Porthcawl Museum
Volunteer-run local history museum in Porthcawl’s Old Police Station, with more than 8,000 items including costume, military and archaeology collections.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Porthcawl Museum and Historical Society was set up in October 1972. With support from Ogwr Borough Council its members obtained space in part of the Old Police Station, and the museum opened in November 1977. The police station stands on land granted to the county in 1881 by Mary Caroline Brogden, wife of James Brogden, who helped develop Porthcawl’s docks.
The museum now holds more than 8,000 items given or lent by local people. They cover the history of Porthcawl and the surrounding area through household, commercial, school, political, social and entertainment objects, as well as ceramics, rare local documents and thousands of photographs. There is also archaeology, including the Blundell Collection, and military memorabilia from the last century.
Particular strengths are items from the Samtampa and Stalheim disasters and the Porthcawl Railway, and the only museum collection about the 49th Reconnaissance Regiment, which was formed in Porthcawl in 1942. The second-largest costume collection held by an independent museum in Wales is kept upstairs. The museum has held full accreditation since 2009.
Highlights
- Items from the Samtampa and Stalheim disasters
- Memorabilia of the 49th Reconnaissance Regiment, formed in Porthcawl in 1942
- Archaeological finds, including the Blundell Collection
- Thousands of local photographs and documents
- Themed event days such as Medieval Day and Police Day
- Founded
- 1977
- Operated by
- Porthcawl Museum and Historical Society (registered charity 1176042)
Admission & discounts
| Adults | £3 |
|---|---|
| Children & teens | £1Junior ticket for ages 5 to 16. |
| Groups | £5 per personGuided group tours cost £5 to £7.50 per person depending on requirements; school visits from £2 per pupil (ages 5 to 16). |
| Families | £7 |
| Annual membership, adult | £10 |
| Annual membership, junior | £5Children under 5 free. |
Ticket prices from the museum’s home page.
Accessibility
- Partially wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The museum says there are no stairs or ramps, but narrow aisles and the age of the building may make access difficult for some wheelchair users. Visitors with access needs should tell reception, and visitors with a visual impairment can ask a steward for a guided tour, subject to availability. Notices stand beside each artefact. Well-behaved dogs are welcome. An access statement is published on the website as images.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Family ticket | £7 |
|---|
- Family tours & workshops
The museum runs a Kids Summer Time programme, themed event days such as Dino Day and Halloween events, and hosts a Young Archaeologist Club. Pushchairs can be left at reception at the owner’s risk, space permitting.
Getting there & parking
By car
Parking available · 5-min walk to the entrance
Two public car parks within five minutes’ walk: Hillsboro Place and Mary Street.
The museum is on John Street in the centre of Porthcawl; the website offers a map.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café: not available
- Museum shop
The museum has no facilities on site; public toilets and a café are within 30 yards.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Guided group tours, themed school visits (Victorian, First World War, Second World War, emergency services), talks and heritage walks of Porthcawl can be booked through the Contact Us page or by phone. Pushchairs can be left at reception at the owner’s risk. |
