Be instantaneously transported to a charming Italianate village, whilst remaining in the heart of North Wales. Portmeirion Village is one of Wales’ most popular attractions!
Where Wales meets Italy, Portmeirion is a picture-perfect village, that could easily be mistaken for a Mediterranean holiday destination. Discover colourful façades, an elaborate piazza, ornate gardens and breathtaking scenery at Portmeirion Village.
Read on and discover our ultimate guide to Portmeirion, Wales…
Portmeirion Village
When you walk into Portmeirion Village, you’ll instantly feel like you’ve entered a magical world. The Italianate village, designed by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis in the early 20th century has a charming fairytale feel to it. The Riviera-inspired village is home to an intricate piazza, a multitude of colourful facades and turrets aplenty!
Whilst wandering through the colourful village, you’ll come across two hotels, charming cottages, gift shops, a spa and two award-winning restaurants ensuring a fun-filled day for all. A visit to Portmeirion Village is sure to inspire your imagination.
Where is Portmeirion?
Portmeirion is located in the heart of Gwynedd, North Wales. The enchanting Italian style village is located on the edge of Snowdonia National Park, within arms reach of the Llyn Peninsula. Situated on a private peninsula, overlooking the breathtaking coastal scenery of North Wales, Portmeirion is one of Wales’ most popular attractions.
The address for Portmeirion Village is Minffordd, Penrhyndeudraeth, Gwynedd, LL48, 6ER.
Things to do in Portmeirion
There is so much to see and do at Portmeirion, that you’ll be spoilt for choice! Take a stroll through the delightful village with its colourful buildings and a variety of shops and cafes. Or maybe spend some time exploring the 70 acres of woodland (The Gwyllt), full of winding pathways, hidden spaces and coastal views. Portmeirion’s gardens are also home to an exotic Japanese Garden, complete with a picturesque, lily-covered lake, as well as the Ghost Garden, Shelter Valley and the Oriental Garden.
The white sandy beaches of the Dwyryd Estuary are the perfect place to soak up the sun and enjoy an ice cream from Angel Ices Gelateria. Or why not take a leisurely stroll along the coastal path towards the end of the peninsula, with dramatic views of the Snowdonia mountains and coastline.
And finally, no visit to Portmeirion Village would be complete without visiting the Amis Reunis. The Amis Reunis of Portmeirion was previously used as a houseboat and her remains can be seen off the coast of Portmeirion during low tide. Clough decided to build a stone boat, in homage to the original Amis Reunis – a fantastic place for children to play a game of pirates!
How to Get to Portmeirion
You can get to Portmeirion by car, train, bus or on foot.
By Car: Portmeirion is around a mile from Minfordd and is signposted from the A487. Enter LL48 6ER into your sat nav for directions to the car park. Parking is available at the entrance to Portmeirion Village.
By Bus: A daily bus service runs from Porthmadog, operating between March and October.
By Train: Transport for Wales operates a daily service from London Euston, stopping off at Llandudno Junction or Bangor. From Llandudno, you can then get a train to Blaenau Ffestiniog, before boarding the Ffestiniog Railway to Minffordd. From Bangor Station, the easiest way to get to Portmeirion is via taxi. Alternatively, The Cambrian Coast line runs from Pwllheli to Machynlleth, stopping off at Minffordd. For more information on public transport options, head to the Traveline Cymru website.
Portmeirion and The Prisoner
The 1960’s cult classic series, The Prisoner, was filmed in Portmeirion Village. Starring Patrick McGoohan, The Prisoner is well known as one of the most influential pieces of television of the 1960s. Every year Portmeirion is home to The Prisoner Convention, with public events attracting fans from near and far. You’ll even find official clothing and merchandise at The Prisoner Shop in Portmeirion Village.
Places to Eat in Portmeirion
From light snacks to three-course meals, there’s plenty of places to eat in Portmeirion to satisfy all tastebuds.
Hotel Portmeirion – Portmeirion’s award-winning Art Deco Dining Room serves contemporary Welsh cuisine with fantastic views over the Dwyryd Estuary, whilst the Bar and Terrace is the perfect spot to enjoy a light bite or Afternoon Tea.
Castell Deudraeth – Castell Deudraeth is home to The Brasserie and The Lounge & Bar, offering a brasserie-style menu using the best local ingredients.
The Town Hall – A 1950’s style cafe, serving home-cooked meals in a relaxed friendly atmosphere.
Cafes – Portmeirion Village is home to a variety of cafes on-site, including Caffi Glas; Caffi No 6, Caffi’r Sgwâr and Caffi’r Angel.
Opening Times and Portmeirion Prices
Portmeirion Village is open for day visits every day of the year from 09:30 to 17:30 (excluding Christmas Day). The cost to enter Portmeirion is as follows;
- Adults: £13.00
- Children: £12
- Under 5: Free
- Students: £16
- Seniors (60+): £16
Free entry to Portmeirion Village is available with a pre-booked two-course lunch at Castell Deudraeth Brasserie or a pre-booked Afternoon Tea or Sunday Lunch at The Hotel Portmeirion. Check out these 14 Free Things to do in North Wales for some low-budget holiday inspiration.
Current Opening Times and Prices
Check out the Portmeirion website for current prices and opening hours.
Portmeirion Cottages
If you’re looking for a place to stay whilst visiting Portmeirion in Wales, be sure to check out these hand-picked cottages near Portmeirion, the ideal base to explore this Riviera-inspired village.
Image Credits: Mike Prince; Scott Wylie (CC BY 2.0)
