Exploring the Enchanting Portmeirion Village | A Must-Visit Destination in North Wales

Nestled in the stunning North Wales coast, Portmeirion Village is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a unique and charming experience. Designed and built by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis between 1925 and 1975, this picturesque village boasts stunning Mediterranean-style architecture and is surrounded by beautiful gardens and woodlands. Portmeirion's colourful buildings, quirky shops, and cosy cafes offer visitors a delightful escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life, making it a perfect destination for those seeking peace and tranquillity. 

Whether you're a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply looking to soak up some Welsh culture, Portmeirion village is a destination you won't want to miss. And that is why during our holiday to North Wales last year, we made sure to set aside a day to visit and explore Portmeirion.

History of Portmeirion Village

The history of Portmeirion village is a fascinating story that dates back to the early 20th century. The visionary behind the village, Sir Clough Williams-Ellis, was a Welsh architect who believed that the built environment could be both functional and beautiful. He began work on Portmeirion in 1925, and over the next 50 years, he transformed the site into a masterpiece of architecture and design. Sir Clough was inspired by the Mediterranean and wanted to create a village that blended seamlessly into its natural surroundings. He carefully chose the location of each building, ensuring that they complemented the landscape and enhanced the beauty of the surrounding gardens and woodland. 

Over the years, Portmeirion has been visited by many famous figures, including George Bernard Shaw, H.G. Wells, and Noël Coward, who all fell in love with its charm and beauty.

Today, Portmeirion remains a testament to Sir Clough's vision, and visitors can enjoy exploring this unique and enchanting village while learning about its rich and fascinating history.

What to see and do in Portmeirion Village

Portmeirion village is a great destination for a day out. There are plenty of things to see and do in the village, including exploring the stunning architecture, gardens, and beaches. You can also enjoy a leisurely meal at one of the village's many restaurants and cafes, or attend one of the many events that take place throughout the year. If you're interested in history or architecture, you can take a guided tour to learn more about the village's fascinating past.

Some of the top things to see and do in Portmeirion Village are listed below.

Explore the village

Portmeirion is a pedestrian-friendly village, which makes it perfect for leisurely strolls. You can take a walk around the village and admire the stunning Mediterranean-style architecture, colourful buildings, and beautiful gardens. A photo opportunity waits at every turn.

Relax at the main piazza

The main piazza at Portmeirion village is the central square of the village and is often considered the heart of the community. 

The square is surrounded by a cluster of colourful buildings and is adorned with fountains, gardens, and statues. It is a bustling hub of activity and a popular spot for visitors to gather, relax, and take in the sights and sounds of the village.

Visit the Pantheon

The Pantheon is a striking building located in the heart of Portmeirion village. It was inspired by the Pantheon in Rome and like that building this one also features a large central dome with a circular opening at the top, which allows light to flood the interior. The dome is supported by eight columns, which are adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures.

Inside, the Pantheon houses an impressive collection of artworks and sculptures, many of which were created by Sir Clough himself. The building also features a gift shop, where visitors can purchase souvenirs and mementos of their visit.

Relax in the stunning gardens

Portmeirion is surrounded by beautiful gardens, which are perfect for a relaxing afternoon. Admire the colourful flowers, listen to the birds singing, and soak up the peaceful atmosphere. I loved the natural landscape here.

Known as The Gwyllt (Wildwood in Welsh), the subtropical forest at Portmeirion features some of Britain's largest trees, secret gardens, rare flowers and even a derelict castle. Speaking to one of the staff members on site, we were surprised to learn that the gardens/woodlands at Portmeirion are spread over 70 acres with around 19 miles of pathways cutting through the forests and along the coast.

There is a beautiful Japanese Garden as well with a traditional pagoda and a lily-covered lake.

Visit the beach

The village is located on a peninsula, which means it has its own private beach. The white sandy beaches of the Dwyryd Estuary with its hidden caves and interesting coastal plants are great for exploring as well as for spending time relaxing on the sand or taking a dip in the sea.

Please check the high tide times before you venture out into the waters.

Enjoy a meal

Portmeirion has several restaurants and cafes, which offer a variety of delicious dishes. Whether you're looking for a quick bite or a leisurely meal, there's something for everyone.

Here are some of the dining options available at Portmeirion:

• The Hotel Portmeirion - The hotel has two restaurants: the fine-dining restaurant, which offers a menu of locally sourced and seasonal ingredients, and the more casual Brasserie, which serves classic dishes with a modern twist.
• Caffi'r Angel - Located in the village square, Caffi'r Angel is a cosy café that serves breakfast, lunch, and afternoon tea. The café's menu features a selection of sandwiches, soups, salads, and cakes, as well as a variety of hot and cold drinks.
• The Town Hall - A 1950s style cafe with bar and terrace and a range of hot and cold take-away meals and drinks.
• The Coffee Shop - Located near the entrance of the village, The Coffee Shop is a quaint café that serves a selection of cakes, pastries, and hot and cold drinks.
• Ice Cream Parlour - The Ice Cream Parlour is a popular spot for ice cream lovers, with a variety of flavours available to choose from.
• Number 6 - This café and bar offers a relaxed atmosphere, with a menu that features a selection of pizzas, burgers, and sharing platters, as well as a variety of drinks.

Go shopping at Portmeirion Village

Portmeirion village has several shopping outlets that offer a range of souvenirs, gifts, and local produce. You can visit the Pottery to purchase a variety of pottery items, including plates, cups, and teapots, as well as decorative pieces and gift sets or head to the gift shop which has souvenirs like postcards, books and clothing, as well as jams, chutneys, and other food products made in Wales.

Opening times and ticket prices at Portmeirion Village

Portmeirion Village is open throughout the year (closed only on the 25th & 26th December) but their main season is March to beginning of November when the opening times are 9:30am-6:30pm (last entry at 5pm). The off season is from the first week of November to the beginning of March during which time the opening hours are 9:30am-5.30pm (last entry at 4pm).

However, it is advisable to call the venue (on 01766 770000) before travelling to confirm the opening hours on the given day.

Ticket prices for Portmeirion village generally vary depending on factors such as age, group size, and time of year.

It is recommended to check the official Portmeirion website or contact them directly to get the most up-to-date information on ticket prices and any discounts or special offers that may be available.
https://portmeirion.wales

How to get to Portmeirion Village

Portmeirion Village is located in Gwynedd, North Wales and can be reached by various modes of transportation. 

Portmeirion | Minffordd, Penrhyndeudraeth, Gwynedd, LL48 6ER
T: 01766 770000

If you are driving, take the A487 and follow the signs to Porthmadog. Once you reach Porthmadog, take the A497 towards Penrhyndeudraeth, and follow the brown signs to Portmeirion. The village has its own car park, which is free for visitors.

If you prefer to travel by train, Porthmadog has its own railway station and is served by the Cambrian Coast Line, which connects to several major cities in the UK. From the station, you can take a taxi or bus to Portmeirion, which is about 2 miles away.

Additionally, several bus companies operate services to the village, with routes connecting from Porthmadog, Bangor, and other surrounding towns.

Finally, if you prefer a more scenic route, you can even take a ferry to Portmeirion from nearby towns such as Barmouth and Penrhyn. Regardless of how you choose to get there, the journey to Portmeirion is sure to be as enchanting as the destination itself.

Overall, we enjoyed our visit to Portmeirion Village. It is a unique and picturesque destination that offers a one-of-a-kind experience. The stunning architecture, the beautiful natural surroundings, the fascinating history of the village - everything was a major draw for us. We loved the time we spent at the Village. It was a great day out and one of the highlights of our trip to North Wales (the other places we visited were the Llanfair Slate Caverns and Aber Falls; do check those out as well).