Friday 27 May 2016

Sunshine in May

Last weekend we were in Cardiff with surprisingly beautiful weather as the forecast had been unsettled. Penarth is just across the bay from Cardiff City and just round the headland is the beautiful Penarth Pier. 

The Pier was constructed in 1898 and has had quite a variety of mishaps and rebuilds, the latest renovation being completed in 2013.

It was lovely to walk along listening to the sea ebbing to and fro beneath us. The views on all side were amazing: looking east towards Cardiff, west towards Barry Island and looking south we could see Clevedon in Somerset.

Penarth Pier
Me and Mum 
Looking west - such beautiful panel designs 
Three generations enjoying the sun on Penarth Pier 
We wandered a little along from the pier to The Beach House where we had scones with jam and cream and a cup of coffee - perfect afternoon treat. 

After our stroll along the front we drove a little way inland to Cosmeston Country Park, an old quarry that is now two lakes, a medieval village and plenty of parkland. Such a sunny afternoon with plenty of swans, ducks and seagulls eating the bounteous amount of bread thrown by all the little visitors - a lovely sight. 

Any more food? 
Bottoms Up
So clear you can see how
vertical the swans are
An abundance of fish 
It was such a lovely sunny day, so relaxing by the lakes. 

We also popped into The Pumping Station which as it's name sugggests is an old pumping house on the Ely River. It's now an antique centre and an array of various goods fill every inch of this Victorian building. Inside the orginal metal stairways lead you up and down, through many rooms all with the original features - it seems endless inside.

Beautiful Victorian Building 
On the Ely River
Inside the original features house items
 from times gone by
Our final treat was dinner at our 'must visit' restaurant Miller & Carter The Hayes. It's always a lively place but you can chat at your table with ease. Their signature meat is steak, some cuts are massive, but their chicken, fish and other dishes are so good too it's hard to chose. It is always a highlight on our visit to South Wales.

Family meal at Miller & Carter
A lovely weekend in South Wales in the sun, I'm sure we'll be visiting again soon.