Top 10 Things To Do, Activities and Attractions in Porthcawl

"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."

"On the harbour inside the Old Lifeboat House, the Ilfracombe Aquarium studies North Devon’s aquatic life. You’ll get a close look at a wide assortment of fish, crabs, starfish, octopuses and sea anemones that live in the Lundy Marine Conservation Zone and Ilfracombe’s harbour and rockpools, as well as the species inhabiting North Devon’s streams and rivers. There are more than 75 species to see, while the experienced fish keeper guides have interesting insights and put on regular feeding demonstrations."

"Just a few miles south of Merthyr Mawr is this stunning promontory overlooking the Bristol Channel. Twin lighthouses stand guard against…"

"For over a decade Cardiff has been the filming location for famed TV series Doctor Who and its spin-off, Torchwood. In 2009 one of the main characters of Torchwood – Ianto Jones – was killed off."

"And speaking of Torchwood, there's even a shrine to one of the loved characters, Ianto Jones. Visit: Just go to the actual site."

"A little way back from Hele Bay in the Hillsborough Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty there’s a working 16th century corn mill, grinding and selling wholemeal flour. You can take a tour of this picturesque whitewashed building to see the National Diesel Engine in action and have a go at grinding your own flour with a quern-stone. Hele Corn Mill also has an award-winning tearoom preparing tempting homemade cakes and scones for cream teas using the mill’s own flour."

"Not too far from Hele Bay Beach sits Hele Corn Mill & Tea Room, a water mill which had been milling flour since the 16th century. They have a wide array of cakes to choose from and the outstanding Devonshire cream tea. It is recommended to check opening dates online before going down."

"My most liked photo on Instagram is in a flower garden, and honestly, I think there is no way you can go wrong with a garden picture anyway. And that is why Dyffryn Gardens are one of the most Instagrammable places to visit in Cardiff. The landscape architect Thomas Mawson designed the gardens, and they were the idea of the industrialist John Cory and his son Reginald Cory at the beginning of the 20th century."

"A peaceful oasis on the outskirts of Cardiff, Dyffryn Gardens covers more than 55 acres. Designed by eminent landscape architect Thomas Mawson in 1906, The Edwardian gardens are home to year-round seasonal highlights the gardens feature the best woody collection in the National Trust. Discover intimate garden rooms including the Pompeiian garden, Paved Court, Reflecting Pool and Mediterranean garden."

"Located within a beautiful old church, the Lyn Valley Art & Craft Centre showcases the wares of over 40 crafters all sourced locally from within Devon and Exmoor. Lyn Valley Art & Craft Centre Website // Find them on Facebook"

"Nantgarw China Works tends to fly under the radar when compared to the bigger names on this list, but what it lakes in fame, it more than makes up for in beauty. So why should you visit?. Well, for a start it's the only surviving 19th century porcelain works in the whole of the UK."

"This authentic Italian sits proudly on Wellfield road - you can't miss the large steamy window that lights up at night by the flickering candles. Walk into this cwtchy restaurant with wooden floors and mismatched furniture and it feels more like you're about to dine in Grandma's kitchen in Palermo than the capital of Wales. It's real and rustic here; sit back, relax and sip on an Aperol spritz whilst Chef Marco cooks up your pasta or pizza right in front of your eyes."

"Established in 2006, Marco’s family-owned Sicilian restaurant is well known for its delicious dishes cooked fresh to order and it’s relaxed family atmosphere. The menu is full of classic Italian dishes from Calamari to Pasta Alla Norma. Sample dish: Homemade ravioli with asparagus and marscapone"

"As its name suggests, the Live Lounge offers a vibrant bar setting with quality live music to enjoy. It is a popular venue enjoyed by young and old for its excellent prices and a wide selection of drinks available. Experience first-hand the up and coming artists from the local area with every genre of music catered for."

"They have live music during the day and night including bands, duos, singers and tribute acts. Then DJs round off the night until 4am. Visit liveloungecardiff.co.uk"