Protected by a lush nature reserve and firmly out of the tourist spotlight, this beautiful three-mile beach needs to be on your bucket list – if you can actually get there
Sugar-like sand, clear waters, and not a soul in sight – it’s hard to believe this secluded beach is in the UK. Tucked away in the west of Porthcawl, Wales, and sheltered by the Kenfig National Nature Reserve lies the golden bay of Sker Beach.
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.
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Due to its rural location, there are no amenities on Sker Beach, so it’s essential you bring food, drink, and sun cream with you. Volunteer lifeguards patrol at certain times, but if there’s no flag, there’s no patrol.
“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.”
On TripAdvisor, the beach has received stellar reviews from travellers – who dubbed the coastal gem a ‘wild and wonderful place’. “It’s so lovely, [it’s] like being on the edge of the world,” one person hailed. “Definitely worth the walk.”
Another agreed, commenting: “[There’s] so much beach it feels deserted. Plenty of shelter in the dune areas, or on top of the pebble areas for reflection, reading a book or soaking up the sun!” while a third added: “This beach is one of the most unappreciated beaches in Wales. It has no tourists, no pretend surfers and no overcrowding.”
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Located some 173 miles from London, driving to Sker Beach will take around three hours and 22 minutes – followed by the 20-minute coastal walk. You can get indirect trains from the Big Smoke over to Pyle – which takes two hours and 37 minutes – for as little as £64.40.
You’ll then have to drive, or take a taxi, for six minutes to reach Kenfig National Nature Reserve and then walk to the beach. However, many travellers have slammed the car park here for issuing out hefty fines – so make sure you pay and don’t go over the time limit.
*Prices based on adult single fares on Trainline at the time of writing. Tickets may be cheaper if you have a Railcard.
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