Penarth

Penarth Europe > Britain and Ireland > United Kingdom > Wales > South Wales > Glamorgan > Penarth Penarth is a Victorian sea-side town 3 miles (5 km) southwest of Cardiff in Wales . It has impressive Victorian architecture and known for its pier and extensive parks. It is becoming a cafe town. Penarth population is mainly made up of people commuting to local city, Cardiff . Get in By train Trains run from Cardiff to Penarth on the 'Valley Lines' every 15 min M-Sa 7AM to 8PM, hourly until 11PM, and every two hours on Sunday. The travel time is 10 minutes. The rough fare is £3 return. By bus Buses run every 7 min from Cardiff Bus Station to Penarth town centre (services 92-94), with some then continue to Barry via Dinas Powys or Sully . Return to Cardiff is £3 with the added benefit of being a day rover ticket in Cardiff also. Travel time is about 20 minutes. By car There are only three roads into Penarth, of which two are heading into Cardiff. Because of this and lot of the population commuting to work, getting out of Penarth quickly between 7AM and 9:30AM is impossible. By boat But the best way to arrive is to catch the river cat from Cardiff Bay to the Penarth end of the Bay Barrage. Although you will have to walk up the hill to get to the town centre. If the tide is out, it is possible to walk along the coast to Penarth Esplanade. Get around Penarth is roughly divided into the Town Centre, the Esplanade and the Marina. All are within walking distance, with hills. See 🌍 Turner House Gallery . A local art gallery 2 minutes away from the railway station next to the steps which lead down to the Esplanade. 🌍 The Esplanade and the pier . 🌍 Penarth Marina & Penarth end of the Bay Barrage . A tranquil place where a majority of boats are moored. The Bay Barrage has turned the tidal rivers of Taff and Ely contently high tide and a full 'lake' at the bay. 🌍 Cosmeston Country Park . A former lime quarry with has been flooded and has extensive fields around the lake. Has a medieval village within the grounds and has 'battles' on bank holidays. 🌍 Cosmeston Medieval Village . A living history medieval village. ( updated Jun 2018 ) Buy The town has a good collection of charity shops, unlike Cardiff centre. Also the Windsor Arcade has a collection of local independent shops, which will not be found anywhere else. Eat The Custom House ( El puerto and La Marina ) ( Marina ). Restaurants The Deck , Marina CF64 1TT , ☏ +44 29 2009-9737 . Tu W noon-10PM, Th-Su 10AM-10PM . Popular eatery looking onto the yachts in the marina. ( updated Aug 2022 ) The OysterCatcher ( Hungry Horse ), Terra Nova Way . 🌍 The Glendale Hotel , 10 Plymouth Rd , ☏ +44 29 2070-6701 . Serving a range of Italian meals, all of which are exceptional quality, right next to the station by the Railway pub. 🌍 Restaurant James Sommerin , The Esplanade , ☏ +44 29 2070-6559 . ( updated May 2017 ) Drink The Albion, The Railway, The Pilot, The Windsor and The Clive are all original in their own right. The local J.D. Weatherspoon pub, The Bears Head, is like any typical 'spoons pub. Sleep Penarth does not have many hotels. 🌍 Manor House Hotel , Sully Road , ☏ +44 29 2070-9309 . Though not in the town centre, it benefits from a charming countryside setting between Penarth and Barry, and has a restaurant. 🌍 Holm House , Marine Parade CF64 3BG , ☏ +44 29 2070-6029 . Plush hotel and spa on the cliffs above the channel. B&B double from £120 . ( updated Jun 2020 ) Connect Penarth has 4G from all UK carriers. As of Aug 2022, 5G covers Cardiff and is extending down the coast, but hasn't reached Penarth. Go next Sully Barry Cardiff This article is issued from Wikivoyage . The text is available under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 unless otherwise noted. Additional terms may apply for the media files.

By Plane

The nearest major international airports serve Wales [Cymru GB-CYM] with connections from across the UK, Europe, and beyond. Regional airports in the area provide additional domestic and European services. Airport buses and taxis connect to the town centre.

By Train

The local railway station is served by regular services on the British rail network. Train services connect to major cities across Wales [Cymru GB-CYM] and the wider UK. National Rail Enquiries provides schedule and fare information. Advance booking typically offers better rates.

By Car / Road

Penarth is accessible by road via the UK's motorway and A-road network. Major routes connect the town to nearby cities and regions. Bus services provide affordable connections. Parking is generally available in designated areas in and around the town centre.

Penarth is compact and easily explored on foot. The town centre, with its shops, restaurants, and historical buildings, is pedestrian-friendly. For exploring the surrounding countryside and nearby attractions, a car is recommended. Local bus services operate within the town and to neighbouring communities. Taxis are available for shorter journeys.

• The historic town or city centre with its traditional architecture

• Local landmarks, churches, and heritage buildings

• Scenic viewpoints and natural attractions in the surrounding area

• Nearby parks, gardens, and outdoor spaces

• Walking tours exploring the town's heritage and architecture

• Outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and watersports in the surrounding area

• Visiting local museums, galleries, and cultural centres

• Exploring nearby countryside, coastline, or parks

• Sampling local food and drink at pubs, restaurants, and cafes

Dining options in Penarth range from traditional gastropubs and cafés to fine-dining restaurants. Local specialities include fresh seafood, locally sourced meat and game, and seasonal produce. Many establishments pride themselves on using local ingredients and supporting regional producers.

Typical British pub fare (fish and chips, Sunday roasts, pies) is widely available, alongside international cuisines reflecting the area's diversity. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are increasingly common.

Traditional pubs serving local ales are found throughout the town. Craft beer has a growing presence, with local microbreweries supplying both pubs and bottle shops. Tea rooms and cafés offer a quintessentially British experience. The area is well-served by coffee shops and independent roasters.

Budget

• Budget hotels and hostel accommodation available, with dorm beds from £20/night.

Mid-range

• Bed & breakfasts and guesthouses offer doubles from £70–120 per night.
• Chain hotels (Premier Inn, Travelodge, Holiday Inn) provide consistent quality.

Upscale

• Boutique hotels, country house hotels, and historic inns offer doubles from £150.

Local shops offer a range of goods from well-known brands to local crafts and speciality foods. Markets and independent retailers provide character and authentic finds. Typical opening hours are Monday–Saturday 09:00–17:30, with some stores open on Sundays. Many towns have a weekly market day.

From Penarth, travellers can easily continue exploring other destinations within Wales [Cymru GB-CYM] and the wider United Kingdom. The well-connected transport network makes it straightforward to reach neighbouring towns, cities, and attractions.