Penmark lies north of Cardiff International Airport near the south coast of Wales. It is situated in the Vale of Glamorgan, with Bridgend and Cardiff close by.

The village lies between the beautiful Glamorgan Coast and the rolling countryside of the Vale. The Millennium Heritage Trail wends its way through Penmark en route from Llancarfan to Rhoose and Porthkerry, passing the rocky shore and rugged clifftop scenery at Rhoose Point. Many walkers support our rural pubs and call in for a beer at the Six Bells Pub in Penmark village centre.

The church, dedicated to St Mary, dates back to the 12th or 13th century. However, most of the features are 15th century. The building contains a chancel, nave, south porch, parapet, bell-chamber windows, pointed-arch windows in the nave and chancel, and a tower in the West of the church.

A castle once stood at Penmark, but only the ruins remain, and its history is very brief. Gilbert de Umfraville had a motte and bailey here in the 12th century, and after his marriage to heiress Elizabeth de Umfraville, Oliver de St John became the new owner of the castle.