Things to see and do Penarth

Discover the Bristol Channel and the west coasts of Wales and England on a cruise aboard the Waverley, the world's last paddle steamer. This unique maritime heritage, beautifully restored, stands proudly with its imposing chimneys and varnished wooden deck. The Waverley has been restored to her original 1940s style. On their website, numerous itineraries are proposed, as well as themed cruises. This experience will delight young and old alike.

This charming little Victorian gallery is only related to Turner by name! The exhibition focuses exclusively on photography by contemporary Welsh and international artists. Founded in 1978, Ffotogallery is the national development agency for photography in Wales. If you are in the area, it is a very nice visit to make and an opportunity to discover new Welsh or other talents. The list of planned exhibitions is available on their website.

A medieval village has been reconstituted on an ancient site. Houses and gardens have been built entirely in the spirit of the period. Craftsmen, gardeners and farmers in period costume go about their work as if nothing had happened... Here we are, telescoped back into the Middle Ages, in a village built within a sumptuous park. What's more, it's punctuated by large lakes and woods, making it an ideal place for walks and picnics.

The coastal path is reached by going to Lifeboat Station at the end of the esplanade. Then we go up Cliff Hill to the Cliff Walk Play Area parking lot. On site, there is a snack bar, a children's playground and a miniature golf course.The long strip of grass over the sea is much appreciated by families who organize picnics there. Then continue on Whitcliffe Drive to the gate that marks the entrance to a narrow path winding over the sea. In summer, you can count on the wild blackberries to enhance the walk, enjoy it! The trail then descends to a white pebble beach, from where you can see Flat Holm Island, with its lighthouse, and its neighbour Steep Holm Island. Named by the Vikings because of their form, the first belongs to South Wales County and the second to the English Somerset County.

Going towards Lavernock Point, you reach a large sandy beach with interesting geological formations. Erosion has created natural steps and paving stones in some areas. Views of the Bristol Channel and the English Somerset coast led Sisley to paint paintings at this particular location, which can be seen at the National Museum in Cardiff. (Alfred Silsey is a French painter born in 1839 and died in 1899.) It was also from Lavernock Point that Marconi sent a radio signal over the sea in 1897 to Flat Holm. A world first! In short, a beautiful walk awaits you there!

The Vale of Glamorgan Council offers an interesting tour to discover the most sumptuous houses in Penarth. It was north of the city, between Penarth Marina and Windsor Road, that wealthy owners took advantage of the city's heights by building large residences facing the waterfront.

From Beach Road, you can join the itinerary from Kymin Terrace, where you can see sumptuous Victorian properties.

Higher up, on Clive Crescent, is Osborne House, a large red brick house flanked by round towers with a pointed roof. On the right is a park, from which you have a beautiful view over the sea and the two islands Flat and Steep Holm.

We continue towards St. Augustin Church. The polychrome interior of the church is superb and original. It was the architect William Butterfield, then very popular in the 19th century, who created this bold and contrasting mix of stones in various colours. From the picturesque cemetery, there is an interesting panoramic view of Cardiff Bay.

The route then suggests continuing to Penarth Marina, but the interest of the buildings is less on this last part of the route. It is better to then go down directly to the centre.

Another interesting tour through the city is the Penarth Woman's Trail, which showcases 15 places of interest, women who have had an impact on the region through their accomplishment and commitment. A great opportunity to discover 15 local personalities.