Nestled on the north-west coast of Wales is Portmeirion, a beautiful Italian/Welsh village that really is too good to miss if you’re visiting Wales.
The village of Portmeirion doesn’t resemble other Welsh towns, but that’s for a very good reason. It was built to replicate the beauty of Italy, just in the tranquil landscape of Wales. It comprises a cluster of colour-washed buildings around a central piazza, scenic surroundings, and woodlands, two hotels, historic cottages, gift shops, its very own spa and a plethora of award-winning restaurants and cafes.
Portmeirion was the brainchild of architect Sir Clough Williams-Ellis. The site was originally the home to a tiny village called Aber Iâ, but by the time the land had been bought in 1925 it had been abandoned, and all that was left were overgrown gardens. Clough bought the site for £5,000 and what he proceeded to do would create an explosion of colours and styles across the village. You may wonder if you’ve just stepped off a plane in Portofino!
Using an eco-friendly approach Clough, whose vision was inspired by a Mediterranean piazza, even sourced endangered buildings and unwanted artefacts from all over the globe and rebuilt them to create a nest of loggias, grand porticoes, and tiny terracotta-roofed houses.
So where does the name ‘Portmeirion’ come from? Clough decided to rename the village to port – because of the coastal location – and merion – after the old county of Merioneth.
Clough kept working on Portmeirion right up until he died in 1978 at age 94. Portmeirion is now owned by a charitable trust who run the cafes and shops on site as well as renting out rooms in the hotel and in the village houses.
Fun fact for you
– Portmeirion was used as a location for various films and TV series, but it was 1960s show The Prisoner
that made it famous. Every June for the last few years, the Portmeirion Italianate village turns into a festival fantasyland for Festival No.6, which got its name from the TV show! The festival has musical gigs, arts and culture and family-friendly activities. They’ve even had raves in the woods for all you partygoers out there! Unfortunately, the organisers are not sure when the next festival will be held, but keep your eyes peeled for any announcements.
Whilst here, you won’t run out of things to do, Portmeirion is a fantastic destination for a multi-generational holiday. It’s so easy to forget you are in Portmeirion, when the sun is shining making the pastel shades pop out or when you discover the white sandy beach of the Dwyryd Estuary. Portmeirion is a place crammed full of quirks and mirages.
The village is set amongst 70 acres of forests with 20 miles of walking paths, hidden lakes, temples, and breath-taking views. Whilst visiting be sure to discover The Gwyllt (Wildwood in Welsh) which features some of Britain’s largest trees, secret gardens, rare flowers and even a derelict castle! Whilst exploring keep an eye out for the exotic Japanese Garden with its pagoda and lake, the secret dog cemetery, tangle Wood, Ghost Garden and Shelter Valley.
Down on the shore is the Amis Reunis, a stone boat that children (and adults) can clamber around. No visit would be complete without seeing the famous ‘Stone Boat’ of Portmeirion.
If your idea of bliss is a glass of wine with a view, there are plenty of terraces overlooking the sea for you to enjoy. There is a great range of eating and drinking options too, from fine dining at Hotel Portmeirion and Castell Deudraeth, to quaint cafes and even a town hall with a restaurant and bar.
And for you shoppers out there, there is also several small shops to visit including a bookshop, boutique, art gallery and a Welsh products store.
Portmeirion is also the home of Portmeirion Pottery, a brand sold all around the world. It was Sir Clough William-Ellis’ daughter Susan who created the pottery company in 1960, so that visitors to the village could take home their very own souvenir after their visit. Be sure to grab one before you leave!
And a major advantage in all this? Twin Twin Rivers is just an hour’s drive away from this quirky Italian inspired town. We are surrounded by Welsh countryside and some breath-taking spots, so why not mix up your traditional Welsh holiday with a little Italian magic.
After being closed due to COVID-19 and coronavirus restrictions, Portmeirion Village is now open again every day from 9.30am to 5.30pm, with main shops, cafes, restaurants, and coffee shops open for business. Unfortunately, neither the Mermaid Spa nor the free land train ride, usually offered to the Oriental Garden, are open for the foreseeable future, but don't let that put you off, there really is so much more to see and do. We guarantee you won't be disappointed!