Aberafan

Aberafan sits on the north shore of Swansea Bay, fronting a wide stretch of sand known locally as Aberavon Sands. A straight promenade runs along the beach and forms part of the Wales Coast Path, so the shoreline is used by walkers and surfers. At low tide the sand extends well out into the bay, creating a broad foreshore and exposed tidal flats that attract shorebirds and people who fish from the beach. The eastern end meets the built-up town area while dunes and planted embankments mark the transition from sea to street.

The neighbourhood behind the seafront combines housing, shops and community facilities clustered around the Aberafan Centre and Commercial Street. Sport has a clear presence: Talbot Athletic Ground is the base for Aberavon RFC and local fixtures draw regular crowds. Local buses and roads link the area to the wider Neath Port Talbot borough, and year-round activity along the promenade keeps the seafront connected to the town rather than separate from it.