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Penarth

Built-up area in Vale of Glamorgan, Wales

Coordinates:51.436, -3.184
OS grid ref:ST 17 71
Population:23,437
Dialling code: 029 (Cardiff)

Penarth is a coastal town in the Vale of Glamorgan, Wales, sitting on the edge of the Severn Estuary with views across to Cardiff and Cardiff Bay. It grew rapidly in the Victorian era as a seafront resort and shipping hub, and still shows that heritage in its tree‑lined streets, Victorian villas and the ornate Penarth Pier. The waterfront now blends leisure and small‑scale commerce around Penarth Marina, while the nearby open greens of The Downs and the promenade make it popular with walkers and families.

Today Penarth feels like a prosperous commuter town with a lively local culture: independent cafés, restaurants and regular community events give it a villagey social life despite easy rail and road links into Cardiff. The arts and music scene, seasonal festivals and seaside amenities continue to draw visitors, and many residents value its mix of heritage, green space and waterside lifestyle.

Postcode districts covering Penarth

Most populated places nearby

Neighbouring places

Example postcodes in Penarth

Transport links

  • Airport Cardiff Airport 7.4 miles11.9 km
  • Airport Bristol Airport 20.4 miles32.8 km
  • Railway station Dingle Road Railway Station 0.3 miles0.5 km
  • Railway station Penarth Railway Station 0.4 miles0.7 km

Schools in Penarth

  • Victoria Primary School Primary
  • Stanwell School Secondary
  • Fairfield Primary School Primary
  • Westbourne Independent - all ages
  • Evenlode Primary School Primary
  • Cogan Primary School Primary
  • St Cyres Comprehensive School Secondary
  • Ysgol Y Deri Special
  • Ysgol Pen-Y-Garth Primary
  • Albert Primary School Primary
  • St. Joseph's RC Primary School Primary
  • Headlands School (Action for Children) Independent - special
  • Llandough County Primary Primary
  • Oakmont School Independent - special

Local points of interest

  • Grangemoor Park Nature reserve 1.4 miles2.3 km
  • Cardiff University University 2.5 miles4 km
  • Cardiff International Sports Stadium Stadium 2.7 miles4.4 km
  • Cardiff City Stadium 2.8 miles4.5 km
  • Cardiff Millenium Stadium Stadium 3 miles4.8 km
  • Millennium Stadium Stadium 3 miles4.8 km
  • St. David's Shopping centre 3.1 miles5 km
  • Cardiff University Queens Buildings University 3.4 miles5.4 km
  • Vita Student Cardiff College 3.6 miles5.9 km
  • St Fagans: National History Museum Museum 5.2 miles8.4 km
  • Barry Harbour Harbour 5.3 miles8.5 km
  • Craig Llysfaen Mounains 8.5 miles13.7 km