Only a few miles from Cardiff, Penarth has been a magnet for holiday makers and day visitors for more than a century. Its Victorian and Edwardian founders created a resort of great elegance and beauty and their legacy is an attractive, bustling town of charm and character. With its superb parks, beautiful seafront gardens, Esplanade and Pier, Penarth is justifiably known as the Garden By The Sea. Overlooking the Esplanade are the impressive Italian Gardens, while Windsor Gardens and Alexandra Park offer an inviting combination of winding pathways, quiet corners and landscaped areas. From the Esplanade an attractive coastal path leads out to Lavernock Point. The park contains more than 200 acres of lakes, woodland walks and natural beauty, while Cosmeston Medieval Village- one of the most exciting heritage projects in South Wales - provides an enthralling glimpse of 14th century life.