Must See Sights and Landmarks in Porthcawl Area

"Catch an opera performance at the bayside Millennium Centre, shop through the beautiful Edwardian arcades, taste craft brews at The Potted Pig, cheer on the rugby team at Principality Stadium, or take in works by Renoir, Monet, and Pissarro for free at the National Museum, which is home to the largest collection of Impressionist paintings outside of Paris. Cardiff Castle, meanwhile, is a prime example of the city’s patchwork of influences and cultures. Dating back to 55AD, it was originally a Roman fort that later became a Norman stronghold (the 11th-century Norman keep still stands and has one of the best views of Cardiff at its top). The rest of the castle, built in the 14th and 15th centuries, was completely redesigned in 1866, when a British aristocrat moved in to make it his private home."

"The Millennium Stadium is the national stadium of Wales, located in Cardiff. It is the home of the Wales national rugby union team and also frequently stages games of the Wales national football team, but is also host to many other large scale events, such as the Super Special Stage of Wales Rally Great Britain, Speedway Grand Prix of Great Britain, boxing and many music concerts, including Tina Turner, Madonna, The Rolling Stones, U2, Stereophonics, and the Tsunami Relief concert. It was built to host the 1999 Rugby World Cup."

"At the harbour entrance is one of a couple of Ilfracombe landmarks that everybody has an opinion about. Verity, by the world-famous sculptor and installation artist Damien Hirst, was erected in October 2012 and is typically uncompromising. This 20-metre stainless steel and bronze statue is an allegory of truth and justice, showing a pregnant woman standing on a pile of law books, holding the Sword of Justice aloft in her left hand and carrying the Scales in her left."

"Overlooking the historic harbour of Ilfracombe, Verity is a 20.25-meter tall sculpture (by Damien Hirst) made of stainless steel and bronze which is pretty hard to miss. Now, Verity herself is a sculpture of a pregnant woman standing on a heap of books, holding the Sword of Justice with one arm. The other side of Verity shows the exposed muscles and the fetus in her womb and it’s pretty impressive to see."

"The Verity statue was designed by resident Damien Hirst in 2012; it towers 66ft (20m) over Ilfracombe Harbour. The statue depicts a pregnant woman raising a sword in one hand and carrying the scales of justice in the other. It’s not an image you’re likely to forget in a hurry, and visitors often travel to Ilfracombe just to see this magnificent statue."

"Located just east of Ilfracombe, Watermouth Castle & Family Theme Park is one of Devon’s top family attractions. A character Victorian castle, the attraction features stunning landscaped gardens, play areas, a maze, quirky Gnome Land, a Water Show Extravaganza and more themed lands including Merry-Go-Land and Adventure Land. Guaranteeing a fun family day out, Watermouth Castle has ample free parking, a gift shop, Courtyard and Cafe plus picnic areas."

"The regal Watermouth Castle is a Gothic Revival stately home, built for the Bassett family in 1825. The Bassetts departed in 1945 and the castle has become an acclaimed and wide-ranging family attraction. You can visit the interior for a splendid array of antiques like furniture, old-time amusement machines, workshop tools and suits of armour."

"The Watermouth Family Theme Park was built to resemble a castle. The gardens are well maintained and it’s a great place for families!. The Castle’s Great Hall has a collection of magnificent suits of armour, classic handcarts, and sporting trophies."

"Cardiff - Caerphilly Castle - St Davids - overnight in Pembrokeshire First stop is 13th century Caerphilly Castle, one of the largest castles in the UK, with elaborate water defences. Then on to the spiritual home of Wales, St Davids - the smallest city in Britain by virtue of its famous awe-inspiring Cathedral. St David is the patron saint of Wales and his death is celebrated on 1st March every year."

"You could be forgiven for thinking that Caerphilly Castle – with its profusion of towers and crenellations reflected in a duck-filled lake – was a film set rather than an ancient monument. While it is often used as a film set, it is also one of Britain's finest examples of a 13th-century fortress with water defences, and the largest castle in Wales."

"Atop the grassy Lantern Hill on the north side of the harbour is what is believed to be the UK’s oldest working lighthouse. This seafarer’s chapel dates from 1321 and sometime in the 15th century it was equipped with a beacon to guide boats in the harbour. During Henry VIII’s dissolution of the monasteries the chapel lost its religious role and became home to lighthouse keepers, including a Mr John Davey who raised 14 children in this small space."

"TheChapel of St Nicholas is believed to be the UK’s oldest working lighthouse which dates back to 1321. Built as a place of worship, for the people of Ilfracombe, it’s not an iconic landmark overlooking the harbour that you really can’t miss. Best of all, you can easily include a stroll up to the chapel with a wider walk around the pier, seeing Verity and exploring the historic harbourfront."

"Back in 2018, Sushi Life sprang from what seemed like nowhere to be rated the top restaurant in Cardiff on TripAdvisor. The 1980s-style red-brick building you'll find it in couldn't be further away from the colourful makis, California rolls, ramens, curries and rice dishes you'll find on the plates inside. 'Hell in the Kitchen' rolls come filled with prawn tempura, cucumber and avocado, topped with tuna, Japanese mayonnaise and sriracha sauce, while spicy tuna rolls combine tuna (obviously), avocado, cucumber, sesame seeds, that mayo, chilli powder and chives."

"Take a trip to the American South at this BBQ restaurant with big flavour and big portions. Smoke is the essential ingredient here, and the laid-back atmosphere is perfect for a family meal. Children can get smaller portions of classics like hot dogs, ribs and crispy chicken strips."

"Yes, Shake Shack is just as expensive at home but no, unlike back home you don't have to queue up to 45 minutes for a burger. But for the occasional treat it is worth it. I found the crinkle fries more or less the same."

"The burgers of this US Goliath might appear tame compared to the rock-and-roll efforts by our home-grown Davids, but there’s a reason Shake Shack has ..."

"rock pooling | rock jumping | shell collecting | epic Sri Lankan curries (Summer only). Barricane Beach near Woolacombe has an amazing Sri Lankan curry shack – a must visit whilst holidaying in North Devon. Barricane beach is a tiny cove with one big fat Summer draw – the Sri Lankan beach shack."

"If you're looking for an adrenaline-fuelled day out in Cardiff, this newly reopened centre is perfect. Due to COVID-19 the centre is operating under limited numbers and only accepting online bookings. You are also encouraged to bring your own equipment if possible (don't worry if you can't - there is an online system to hire equipment if needed), and to always remain socially distanced."

"Located just ten minutes from Cardiff city centre, Cardiff Ski and Snowboard Centre is the perfect place to practice your skiing and snowboarding by hitting the dry slopes. Prices for recreational use are reasonable at £12-15 for one day, including equipment hire!. It’s definitely more accessible than a lot of indoor snow-based experiences."

"The tunnels beaches are some of the most unique beaches in Ilfracombe – they are a network of secluded beaches that are connected by Victorian tunnels. These tunnels were carved out in the 1820s to give tourists access to the beach, as before this they had to clamber over the rocks!. The beaches are still open to the public, but you must pay a small fee to enter."

"Steeped in history, Tunnels Beaches makes a fascinating visit for all ages. Hand carved in the 1820's, the four tunnels provide a truly unique experience. Read extensive history information throughout the site – including hilarious guides to Victorian etiquette for boys, girls and for when boating with ladies!"

"A post shared by Nicole (@nicoltomas2250) on Jun 18, 2017 at 1:20am PDT. Hand carved in the 1820’s, Tunnels Beaches is Ilfracombe’s award winning beach. The tunnels are the only way to get to the beautiful area of the coastline."