About Kenfig Hill | Kenfig Hill Information | Kenfig Hill Education

Kenfig Hill is a small village located on the outskirts of Porthcawl, in the borough of Bridgend. The original village of Kenfig was founded on the coastline a few miles away the from current day Kenfig during the 17th Century, but there is evidence to suggest its existence as far back as the 12th Century, with the building of Kenfig Castle. The village grew around the castle’s walls and was a promising town until the 15th century when there was an influx of sand, which lead to the town being abandoned its and residents moved to nearby Porthcawl and Kenfig Hill.

Kenfig’s Castle was also home to the town’s jail and courts, and controlled the majority of the town. Another important Kenfig property was the Kenfig Guildhall, where Kenfig’s biannual Medieval Fair was held. The fair would attract traders from across the country who would come to exchange goods and celebrate over a period of a few days. There were two fairs that would be held through out the year; the church festival, which would last up to eight days and the other, was held during the week of Whitsun.

Today, many main bus routes including routes into Pyle and the surrounding borough of Bridgend serve Kenfig Hill. Kenfig Hill is approximately one mile away from Pyle Train Station, which is served by the main London Paddington to Swansea service, which is provided by First Great Western. All that remains of Kenfig is the Kenfig Castle, however the majority of it is covered by sand dunes and foliage.