Rest Bay

About Rest Bay

Rest Bay is a west-facing sandy surf beach on the edge of Porthcawl, backed by low cliffs and rock pools. Visit Wales points sea glass hunters to the left-hand end of the beach, known locally as 'Cove'. Pink Bay, a quieter pebble-and-rock bay about 15 minutes' walk west along the boardwalk towards Sker Point, is also suggested by a hunting guide.

Sea glass at Rest Bay

Visit Wales recommends the 'Cove' end of Rest Bay for sea glass hunting. A hunting guide (seaglasshunting.com, not independent) lists green, brown and white as common, with occasional blue and aqua, and suggests the pebble bank at Pink Bay after south-westerly weather.

Visiting Rest Bay

Getting there

Pink Bay is about a 15-minute walk west of Rest Bay along a boardwalk towards Sker Point; it has no facilities.

Parking

Pay and display car park next to the Rest Bay Watersports Centre.

Toilets

Toilets and showers at the Rest Bay Watersports Centre.

Safety

Check the tide times before you go and head out on a falling tide, so you're never cut off. Keep away from the bottom of cliffs, wear sturdy shoes on rocks, and only take sea glass and other man-made rubbish: pebbles, sand and shells should stay on the beach.