Portmeirion is an iconicseaside resort in Gwynedd,North Wales, designed and built from 1925 to 1975 in an Italianate style by thearchitect Sir Clough Williams-Ellis. It has been used as a location for manyfilms and television shows, most famously as ‘The Village’ in the 1960stelevision series The Prisoner.
Since its inception,Portmeirion has been run as a hotel, and most ofthe buildings are in fact used as hotel rooms or self-catering cottages, aswell as shops, a cafe, tearoom and restaurant. Unless you are staying withinthe village itself, you will need to pay an entry fee and will only be able tovisit during the day.
Shopping in Portmeirion
The shops in Portmeirionoffer an eclectic mix of products, from Italian coffee machines, designerhomeware, beauty products, toys and games, books and gifts, to souvenirs, The Prisoner memorabilia and the famousPortmeirion Pottery, designed by Sir CloughWilliams-Ellis’ daughter Susan from 1960 to the present day.
Food and Drink in Portmeirion
The main hotel building offers an informal lunchtimemenu from Monday to Saturday, and a three course menu on Sunday lunchtimes,while the estate’s imposing castle, Castell Deudraeth, hosts a modernrestaurant which is open daily for lunch and dinner. The menu is contemporaryand takes full advantage of the fresh local produce. Lunch includes a freeentry pass to the village, valid for the rest of the day.
In addition there is an Italian style pizzeria thatoffers freshly baked pizzas, pastas, paninis and pastries as well as Italiancoffee and wines, and a traditional Italian style gelateria, serving ice creamfreshly made on the premises using locally sourced milk and cream. Finally,there is a self-service cafe in the town hall.
Things to do in Portmeirion
Portmeirion is packedwith iconic architecture, such as the Gothic Pavilion, the Pantheon, theBristol Colonnade, the Bell Tower, the Bridge House and the Piazza, each ofwhich has a fascinating story behind it.
The resort sits on the estuary of the River Dwyryd,and boasts incredible sea views and sandy beaches. An idyllic path winds alongthe coast up to the folly lighthouse that marks the southernmost point ofPortmeirion. With many benches and floral displaysit makes for a very pleasant and relaxing walk, and is a great spot for apicnic.
Portmeirion is surroundedby beautiful gardens. You can pick up a map from the village showing thedesignated trails, which will take you through woodland, past lakes, fishpondsand even a Japanese garden. Along the way you will see many rare species ofplants, including an important collection of rhododendrons, and conifers datingback to Victorian times.
After a long day of exploring the village, why notrelax with a treatment in the village’s own spa?
Visit Portmeirion
Enjoy a holiday with a difference, and a little tasteof Italy, in this truly unique village in North Wales.
