"Penarth - a bit of traditional seaside" Penarth by aaaarrgh

Penarth Travel Guide: 40 reviews and 121 photos

Penarth Pier c1900

Thanks to the long dead Countess of Plymouth, Penarth became "a beautiful and commodious watering place, a successful competitor with other places of summer resort" . It was once where the entire working population of Cardiff went for their Bank Holidays

Only a couple of miles south of Cardiff, Penarth is the real seaside. It has a long Pier, an Esplanade, a Lifeboat Station, Italian cafe's and ice-cream shops. Oh, and a beach too, of course, though more stones than sand!

Also included are some very splendid public parks, stretching down the hillside to the sea-front. And a pleasant shopping centre. And several art galleries.

AND splendid views of Cardiff, the Bristol Channel, Flat Holm and Steep Holm from the top of Penarth Head.

Catch a bus or train from Cardiff Central Station. Or a steam boat from Illfracombe, Devon!

Pros and Cons

Pros:Promenade, Gardens, Headland, Views, close to Cardiff
Cons:Spoiled by some modern seafront developments.

Last visit to Penarth: Aug 2006
Intro Updated Aug 13, 2006
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Reviews (9)

Travel 650 years ~ Cosmeston Medieval... Things to Do (6)

Next to the Cosmeston Lakes is a re-created collection of thatched buildings. Cosmeston Medieval Village is built on the... more travel advice

Modern architecture comes to town Off The Beaten Path (1)

If you ever get tired of the green leafy streets of Penarth, with its many wonderful Victorian seafarers' mansions and... more travel advice

Landmark church on Penarth headland Things to Do (6)

St Augustine's Church is at the highest point of Penarth Head, 230 feet above the old county of South Glamorgan. It has... more travel advice

Cosmeston Lakes and Nature Reserve Things to Do (6)

Heading west from Penarth towards Barry are Cosmeston Lakes - a large 100-hectare nature reserve and park, Visitor... more travel advice

Tourist Traps (1)
Look for treasure at your own peril!

Restaurants (1)
Large seaside Pub with good food

Travelogues (1)

Written Dec 17, 2004

3 photos

Alfred Sisley's visit to Penarth 1897

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Comments (6)

sourbugger Jan 27, 2006 at 4:33 PM Report Abuse

very interesting and well written, never been there, probably never will
Purpleshade Oct 11, 2005 at 6:38 PM Report Abuse

Only just noticed aPenarth page. Used to live in Penarth! 1955-61. I expect it's changed loads but I remember the pier and going over to Western-super-mare on the paddle steamer. :) Lesley
Mariajoy Jul 25, 2005 at 1:25 PM Report Abuse

Nice page Sean. Penarth looks lovely - what are the beaches like??
HORSCHECK Jun 3, 2005 at 4:32 PM Report Abuse

Interesting photos and paintings here. Brings back memories of my day out in Penarth. :o)
M0B1US Mar 29, 2005 at 9:19 AM Report Abuse

Made it to The Captain's Wife the other week - wow you can even get nectar points! ;-)
margaretvn Mar 27, 2005 at 5:29 AM Report Abuse

nice little page - years since I was there