If Cardiff starts to feel a bit busy, Penarth is where things slow down.
Just a short drive from the city, Penarth Pier has that classic seaside feel — the kind where you grab a coffee, walk along the pier, and don’t really rush anything.
The views stretch right across the Bristol Channel, and on a clear day, it’s genuinely one of the nicest spots in the area.
But it’s not just about the scenery.
Penarth has quietly become a bit of a filming hotspot. If you’re a fan of Doctor Who (or even Gavin and Stacey), you might recognise parts of it — especially the pier itself, which has featured in recent filming.
There are also little cafés, ice cream spots, and occasional local events, so it never feels completely quiet — just calm.
It’s the perfect “easy afternoon” kind of place.

