As the year kicks off with typical British weather, many Brits are eagerly planning a UK holiday to brighten their spirits. A recent study found that more than 40% of people are looking forward to a domestic getaway in the coming months.
Amidst the rising trend of staycations, Parkdean Resorts has designated Porthcawl in Bridgend, Wales as the top holiday spot for 2026. This charming seaside town is renowned for its pristine waters, diverse activities such as the world’s largest Elvis festival, and a plethora of cozy cafes, eateries, and boutique shops, offering visitors a classic seaside experience.
Porthcawl boasts seven unique beaches, ranging from bustling sandy shores to secluded rocky coves. With Blue Flag beaches like Rest Bay and Trecco Bay attracting surfers and water sports enthusiasts, Pink Bay’s marbled pink rocks and Sker Beach’s tranquil sands cater to different preferences.
Offering a variety of activities, Porthcawl features a new Watersports Centre for thrill-seekers, the esteemed Royal Porthcawl Golf Club, traditional seaside amusements on the Esplanade, and serene sunset views at waterfront cafes.
Sykes Cottages presents a wide selection of carefully curated holiday homes across the UK and Ireland, ranging from idyllic rural retreats to stunning coastal getaways, with prices starting as low as £27 per night.
Porthcawl’s harbor is home to the RNLI station and the historic Jennings Building, now a bustling waterfront hub with charming cafes and restaurants.
For enthusiasts of Elvis Presley, Porthcawl hosts the annual Elvis Festival, recognized as the largest of its kind globally, attracting thousands of fans and tribute acts for a weekend of festivities.
Andy Edge, Chief Marketing Officer at Parkdean Resorts, noted the trend of nostalgia influencing holiday choices this year. He emphasized the resurgence of interest in beloved coastal and countryside destinations like Porthcawl, Cayton Bay, and Poole, offering a mix of traditional charm, scenic beauty, and accessibility that appeals to staycationers.
Highlighting the importance of family-friendly destinations, Edge mentioned popular seaside spots such as Newquay, Torquay, and Porthcawl as ideal choices for creating lasting memories through beach outings, attractions, and entertainment suitable for all ages.
At Reach and across our entities we and our partners use information collected through cookies and other identifiers from your device to improve experience on our site, analyse how it is used and to show personalised advertising. You can opt out of the sale or sharing of your data, at any time clicking the “Do Not Sell or Share my Data” button at the bottom of the webpage. Please note that your preferences are browser specific. Use of our website and any of our services represents your acceptance of the use of cookies and consent to the practices described in our <a data-testid="cipa-privacy-notice-link" href="https://
