Things To Do Cardiff
Things to do in Penarth and Cardiff
Things to Do in and Around Penarth
Penarth is a charming seaside town located in the Vale of Glamorgan, Wales. With its coastal beauty, rich history, and close proximity to Cardiff, it offers a wide variety of things to see and do—making it the perfect destination for a relaxing and memorable stay at Beachcliff Hotel & Apartments.
Visit Penarth Pier
This beautiful Victorian pier is one of Penarth’s most iconic landmarks, offering stunning views across the Bristol Channel. Visitors can enjoy a selection of cafés, small shops, and a traditional arcade as well as a cinema. You can also look into hiring the pier for a wedding or party. Visit their page here to find out what’s going on.
https://www.valeofglamorgan.gov.uk/en/enjoying/Coast-and-Countryside/Penarth-Pier-Pavilion/Penarth-Pier-Pavilion.aspx
Explore Penarth Beach
A favourite spot for both locals and visitors, the beach is perfect for a relaxing day by the sea. Take a stroll along the promenade, enjoy the fresh coastal air, or simply unwind while taking in the views.
Discover Penarth Marina
The marina is a lively area filled with boats and yachts, as well as a variety of cafés and restaurants. It’s an ideal place to relax and watch the activity on the water.
Take a Trip to Cardiff Bay
Just a short train ride away, Cardiff Bay is home to some of Wales’ most notable landmarks, including the Senedd (Welsh Parliament) and the Wales Millennium Centre, a world-class arts venue.
Explore the Vale of Glamorgan
This beautiful region offers a mix of countryside and coastline, dotted with historic sites such as Cardiff Castle and Castell Coch, as well as picturesque villages.
Walk the Glamorgan Heritage Coast
Perfect for nature lovers, this stunning stretch of coastline offers scenic walking routes with breath taking sea views, cliffs, and wildlife.
Visit St Fagans National Museum of History
One of Wales’ most popular attractions, this open-air museum brings history to life, showcasing how people in Wales have lived through the centuries.
PS Waverley- Paddle Steamer
Runs between May and June from Penarth Pier, PS Waverley is a historic British paddle steamer launched in 1946 and recognized as the world’s last seagoing passenger paddle steamer. Operated mainly on excursion cruises around the British coast, she serves as both a living example of maritime heritage and a popular tourist attraction.
Barry Beach- Visit the home of Gavin and Stacey
If you’re visiting Barry Beach (more accurately, Whitmore Bay on Barry Island), you’ll immediately recognize many locations from the BBC sitcom Gavin & Stacey. The show turned Barry Island into one of the UK’s most famous TV-filming destinations.
Even if you’re not a huge fan of the show, Barry Island is worth visiting for the beach itself, the seaside atmosphere, and views across the Bristol Channel. On a sunny day it’s one of the most enjoyable coastal spots near Cardiff
Fine Dining / Special Occasion
A standout in Penarth and widely regarded as the best restaurant in town, holding a Michelin star and multiple awards. Perfect for a luxury dining experience or special occasion.
Home
A standout in Penarth and widely regarded as the best restaurant in town, holding a Michelin star and multiple awards. Perfect for a luxury dining experience or special occasion.
https://homeatpenarth.co.uk/
Silures at Holm House
Elegant, modern dining in a beautiful setting overlooking the coast. Ideal for a refined meal with a relaxed atmosphere.
https://silurespenarth-amh.com/
Seafront Dining (Great Views)
Romeo’s By The Sea
Popular Italian restaurant right on the Esplanade—great food paired with sea views.
https://romeosbythesea.com/
Sid’s Restaurant and Bar With Rooms
A stylish beachfront spot known for quality dishes and a relaxed coastal vibe.
https://sidspenarth.uk/
Tutti Italian Restaurant (Located under the hotel)
A newer Italian option with a cosy feel and excellent reviews—perfect for a casual but quality meal.
https://tuttiitalian.co.uk/
Casual Dining & Local Favourites
Bar 44 Penarth
A lively tapas bar serving Spanish-inspired dishes—great for sharing plates and a social evening.
https://grupo44.co.uk/bar44/penarth/
The Pilot Penarth
A favourite gastropub offering hearty food and a friendly atmosphere.
https://thepilotpenarth.co.uk/
The Old Custom House
A classic choice near the barrage with a varied menu and waterside setting.
https://www.theoldcustomhousepenarth.co.uk/
Ego at The Schooner Inn, Penarth
Mediterranean-style dining in a spacious venue—great for groups or relaxed dinners.
https://www.egorestaurants.co.uk/restaurants/wales/penarth#/
There are many more amazing dining and drinking venues in Cardiff, check out our blog ‘Top Restaurants in Cardiff’ for more information.
Sports in Penarth & Cardiff
Penarth and nearby Cardiff offer a fantastic range of sporting activities and events, making the area an exciting destination for both participants and spectators.
Coastal & Outdoor Sports in Penarth
With its prime seaside location, Penarth is perfect for outdoor activities. Penarth Beach is a popular spot for swimming, paddle boarding, and kayaking. The scenic paths along the Glamorgan Heritage Coast are ideal for walking, running, and cycling, offering breath taking coastal views.
Water Sports & Sailing
The Cardiff Bay area is a hub for water-based activities, including sailing, rowing, and windsurfing. The Cardiff Bay Yacht Clubwelcomes visitors and regularly hosts events and competitions.
Rugby – The Heart of Welsh Sport
No visit to the area is complete without experiencing Welsh rugby. Matches at Principality Stadium—home to the Wales national rugby union team—offer an unforgettable atmosphere, especially during international fixtures and tournaments like the Six Nations Championship. If you fancy something a little more adventurous, Principality Stadium also offers an exciting zip wire experience for the brave—giving you the chance to soar across this iconic venue and see it from a completely unique perspective.
Football in Cardiff
Football fans can catch a match at Cardiff City Stadium, home of Cardiff City F.C.. The club has a passionate fan base, and matchdays bring a lively energy to the city.
Cricket & Other Sports
Cricket enthusiasts can visit Sophia Gardens Cricket Ground, home to Glamorgan County Cricket Club, which hosts county matches and international fixtures.
Golf & Leisure Activities
The area also offers excellent golf courses and leisure facilities, perfect for a more relaxed sporting experience, alongside gyms, tennis courts, and fitness centres.
Cultural Experiences in Penarth & Cardiff
Penarth and nearby Cardiff offer a rich blend of culture, history, and the arts—perfect for guests looking to explore beyond the coastline.
Arts & Theatre in Cardiff
A visit to the iconic Wales Millennium Centre is a must. This world-renowned arts venue hosts a variety of performances, including theatre, opera, ballet, and live music throughout the year.
Museums & Heritage
Step back in time at St Fagans National Museum of History, one of Europe’s leading open-air museums, where you can explore Welsh life through the ages. Art lovers will enjoy the National Museum Cardiff, home to impressive collections of art, natural history, and archaeology.
Historic Landmarks
Discover the rich history of the area with a visit to Cardiff Castle, located in the heart of the city, or the fairy tale-like Castell Coch, set amongst beautiful woodland on the outskirts of Cardiff.
Penarth’s Seaside Heritage
Closer to home, Penarth Pier offers not only beautiful views but also a glimpse into Victorian seaside culture, complete with its charming pavilion and gallery space.
Festivals & Events
Cardiff hosts a wide range of cultural events throughout the year, from food festivals to live performances. Highlights include concerts, seasonal markets, and events held in Cardiff Bay and the city centre.
Independent Shops & Galleries
Explore the unique shopping arcades in Cardiff city centre, known for their Victorian and Edwardian architecture, filled with independent boutiques, cafés, and creative spaces.
Shopping in Penarth & Cardiff
Whether you’re looking for independent boutiques, seaside gifts, or a full day of retail therapy, Penarth and nearby Cardiff offer a fantastic shopping experience to suit all tastes.
Shopping in Penarth
Penarth is known for its charming high street and relaxed shopping atmosphere. Windsor Road and the surrounding streets are home to a variety of independent shops, boutiques, cafés, and galleries—perfect for a leisurely browse.
You’ll find everything from unique gifts and homeware to fashion and local produce, all just a short walk from Penarth Pier and the seafront.
Cardiff – A Shopper’s Paradise
Just a short journey away, Cardiff is widely regarded as one of the UK’s top shopping destinations.
At the heart of the city is St David’s Shopping Centre, one of the largest shopping centres in the UK, featuring a wide range of high-street brands and designer stores.For a more unique experience, explore Cardiff’s famous Victorian and Edwardian arcades, including the beautiful Morgan Arcade and Royal Arcade. These historic arcades are filled with independent shops, quirky boutiques, and cosy cafés.
Markets & Local Finds
Don’t miss Cardiff Market, a traditional indoor market offering fresh produce, street food, and local goods—a great place to experience the city’s vibrant atmosphere.
Castles Around Penarth
The area surrounding Penarth is rich in history, with several impressive castles just a short distance away—perfect for day trips and exploring Wales’ heritage.
Visit Cardiff Castle
Located in the heart of Cardiff, this iconic castle blends Roman and Norman history with stunning Victorian Gothic interiors. It’s one of Wales’ leading heritage attractions and a must-see for visitors.
Explore Castell Coch
Often described as a fairy tale castle, Castell Coch sits nestled in woodland just outside Cardiff. With its towers and romantic design, it offers breath taking views and beautifully restored interiors.
Discover St Donat’s Castle
Located along the coast in the Vale of Glamorgan, this historic castle dates back to the 12th century and is set within stunning gardens overlooking the sea.
Visit Ogmore Castle
A picturesque ruin set beside the River Ogmore, this castle is perfect for a scenic walk and offers a glimpse into Norman Wales.
Explore Caerphilly Castle
One of the largest castles in the UK, Caerphilly Castle is famous for its impressive size, water defences, and leaning tower. It’s a fantastic destination for history lovers and families alike.
Events in Penarth
Penarth hosts a variety of local cultural and community events throughout the year, many centred around its venues and seaside attractions:
🎭 Arts & Performance
- Theatre productions and live shows at The Paget Rooms — including touring plays, musicals and performances like Come From Away.
- Live jazz and music nights featuring local artists.
- https://www.ticketsource.com/whats-on/vale-of-glamorgan/paget-rooms
🎶 Music & Social Events
- Blues and cabaret nights at Penarth Pier Pavilion.
- Community singing groups and social meetups.
- Morning Mini Music sessions for families at Penarth Pier Pavilion (live music for under‑5s with adult).
- https://visitthevale.com/events/whats-on-at-penarth-pier-pavilion
📚 Talks & Culture
- Literary talks and author evenings such as “GRIFFIN BOOKS AFTER HOURS”.
- https://www.griffinbooksonline.co.uk/
🎉 Big Events & Festivals in Cardiff
Cardiff hosts many larger‑scale events that are well worth a visit during your stay:
🍽️ Cardiff International Food and Drink Festival
A staple summer festival in Cardiff Bay featuring over 100 food and drink producers, street food stalls, live music and children’s activities.
🎶 Concerts & Live Shows
- Major music events at venues such as DEPOT, Utilita Arena Cardiff, and Tiger Yard, including headline DJ shows and live band performances.
- Seasonal outdoor and themed festivals featuring everything from reggae and country music to 90s dance parties.
- https://depotcardiff.com/
- https://www.utilitaarenacardiff.co.uk/
- https://tiger-yard.com/street-food-social/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23955719209&gbraid=0AAAAA-eGILC5Ot6GLHcad0aXdwR68MogG&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI_oSblOialQMVkI9QBh2kgxF0EAAYASAAEgK1H_D_BwE
🥳 Seasonal & Cultural Events
- Food & drink celebrations across Cardiff city centre and Bay (e.g., Feast On Cardiff).
- Markets, outdoor art and community festivals throughout the year – check local listings and Visit Cardiff Bay for current schedules.
📌 Tips for Exploring Events
- Penarth Pier Pavilion often hosts family friendly performances, workshops and shows — ideal if you’re staying near the seafront. https://visitthevale.com/events/whats-on-at-penarth-pier-pavilion
- Cardiff Bay events calendars are updated regularly through Visit Cardiff Bay and local venue sites. https://cardiffbay.co.uk/
Cardiff Centre events calendars are updated regularly through Visit Cardiff Centre and local venue sites. https://www.visitcardiff.com/events/