Penarth has been named among the best places to live by the sea in the UK by The Times.
From the "elegant" pier, the "enviable roster" of independent shops/restaurants and the lively lifestyle to the fact the Cardiff city centre is just 15 minutes away, it is easy to see why Penarth was included on The Times' list of best places to live by the sea in 2023.
Penarth was one of four Welsh towns to make The Times list joining Tenby and Solva from Pembrokeshire and Barmouth (Gwynedd).
The Times' list also included locations including Dartmouth (Devon), Penzance (Cornwall) and Arisaig (Highlands).
The Times said: "The joy of living on an island is that we have every kind of seaside at our disposal: a grand escape, a bracing retirement, wholesome family fun or an elegant perch within reach of the office.
"Nowhere in the UK is more than 70 miles from the coast, so in the work-from-home era there’s no need to wait for the holiday season when you can enjoy the seaside lifestyle all year round.
It added: "This selection of the best places to live by the coast includes lively commuter towns, coastal honeypots and spectacular scenery.
"All these contrasting locations have something to offer in every season, with the kind of communities, connections and practicalities that will keep the holiday feeling alive all year round."
What makes Penarth one of the best places to live by the sea in 2023
Average house price: £418,500
Describing Penarth, The Times said: "There’s no excuse for being lazy in Cardiff’s smart seaside suburb.
"From sailors, paddleboarders and the hardy Dawn Stalkers sea swimmers who brave the Bristol Channel daily at first light to the joggers and walkers enjoying sparkling views across the water to Exmoor, this is a place for those who like to get outdoors while keeping the city close at hand.
"The centre of Cardiff is less than 15 minutes away by train but Penarthians are justly proud of the riches on their doorstep, from the elegant pier — a venue for yoga classes and weddings — to an enviable roster of independent shops and restaurants.
"Scandi bakeries and Michelin stars (James Sommerin’s Home retained its star this year) weren’t around in Victorian times, but the best address remains Marine Parade where 19th-century shipping tycoons built imposing mansions so they could watch their ships returning to port.
"If you spot one on the market today expect to pay about £2 million."
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