Penarth Travel Guide

Tourist 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 GlamorganOpens in a new window 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
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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

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 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
Glendale hotel

Glendale hotel

2.5 out of 5
Plymouth Rd, Penarth, Wales
The price is ฿4,094 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
฿4,094
฿4,912 total
31 Aug - 1 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Penarth. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Cardiff Bay and Principality Stadium are located ...
Glendale hotel
Celtic Manor Resort

Celtic Manor Resort

5 out of 5
Chepstow Road, Coldra Wood, Newport, Wales
The price is ฿3,701 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
฿3,701
฿4,441 total
31 Aug - 1 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Newport. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 indoor pools and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
Celtic Manor Resort
The Angel Hotel

The Angel Hotel

3 out of 5
Castle Street, Cardiff, Wales
Stay at this 3-star eco-certified hotel in Cardiff. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
The Angel Hotel
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

The Spires Serviced Apartments Cardiff

3 out of 5
10 Cathedral Rd, Cardiff, Wales
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Cardiff. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, parking (surcharge) and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
The Spires Serviced Apartments Cardiff
Student Only Eclipse

Student Only Eclipse

2 out of 5
Newport Rd Ln, Cardiff, Wales
Stay at this apartment in Cardiff. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour front desk and a garden. Popular attractions Cardiff Castle and Principality Stadium are located ...
Student Only Eclipse
Quay Apartments Clarence House

Quay Apartments Clarence House

3.5 out of 5
Clarence Place, Newport, Wales
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Newport. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, parking (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Friars Walk Newport and Newport ...
Quay Apartments Clarence House
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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