An unusual attraction in North Wales is an Italian style village called Portmerion, which attracts around 250,000 visitors a year.
However, visitors are intrigued with its scenic coastal location and the unaccustomed style and design of the village. It is quite out of character to the rest of Wales and in essence, it is a fantasy village.
Designed and built by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis between 1925 and 1975 and built from fragments of demolished buildings that came from all corners of Britain, the vision was a tribute to the beauty of the Mediterranean where he drew admiration from some of the Italian coastal village settings.
Portmerion is built on a peninsula overlooking the estuary of the river Dwyryd and surrounded by stunning landscaped gardens and woods, where there are amazing walks with beautiful elevated views of the Welsh coastline. The grounds extend over 70 acres including sub-tropical woodlands surrounding the village and miles of sandy beaches.
The 1960’s cult TV series called ‘The Prisoner’ starring Patrick McGoohan, featured Portmerion as ‘The Village’ in an unusual spy drama where retired spies were interrogated and were only ever known by their number allocated to them. McGoohan was known as ‘Number 6’ and made regular escape attempts only to be captured by huge inflated ‘Golf Balls’ that would continually return him to the village.
TOUR TIP:
If you plan to incorporate Portmerion into your touring day, you can gain complimentary entrance if you pre-book a two course lunch or take the three course Sunday lunch. Another option is to include a Welsh Afternoon Tea served in the Portmerion Hotel lounge. These options must be pre-booked in advance to qualify for complimentary entrance.
TOUR AND STAY
The village of Portmerion also makes for an unusual overnight stop whilst touring Wales. The village features two stylish hotels, one right on the sea front and the other a castle in the grounds of Portmerion. Many of the buildings throughout the village also act as annexe accommodation to the hotels. The restaurants in both hotels feature local specialities. For further information visit: https://portmeirion.wales/stay
Why not contact us now to secure your private tour arrangements and dates for you custom designed tour of Wales.
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