Porthcawl is a coastal town located south-west of Bridgend. The resort has sandy beachs and a golf course. To the east are the extensive sand dunes of Merthyr-mawr Warren while north along the coast is the Kenfig Pool and Dune nature reserve. The 19th Century author R.D. Blackmore, author of Lorna Doone, lived for a time at Nottage Court in Porthcawl.