permanently in October 2025 to make way for a new housing development, with demolition beginning in early 2026.The fair's final season was not without incident - in August, a cart on the Wacky Worm ride derailed with 13 children and one adult receiving minor injuries.
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