PENARTH has been named one of the best places to live in Wales.

The Sunday Times has revealed the top six places to live in Wales – Llandeilo in Carmarthenshire came out in top, but Penarth also earned a spot on the list.

You can read the full list on Sunday Times here.

But what makes Penarth such a great place to live? 

Coastal

Penarth is near a beautiful beach, allowing people to enjoy a day in the fresh air (when the weather allows).

Penarth Times: Penarth beach (Picture: Vale of Glamorgan Camera Club member Christopher Davies)Penarth beach (Picture: Vale of Glamorgan Camera Club member Christopher Davies)

Along with offering the people of Penarth a scenic place to visit, the beach encourages people to stay active - walking or jogging along the coast, or paddleboarding or sailing in the sea.

Pier pavilion

Penarth Pier offers spectacular views - which is great for photographers - and is an ideal location for fishing.

Penarth Times: Penarth pier pavilion (Picture: Vale of Glamorgan Camera Club Sameer Gangoli)Penarth pier pavilion (Picture: Vale of Glamorgan Camera Club Sameer Gangoli) (Image: Camera Club member Sameer Gangoli)

The pavilion, which opened on the pier in 1929, is a community venue which hosts an array of events including live performances, cinema, workshops, and art exhibitions. 

Stunning parks

Penarth has no shortage of iconic parks - including Cosmeston Country Park and Lakes, an ideal location to take in nature (and take some snaps if you're a fan of photography).

Cosmeston Country Park is more than 100 hectares of land and water with an abundance of wildlife - along with a cafe, adventure playground, woodland, walking routes, and more.

Penarth Times: Cosmeston Country Park (Picture: Vale of Glamorgan Camera Club Noel Bevan)Cosmeston Country Park (Picture: Vale of Glamorgan Camera Club Noel Bevan)

It also boasts a medieval village living history heritage project.

Cosmeston Country Park has Green Flag status along with Alexandra Park, Belle Vue Park, and Windsor Gardens.

Community spirit

Penarth is rich in community spirit and has plenty of local, independent shops - rather than being focused on big chains.

The Queen B Boutique, Glass By Design Penarth, Griffin Books, and Zero Penarth are just a few of the fabulous independent retail optons in Penarth.

Fiver Fest - a trail encouraging people to shop local by offering bargains and showcasing what's on offer - is popular in the town and a recently launched 'Penarth fiver' allows people to pay it forward.

Shop local, eat local

As mentioned above there's plenty of independent retail in Penarth - with the same applying to food and drink in the town.

Willmore's 1938, for example, is a popular family-run eatery which is currently relocating to Cliff Tops - read more on that here.

Penarth Times:

There's also:

  • Bar 44 - with its award winning tapas;
  • Waterloo Tea House - with teas from all over the world;
  • The Crepe Escape - with award-winning crepes;
  • Ego at the Schooner Inn - with Mediterranean food, cocktails, and more;
  • The Galley - with food made from Welsh produce and exclusive coffee from Fat Dragon Coffee Co.

And many many more mouthwatering options.

Close to the Welsh capital

Although Penarth is fabulous in its own right, being near Cardiff is also a plus.

Residents can easily travel to Cardiff and explore the city, while living away from the hustle and bustle of the Welsh capital.

Transport links are efficient, with Cardiff's city centre just a short train ride away from Penarth.

What do you think are the best – or worst – things about living in Penarth?

Let us know in the comments!