Kenfig, a lost town in Wales, is now a nature reserve with rich wildlife
Bridgend: Just west of here lies Kenfig National Nature Reserve, a stunning spot filled with impressive sand dunes. Once, it was home to one of Glamorgan’s biggest towns, but now it’s a haven for wildlife, attracting bird watchers and nature lovers from all over Wales.
This place, often called the “lost fort,” was once a bustling Roman settlement. Back in the middle ages, Kenfig was a significant town with its own high street, guildhall, and even a hospital. Records show it was thriving as far back as the 1140s when the Earl of Gloucester built a church for the English settlers.
But Kenfig had its struggles. Being right on the edge of marshland, it faced constant threats from rising sea levels. Eventually, fierce storms swept in, burying the town under tons of sand from the coast.
By the 15th century, Kenfig was deserted, and today, it’s covered by some of the best sand dunes in Wales, which are now home to a rich variety of wildlife. These dunes play a crucial role in protecting the coastline and providing a habitat for many species, helping to boost biodiversity.
At the edge of the reserve, you’ll find Kenfig Pool, Glamorgan’s largest natural lake. While it’s not open for swimming, it’s a fantastic spot for bird watchers, with plenty of hides to catch a glimpse of the local birds.
The combination of the dunes and the lake makes Kenfig a perfect spot for nature enthusiasts and anyone who loves a good view. The reserve is alive with diverse plants and wildlife all year round, including wildfowl and beautiful wild fen orchids.
If you’re not into nature reserves, you might want to check out the local pub. The Prince of Wales Inn in Kenfig is known as one of the most haunted pubs in Wales, dating back to the 15th century. It’s been a community staple for over 600 years.
This pub was originally built to serve as the new town hall after the old one got buried in sand. It marked the boundary between Kenfig and Maudlam, a reminder of when residents had to move to higher ground. An old will from 1605 shows how the townsfolk raised money to build this new hall, which also hosted important community courts.
Now a Grade II listed building, the Inn overlooks the buried town and serves up delicious homemade food, famous for traditional Welsh dishes like laverbread and cockles. It’s family and dog-friendly, making it a popular stop for dog walkers exploring Kenfig.
But be careful if you visit! There have been reports of ghostly sounds, restless spirits, and eerie music. The pub gained attention in 1982 when people claimed to hear a Sunday school organ playing in a locked room above the bar at night. It’s just one of many spooky stories surrounding the Prince of Wales Inn.
