Craig Ddu

Dark forest. That's what Craig Ddu means in Welsh, and it lives up to the name - dense evergreens block out most of the sky, making it feel properly atmospheric even on a bright day. The woodland sits a short drive inland from Porthcawl, so it's ideal if you're based at Trecco Bay Holiday Park and need a break from the beach.

What you get here are decent walking trails winding through the trees, with the occasional clearing offering views across to the surrounding valleys. It's not dramatic - nobody visits Craig Ddu expecting Snowdonia - but it's a solid spot for a proper walk without the crowds you'd face at more famous woodland destinations. Bring boots if there's been rain; the paths can get boggy.

Families with younger kids will get a kick out of it for an hour or so, though there's not much in terms of facilities or attractions within the forest itself. Walkers and dog owners make better use of the place. The autumn months are particularly worth timing your visit for - the light filtering through the canopy is something else.

It's free to access and you can pretty much turn up whenever. No formal opening times as far as I can tell. If you're spending time around Porthcawl, this works well as a morning or afternoon slot to break up a week of beach holidays - something different, quieter, and genuinely worth the short detour.