Cardiff

Situated on the South Wales coast in the beautiful Vale of Glamorgan, Penarth has been a magnet for holiday makers and day visitors for more than a century.

Its Victorian and Edwardian founders created a resort of great elegance and beauty and their legacy is an attractive bustling town of charm and character. With its superb parks, beautiful seafront gardens and graceful esplanade, Penarth is justifiably known as the garden by the sea.

The town centre retains an air of Victorian style with elegant buildings bordered by tree-lined roads. Some of the finest examples of Victorian Architecture can be seen in Penarth’s churches, public and commercial buildings and in the ornate houses, once the home of the shipowners, coal magnates and master mariners.

The sweeping esplanade is the perfect place for a gentle stroll or to sit and breathe the fresh, salty air. The many vantage points provide panoramic views across the Bristol Channel to the island of Flat Holm and Steep Holm. Penarth’s famous 658 foot pier has been restored and is a regular port of call during summer months for the cruise ships Balmoral and the Waverley - the last seagoing paddle steamer in the world.

From the esplanade, an attractive coastal park leads out to Lavernock Point, an important site in the history of communication. It was from here in 1897 that Marconi sent the first Radio transmission over the water to the island of Flat Holm.

On Penarth’s doorstep is Cardiff Bay, Europe’s most exciting waterfront regeneration scheme. The Cardiff Bay Barrage, which has cost in excess of £220 million has created an inland lake as the focal point of for waterside development. It will also provide a pedestrian link and cycle link from Penarth to Cardiff with more than a million visitors a year expected to make the crossing. Alongside the Barrage and nestling in the lee of Penarth Head is Penarth Marina with attractive waterfront homes and smart yachts and cruisers.

Coastguard (local) 029 20710961
Coastguard (Swansea) 01792 366534
Customs & Excise 029 20386000
National Rail Enquiries 0845 7484950
Police 01446 734451