The pretty UK seaside town surrounded by mountains dubbed ‘the Garden by the Sea

Penarth is as pretty as a picture, a small seaside town in the Cardiff Urban Area, itself the second largest town in the stunning Vale of Glamorgan.

The town made its name in the Victorian era, its streets to this day giving away a historic majesty.

Back in the day, Penarth was known as ‘The Garden by the Sea’, its pristine gardens and mountainous backdrop lending itself well to the moniker.

It attracted people from all over the Midlands and the West Country, as well as day trippers from the South Wales Valleys.

Today, its traditional seafront set-up, close proximity to Cardiff city, as well as easy access to the countryside and nature make Penarth a great weekend escape or even a permanent bolthole all year round.

People have lived in Penarth for more than 5,000 years, but it wasn’t until the Victorian period that it really came into its own.

Grand townhouses and colourful promenades have lured people to set up shop and call Penarth home.

There’s no surprise: with an average house price of £346,781 and a 19 percent yearly growth rate, compared to other seaside towns in the UK, Penarth is a steal.

At the heart of the town is a 19th-century arcade, an art-deco pavilion and the old pier.

Because it is so close to the capital, unlike other seaside dwellings, Penarth is a place that’s lively 365 days a year, not just in the summer months.

It means revellers wanting a whiff of the coastal air but the feel of the bright lights of a city can find everything they need this winter.

There’s something for everyone in the town, from the Turner House for art exhibitions for those wanting to itch the culture spot, to the historic pier for those wanting seaside views and hot fish and chips on a crisp day.

For the outdoorsy, the superb Lavernock Point offers access to Wales’ coastal paths that take you past an array of places of interest, including Sully Island, The Captain’s Wife pub, Marconi Plaque at St Lawrence Church, Penarth Esplanade and the famous Penarth Pier which has a ferry service to Ilfracombe in the summer months.

Mike Watkins of Mr & Mrs Clarke estate agents told The Telegraph that the place to live is Marine Parade which has “some of the most coveted addresses in all of Wales” — a street lined with snaking driveways leading to grand detached houses, all tucked away behind fancy gates and railings.

The luxury of Cardiff Bay and its vast selection of bars, pubs, and restaurants is also on the cards, the area being just a short walk away via the barrage.

Albert Primary School received an “outstanding” Ofsted rating in 2015, and secondary school Stanwell School was rated as “excellent” by Wales’ educational inspection body, Estyn.