When the Blue Flag awards were announced for 2026, I was flooded with memories of a place I took my kids to when they were little. Trecco Bay in Porthcawl, Wales, is Birmingham's nearest Blue Flag Beach, and it is great for families because everything about visiting there is just so easy.
Why Trecco Bay Is Perfect for Families
The sand is soft rather than shaley – great for little feet – and there is a gentle slope into the sea, making it a good place to paddle. We stayed at the Parkdean Resort, which is just off the motorway and right on the beach, meaning that once you park up there is no need to use your car again to have a good time.
Activities and Amenities
Our two boys donned wet suits and had a go at body boarding. They loved it, especially as they did not go out of their depth and the waves were fairly gentle. There were other people out windsurfing at the same time. We had an amazing view of the sea from our mobile home, as many of the caravans do here. There are coastal walks to enjoy, sandcastles to build, and sunsets to savour within steps from your mobile home.
Blue Flag awards are given to beaches where work is constantly done to maintain the marine environment through education, water quality, and beach safety. A total of 126 beaches have been given a Blue Flag and/or Seaside Award in 2026.
We loved the fact we had everything we needed for a great holiday right on our doorstep at Trecco Bay. We took our bikes and had a great time riding up and down the coastal paths and into the nearby towns and villages. Porthcawl in Mid Glamorgan is a lovely seaside resort set along a traditional promenade just a couple of miles down the road.
Nearby Attractions
The resort is close to Cardiff and Swansea if you fancy a bit of sightseeing or shopping. You can visit Cardiff Castle, the National Museum in Cardiff, and the Aberdulais Falls near Swansea, all of which are around half an hour's drive away.
The Parkdean resort has a large pool with a slide and a play area, and there are lots of family activities, such as archery, kayaking, zorbing, and football plus evening entertainment too. It does make the main street through the resort very busy, bright, and bustling, which is great for some families but others might find it a little too much. Being such a big resort, however, it is possible to request a holiday home that is far away from the attractions.
There is a pub, fish and chip shop, and ice cream parlour. It is clear to see why Trecco Bay has been given a Blue Flag award for so many consecutive years.
Alternative Accommodation
There are also holiday homes you can rent in the area, such as 76A Mackworth Road, which is within walking distance of Porthcawl town centre and has sea views from its front courtyard. And there is also Bryn Eglwys Cottage in nearby Maudlam – a traditional Welsh stone cottage with a private garden, lovely walks, and footpaths right from the front door.
How to Get to Trecco Bay from Birmingham
It takes around two hours and 40 minutes to reach Trecco Bay from Birmingham, via M5 and M4, traffic permitting. It is around 141 miles. You can also catch a train from Birmingham New Street to Bridgend, switching at Bristol Parkway. Trecco Bay is six miles from the station.
Find out more via the Keep Britain Tidy Blue Flag website where you can search for specific beaches and their facilities.
