As Brits seek something exciting to look forward to amid the grey and soggy weather that has characterised the start of this year, the finest UK holiday destination has been crowned. 

Parkdean Resorts has named the seaside town of Porthcawl in Bridgend, Wales, as the best holiday destination for 2026.

Celebrated for its outstanding water quality, wealth of activities – including the world’s largest Elvis festival – and abundance of cafés, restaurants and independent shops, this charming and welcoming town delivers the ultimate classic British seaside experience.

Porthcawl boasts an impressive seven distinct beaches, ranging from bustling sandy stretches to secluded rocky coves. Rest Bay and Trecco Bay hold coveted Blue Flag status and are firm favourites amongst surfers and watersports enthusiasts, whilst Pink Bay features striking marbled pink rocks. 

For those seeking a quieter, sandy retreat, Sker Beach is the perfect choice. 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 itself truly has something for everyone, with thrilling experiences on offer at its new Watersports Centre and the prestigious Royal Porthcawl Golf Club, alongside traditional seaside delights such as funfair rides and ice cream along the seafront Esplanade, or peaceful sunset views from its waterfront cafés.

Down at the harbour sits the RNLI station and Wales’ oldest listed bonded warehouse, the Jennings Building, now a vibrant waterside destination packed with cafés and restaurants. For those with a bit more energy and rhythm in their step, Porthcawl also plays host to the annual Porthcawl Elvis Festival — widely regarded as the world’s largest celebration of The King, drawing tens of thousands of devoted fans and hundreds of tribute acts to the town for a weekend packed with competitions, performances and festivities.

One festival-goer wrote: “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 tribute acts delivered from start to finish.”

Andy Edge, Chief Marketing Officer at Parkdean Resorts, which operates a holiday park in Porthcawl, revealed that nostalgia is proving a significant driving force behind families’ holiday choices this year.

He commented: “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. 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.

Not all is completely well in Porthcawl, however.

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.