Penarth Venues
PENARTH’S wide range of venues offer a welcoming blend of cultural richness and community energy.
The seawater‐framed Penarth Pier Pavilion draws visitors with its Art Deco elegance and flexible spaces overlooking the Bristol Channel, hosting everything from live concerts and cinema nights to weddings and exhibitions.
In the heart of town, the historic Penarth Masonic Hall presents a refined Art Deco setting ideal for celebrations, meetings and private events, having been refurbished to enhance its timeless character.
For a more intimate civic touch, the Mayor’s Parlour in the Town Council building provides a licensed space for weddings, community gatherings and conferences.
Meanwhile, The Turner House Gallery brings an artistic atmosphere to Penarth, housed in a Grade II-listed gallery that stages photography and touring exhibitions alongside cultural events.
The Paget Rooms, an historic former dance hall and cinema, plays hosts to a wide variety of theatre productions and concerts throughout the year.
Rounding out the town’s offerings is an array of pubs, cafés and music spots that host live music and lively evenings, enhancing Penarth’s reputation as a vibrant local hub.
VENUES
Belle Vue Park
Belle Vue Park is a well-loved public space, a short walk from Penarth town centre. Originally a blue lias limestone quarry, the land was filled in around 1900 and acquired by the local council in 1912 due to its unsuitability for building. It officially opened as a park in 1914 and was named after a former plant nursery and cottage on Albert Road. Notably, the park’s original fencing from 1914 survived World War II and still stands today, as the pavilion was used as a warden’s hut during the war. The park includes a bowling green, children’s play area, and open lawns, and in 2006 it became the first in the Vale to earn Green Flag status for its high standards. The Friends of Belle Vue Park, formed in 2000, have played a key role in its upkeep, adding sculptures, upgrading facilities, and organizing the popular Belle Vue Music Festival. In recent years, the park has seen significant investment. In 2021, the play area was redesigned with inclusive, modern equipment suitable for children of various ages and abilities. A new community pavilion was also built, offering a kitchen, accessible toilets, a multi-use hall, and outdoor seating. Belle Vue Park remains a vibrant space for relaxation, play, and community events, blending historical significance with contemporary use.
The Club
The Club on Glebe Street in Penarth, formerly known as Penarth Labour Club, is a recently-refurbished social venue featuring a ground‑floor bar, lounge area and a main room with pool tables, plus a function room with its own bar on the upper level. It welcomes both members and non-members, offering live music nights, discos, sports on TV and a casual atmosphere with affordable drinks.
The Kymin
The Kymin is a historic estate and public garden situated in a wooded dell just north of Beach Road. The site encompasses nearly five acres of sloping lawns and woodlands, offering panoramic views over the Bristol Channel, Penarth Pier, and the islands of Flat Holm and Steep Holm. The estate’s origins trace back to the 17th Century when it was known as ‘Kimmin’ Farm. The current Kymin House, a two-storey building, was constructed between the late 1700s and early 1800s. The house underwent significant rebuilding in the 1870s. In 1948, the property was acquired by the local council through a compulsory purchase order. It was later renovated and came under the management of Penarth Town Council in 1982. Kymin House is designated as a ‘County Treasure’ by the Vale of Glamorgan Council. While not a listed building, it holds significant local heritage value. The house features several meeting rooms and facilities, making it suitable for community events, classes, and private functions such as weddings.
The surrounding gardens are open to the public and include woodland paths, seating areas, and pétanque pistes. The Kymin remains an important green space within the Penarth Conservation Area, valued for its historical significance and scenic beauty.
The Penarth Conservative Club
A long-standing members’ social club affiliated with the Association of Conservative Clubs. Established in 1936 and operating from its current premises since 1945, the club serves as a welcoming hub for local residents, offering a range of facilities and events in a relaxed, community-focused setting. The club features multiple rooms, including two function suites – the Prince William Suite (capacity 200) and the Prince Charles Suite (capacity 100) – as well as a snooker room, pool room, darts room, skittle alley and a comfortable lounge with a mini-library. These spaces are available for hire, accommodating various events such as weddings, christenings, conferences and charity functions. Regular activities include entertainment nights, live music, and participation in local leagues for skittles and snooker. The club is family-friendly until 8.30pm and offers amenities like free Wi-Fi, sports TV and on-site parking. Membership is open to individuals aged 18 and over, with non-members welcome when signed in by a member. Drinks are competitively priced, with pints starting at £2.20, and the club maintains a good food hygiene rating.
Address: 15 Stanwell Road
The Penarth Ex-Servicemen’s Club
Affectionately known as The Ex’s’, The Penarth Ex-Servicemen’s Club is a long-standing community venue situated on the main high street through the town centre. Established over a century ago, it offers a welcoming atmosphere for both members and non-members, providing a range of recreational facilities and events. The club features two well-stocked bars, a full-size snooker table, three pool tables, two skittle alleys, darts boards and large-screen TVs broadcasting major sporting events. Regular activities include open mic nights, line dancing, karaoke, salsa dancing, and live music performances. The spacious function room upstairs is available for private hire and can accommodate various events with catering options. Memberships are available for £10 per annum, offering benefits such as discounted drinks and access to club leagues. The club is conveniently situated near public transport links, with Dingle Road Station just a five-minute walk away, and offers free nearby parking after 7pm.
Address: 69 Windsor Road
Penarth Athletic Club
Penarth Athletic Club stands out as a vibrant community hub combining its sporting tradition with a lively social atmosphere. Nestled by the Athletic Field on Lavernock Road, it brings together rugby, cricket, and hockey under one roof with well‑maintained sports pitches and tarmac tennis courts open year‑round. The refurbished clubhouse features the Gooding Lounge, a spacious bar area, outdoor seating, big‑screen TVs, a nearby children’s playground and skittle alley, creating a welcoming space for families. Many events, from match days and televised internationals to private celebrations, take place here with full catering and function‑room hire available. The club’s funding enhancements – especially during the pandemic lockdown – brought marked improvements to facilities that have made the venue buzz with activity. It is a go‑to venue in Penarth for sports, socialising or hosting everything from children’s birthday parties to community gatherings with style and local warmth.
Website: penarthathleticclub.co.uk
Penarth Leisure Centre
Penarth Leisure Centre, located on Andrew Road in Cogan, is a well-equipped community facility offering a wide range of fitness and leisure services for people of all ages and abilities. It features a 120-station gym with cardio, resistance, and free weight areas, a 25-metre swimming pool with a flume and beach-style entry, and two fitness studios hosting over 45 classes per week, including HIIT and pilates. The centre also includes a six-court sports hall, two squash courts, a sauna, steam room and spa pool. Flexible membership plans are available starting at £38 per month. For more details or bookings, visit the official website at leisurecentre.com.
Penarth Masonic Hall
Constructed in 1927, Penarth Masonic Hall is a distinguished Art Deco building which serves as a central hub for Masonic activities in the area, hosting several lodges including Windsor Lodge and Penarth Lodge. The hall features elegant heritage rooms, including a Grand Temple adorned with a domed ceiling decorated with stars and planets. Beyond its Masonic functions, the venue is available for public hire, accommodating events such as weddings, conferences, and community gatherings. With facilities including a dance floor, stage, and catering services, Penarth Masonic Hall remains a prominent fixture in the town’s social and cultural landscape.
Address: 55 Stanwell Road
Telephone: (029) 2070 9330
The Paget Rooms
This historic former dance hall and cinema in the heart of Penarth plays hosts to a wide variety of theatre productions and concerts throughout the year. The Paget Rooms, built in the early part of the 20th Century and now a Grade II-listed building, came into public ownership in 1949 when the former Penarth Urban District Council took over the lease from Kibbor Cinemas Limited. The property is the town’s public hall and can be used for a variety of activities, including shows, dances, coffee mornings, dinners, public meetings, markets and even weddings.
Address:, Victoria Road
Telephone: (029) 2070 0721
Website: www.penarthtowncouncil.gov.uk
Penarth Library
Penarth Library is a vibrant community hub in the Vale of Glamorgan. Housed in an historic Carnegie-funded building dating back to 1906, the library underwent a major refurbishment in 2021, restoring original features and enhancing accessibility with modern amenities. The library offers a wide range of services, including lending books, audiobooks, DVDs, and providing free internet access. It also hosts various community programmes such as a weekly Lego Club for children aged four–12, a Welsh-language storytime session called ‘Amser Stori’, and ‘Digi Drop-in’ sessions offering digital assistance.
Address: 9–10 Stanwell Road
Telephone: (029) 2070 8438
Website: Vale of Glamorgan Libraries
Penarth Pier Pavilion
Penarth Pier Pavilion is a striking Art Deco landmark built in 1929–30 from ferro‑concrete, its vaulted gallery and curved frontage offering panoramic views across the Bristol Channel. Originally designed as an entertainment venue for concerts, dancing and cinema, its elegant architecture and seaside setting have made it a cherished cultural hub . After decades of varied use – including a restaurant, snooker club and ballroom – it was carefully restored in 2013 thanks to a £4 million Heritage Lottery‑backed refurbishment that won several awards. Now managed by the Vale of Glamorgan Council, it serves as a vibrant multi‑use arts centre hosting exhibitions, a 68‑seat cinema, live music, community events, weddings and a café with sweeping sea views . This iconic structure sits at the heart of Penarth’s seafront, blending historical elegance with modern day cultural energy.
Website: valeofglamorgan.gov.uk/Penarth-Pier-Pavilion
Penarth Yacht Club
Penarth Yacht Club, situated on The Esplanade in Penarth, is an historic institution with roots dating back to 1880. Originally established as the Penarth Boat Club, it was renamed Penarth Yacht Club in 1895. The clubhouse, constructed in stages between 1884 and 1895, is a Grade II-listed building that offers panoramic views over the Bristol Channel. The club is renowned for its active participation in sailing and rowing, hosting regular dinghy and cruiser races, as well as coastal rowing events. It serves as a Royal Yachting Association (RYA) training centre, providing sailing instruction for both adults and youth. Notably, Olympic silver medallist Ian Barker has been associated with the club. Beyond its sporting endeavors, Penarth Yacht Club boasts a lively social scene, offering activities such as snooker, dining and various social events throughout the year . The club has also demonstrated a commitment to accessibility; in 2018, it launched the ‘Raise the Lift Appeal’ to install a lift in the historic clubhouse, ensuring that all members, including those with mobility challenges, can access its facilities. With its rich history, commitment to maritime sports, and inclusive community atmosphere, Penarth Yacht Club remains a cornerstone of the local coastal culture.
The Turner House
The Turner House is a historic art gallery located on Plymouth Road in Penarth. Built in 1888 by philanthropist James Pyke Thompson, it was designed by architect Edwin Seward to house Thompson’s personal art collection, which included works by artists such as JMW Turner, Rembrandt and Dante Rossetti. Thompson believed in making art accessible to all, and the gallery was open to the public on Sundays – a progressive idea at the time. In 1921, the gallery was acquired by the National Museum of Wales and served as a venue for its secondary public art collection. From 2003 to 2019, it was home to Ffotogallery, focusing on contemporary photography. Since 2021, Penarth Town Council, in partnership with Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales, has operated The Turner House as a multi-purpose cultural venue. Today, The Turner House hosts a diverse range of free exhibitions and events, including the annual Turner House Open Exhibition, which showcases the creative talents of local artists. The gallery is open Thursday to Sunday from 10am to 4.30pm.
Website: turnerhouse.wales
West House
West House is a handsome former farmhouse-turned-Victorian town residence that now serves as the administrative headquarters of Penarth Town Council and hosts all public council meetings. Its origins trace back to at least the 17th Century, with later owners – ranging from smuggler‑Methodists to local dock officials and prominent businessmen – reshaping and enlarging the building while preserving much of its earlier structure. On the ground floor, the Victorian‑styled Mayor’s Parlour offers an intimate setting for ceremonies of up to around 35-40 people, enhanced by a wood‑paneled interior and ornate fireplace. Adjacent is the renovated Garden Suite, which opens onto a beloved community garden – established in 2018 – providing a verdant outdoor space that earned a national Green Flag commendation. Beyond weddings, the building facilitates a wide array of public functions – from council committees and civic services (like the register office for births and deaths) to corporate meetings, club events and training sessions.
Address: Stanwell Road