Penarth

Travel Guide

Photo by Callum Witts
Photo by Callum Witts
Photo by Melanie Hartshorn
Photo by Melanie Hartshorn
Photo by Melanie Hartshorn
Sometimes known as “The Garden by the Sea”, Penarth is a seaside resort in the Vale of Glamorgan just five miles from the Welsh capital of Cardiff. The town overlooks the Bristol Channel, and attracts flocks of visitors with its old Victorian charm, picturesque pier and lush parks.

Consisting of an elegant Victorian and Edwardian centre uphill from an esplanade and pebble beach, Penarth is a relaxed place with a great mix of attractions, from enticing shopping and dining to open spaces, cliff-top walks, boat trips and the call of the surrounding Glamorgan countryside.

Shopping in Penarth

Penarth has an appealing centre focused on two main streets — Windsor Road and Stanwell Road — plus a Victorian shopping arcade and pretty clock tower roundabout. Both roads, and their interconnecting streets, serve up a satisfying variety of shops, from boutiques and stylish homeware and gift outlets to jewellers and surf and sports stores, so there’s something to please every retail hound.

Food and Nightlife in Penarth

When your shopping’s done, you’ll find tearooms and cafés to relax in, and numerous dining spots to enjoy. A trip along the esplanade reveals a crop of modern eateries serving delectable fresh Welsh food with a contemporary twist some of them command wonderful views of the pier and Bristol Channel.

You’ll also find a clutch of brasseries, gastro pubs and steakhouses overlooking the yachts at Penarth Marina, and French, Indian or Italian restaurants in the town centre proper. On the pub and bar front, meanwhile, you’ll discover cosy real ale spots, traditional inns and modern bars perfect for lively evenings out or nightcaps after dinner.

Relaxing in Penarth

Noted for its gardens and pretty pier, Penarth is great for taking things easy. If you’re looking for tranquillity, you’ll enjoy the pretty flower gardens of Alexandra Park and the Windsor Gardens, or a walk along Penarth Pier to drink in the seascapes. From time to time in the summer, you can even take paddle steamer cruises from the pier.

Other attractions abound, too. You can admire the yachts and views from Penarth Marina, play a round at the town’s two golf courses — the Dinas Powys Golf Club or the Glamorganshire Golf Club — or potter around the arty photo exhibitions at Ffotogallery at Turner House. History lovers, meanwhile, will want to visit St Augustine’s Church, Penarth’s fine hilltop Victorian church, or trace the town’s heritage trail to see other noteworthy buildings.

Attractions and Activities Around Penarth

There’s much to lure you out of Penarth. Nature buffs will love nearby Cosmeston Lakes Country Park with its footpaths, lakes and woodlands rich in bird life, while families and history enthusiasts will appreciate the park’s fascinating Cosmeston Medieval Village, a reconstructed 14th Century village that captures the essence of bygone rural life.

Other local attractions include the cliff-top walks of the Wales Coastal Path, as well as castles, pretty villages and sandy beaches galore, all on top of historic gems such as Dyffryn House and Gardens, and of course, the pull of vibrant Cardiff, situated right on Penarth’s doorstep.

Where to stay in Penarth

Dinas Powys

Travellers like the golf courses in Dinas Powys, and Cosmeston Lakes Country Park is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Dinas Powys

Llandough

While there might not be top attractions in Llandough, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Cardiff International Sports Village and Cardiff Bay.

Llandough
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Sully

When in Sully, you can plan a visit to Cosmeston Lakes Country Park and Barry Island Pleasure Park, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Sully
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Sully and Lavernock

If you're spending some time in Sully and Lavernock, Cosmeston Lakes Country Park and Pennarth Beach are top sights worth seeing.

Sully and Lavernock
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3 out of 5
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The price is S$120 per night from 27 Apr to 28 Apr
S$120
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The Angel Hotel
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The Parkgate Hotel
4 out of 5
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The price is S$162 per night from 5 May to 6 May
S$162
includes taxes & fees
5 May - 6 May
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The Parkgate Hotel
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5 out of 5
Chepstow Road, Coldra Wood, Newport, Wales
The price is S$169 per night from 23 Apr to 24 Apr
S$169
includes taxes & fees
23 Apr - 24 Apr
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Newport. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 indoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
The Spires Serviced Apartments Cardiff
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3 out of 5
10 Cathedral Rd, Cardiff, Wales
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Reviewed on 16 Mar, 2025

The Spires Serviced Apartments Cardiff
Newport Student Village - Campus Accommodation
Newport Student Village - Campus Accommodation
4 out of 5
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Stay at this 4-star apartment in Newport. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Friars Walk Newport and Newport ...
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Quay Apartments Clarence House
Quay Apartments Clarence House
3.5 out of 5
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Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Newport. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Friars Walk Newport and Newport ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (129 reviews)
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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Reviews of Penarth

4.3
Top destination
5 - Excellent
2
5 - Excellent 33%
4 - Good
4
4 - Good 67%
3 - Okay
0
3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

It is a lovely Victorian sea side town with good local shops and a very good train service to Cardiff. Also has lovely walks along cliff top and around Cosmeston Lake and country Park.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Lovely place to visit.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Unspoilt sea front with charming pier. Wide beach and lovely coastal path.