Address: The Esplanade, Penarth, CF64 3AU, United Kingdom
Rating: 4.5
based on 358 reviews.
Views and Atmosphere
Pros:
"This beautiful Victorian esplanade was created over 125 years ago. With some of the best views of the channel."
"Bathed in a beautiful light, the pier overlooks a pebble beach and out to sea."
"A beautiful pier with gorgeous views."
"The Pier itself was beautifully presented, lovely to sit awhile, and enjoy the views towards Somerset and Exmoor."
"Stunning place to visit. On a clear day Devon is very clearly visible, even the buildings can be clearly seen."
"Beautiful views if you catch it on a good day!"
"The pier presents excellent opportunities to photographers who want good sunrise shots."
Cons:
"It was beautiful. We got there just after the sunset, but it was very overcast so we couldn't see anything."
"On a dull wet day in early June the pier is, well, dull and wet."
"The beach itself is nothing to write home about and the pier is the only real attraction."
"To be honest, the pier and esplanade provide little of the destination that they could and should be to raise visitors' experience above a damp summer's day."
"You walk up the pier, sit down, have a chat then get up and leave, pretty basic really, the main building was closed so apart from looking at dirty sea water and houses on the hills there isn't much to it but enjoy!"
Facilities and Services
Pros:
"Clean tidy friendly atmosphere, good food available for all."
"The Pavilion houses a lovely Cafe and is sometimes used for lectures. Worth a visit."
"The pier was clean and tidy."
"There are also toilet facilities on the pier. These were clean, with toilet tissue."
"The traditional Victorian pier has been restored and, on the occasions that we have visited it has been immaculate."
"Recently refurbished public toilets that were exceptionally clean."
"The pavilion houses cultural facilities such as a cinema, art gallery, cafes and event spaces."
Cons:
"The only thing that lets it down is the very limited parking."
"Parking is almost a competitive sport in the area and things can get a bit Mad Max when there's three cars battling for one space."
"The cafe on the pier is not very big. It has adequate service and fodder."
"Apart from having to go to the kiosks for fishnchips n was a disappointingly cold meals."
"Every time we've visited, there's been a private function on, which has either limited access or removed access completely."
"Lovely setting but it is almost unbelievable how slow the service is.17 minutes to make 2 cappuccinos and put two slices of cake on a plate is beyond belief."
"Parking however is a total nightmare for the area."
Accessibility
Pros:
"Easy wheelchair access along the promenade."
"Opens approx 8am. Toilets available on site. Have seen wheelchairs used here."
"Easily accessible for my 91 year old Nan who uses a wheelchair as well."
"Suitable for pushchairs too."
"Enough parking as well and easy to get to."
"Parking slots are also free but quite busy always."
"Parking can be a problem at peak times but a car park is located a short walk from the main front."
Cons:
"Parking is difficult to come by."
"Although parking is an absolute nightmare."
"Fairly limited parking along the sea front."
"Despite free parking along the length of the esplanade and up the hill it is not always easy to find a space."
"Parking if you are lucky could be immediately opposite the Pier."
"The parking is very limited but if you're lucky you can park very close for free for 2 hours."
"Parking is difficult at peak times."
Dog-Friendly
Pros:
"Lovely walking space for both dogs and humans."
"Love this place so much, wish I could walk down there with my dog but I understand the reasons why - still a wonderful place to visit and lots of seats available on the promenade to sit and enjoy an ice cream with your furry friends 🐶"
"We had a lovely walk on the pier with our three grandchildren and our dachshund puppy there were quite a few dogs on there."
Cons:
"A sad pier where dogs are inexplicably not allowed. This represents everything that is wrong with Wales as the country continues to decline."
"Don't take your dog, unless you're prepared to launch it off the end to please the high vis man."
"I took my dog for a walk on the pier. A man in a high vis jacket told me 'no dogs allowed'."
"To be honest we weren't happy at all really looked forward to our day down at the pier walking with the dog only to find a notice saying no dog allowed."