A beloved corner of Penarth’s seafront will celebrate a remarkable milestone this spring as the Italian Gardens mark a century since first opening to the public.

Laid out on the site of former boathouses on Penarth Esplanade, the gardens officially opened on 31 March 1926. The project began with the vision of Constance Maillard, the then chairperson of Penarth Town Council, who drew inspiration from gardens she had helped restore in Italy. She worked with Ursula Thomspon, the first female gardener to graduate from Kew Gardens, before designer Wilfred Evans completed the final rock-garden layout.

Today the gardens remain a peaceful green space overlooking the Severn Estuary, known for their exotic planting and tranquil seating areas.

To mark the centenary, Friends of the Italian Gardens will host a celebration on Saturday, 28 March 2026 from 11:30am, featuring mayoral planting, a plaque unveiling, music, raffle prizes and refreshments provided by Sid’s Restaurant.

Later, on Tuesday, 31 March 2026 at 6:30pm will be an Italian Gardens Centenary Talk at Penarth Pier Pavilion, organised by Penarth Civic Society. Join Brenda Gibbins and Janice Lee as they once again perform their part-talk, part-duologue about the life of the remarkable Constance Maillard.