Portmeirion: The Italian-inspired Welsh Village
In our opinion there's one local attraction that simply can't be missed: Portmeirion. This charming village, located on the coast of North Wales, is an architectural marvel that has captured the hearts of visitors for generations. In this blog post, we'll explore what makes Portmeirion so special and why it's worth visiting.
Looking out over Portmeirion Village
Portmeirion was designed and built by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis between 1925 and 1975. The village is a unique combination of styles, featuring elements of Italian and Welsh architecture. The result is a visually stunning landscape that's unlike anything else in the world.
As you approach Portmeirion, you will see the colourful buildings and gardens that make up the village, all surrounded by the beautiful natural scenery of North Wales. Once inside, you will find a charming collection of narrow streets, winding pathways, and hidden corners to explore. You can wander through the village's beautiful gardens, including the stunning Gwyllt Gardens, which are designed to blend seamlessly into the surrounding landscape.
Portmeirion is also home to several shops and restaurants, making it a great destination for shopping especially if you like the pottery. You can also enjoy a meal at one of the high-end restaurants, which serve delicious food made from locally-sourced ingredients. Top tip – Sunday lunch or high tea at the restaurant or hotel includes free entry.
Eating there isn’t cheap so you might want to bring a picnic but if you are looking to indulge, we recommend the ice creams.
The light house at Portmeirion
Sir Clough Williams-Ellis originally designed Portmeirion as a statement against the bleak and dreary architecture of the time. His vision was to create a vibrant, colourful space that celebrated life and beauty. Today, Portmeirion continues to embody this spirit, and has it’s own unique charm.
If we haven’t convinced you or you are looking for an insight into the village we recommend this ITV show “The Village” about the site and people who work there. It’s a delightful insight into the charm of Portmeirion.
There is a lot to explore beaches, woods and hidden little architectural charms like the lighthouse so make the most of the visit and explore the whole site. We recommend you can spend at least three hours here to get the most out of your visit.
For families note the whole site isn’t buggy friendly and accessible so maybe take a carry rucksack if that’s an option. We have one available in the house you can borrow, if you prefer a buggy you can still explore the majority of the site just not all the walks. Overall, it’s very family friendly and a great place to take children as the buildings are fun and full of corners to explore.
Some fun facts about Portmeirion:
1. Portmeirion was the setting for the popular 1960s television show "The Prisoner." The show's iconic architecture and scenery have made it a cult favorite among fans of the series. We really enjoyed watching this and would recommend it.
2. Jools Holland is a regular visitor, we recommend watching his short video about why he loves Portmeirion. Other famous fans include Noel Coward, Brian Epstein (who lived in the Gatehouse for seven years) and George Harrison.
3. The village's colorful buildings and gardens were inspired by the Italian town of Portofino, located on the Italian Riviera.
4. Portmeirion is home to the only statue of Welsh poet and writer William Williams, also known as "Pantycelyn," outside of his hometown of Llandovery.
5. Portmeirion has been the site of several music festivals, including Festival No. 6, which has featured performances by bands such as New Order, Franz Ferdinand, and James Blake.
6. The village has appeared in several films, including "The Shell Seekers" and "Under Milk Wood."
Overall, Portmeirion is a beautiful and unique destination that should not be missed.
Key information:
35 minute drive away, big carpark - note it gets busy peak season (LL48 6ER - https://goo.gl/maps/6XtQ1cHp12u968CB8).
Entry from £10 low season, £18 high season (see tip about Sunday lunch including free entry).
Average visit time 2.5 hours.
Views from Portmeirion
