Visit Portmeirion – A Slice of Italy on the Welsh Coast
Perhaps the quirkiest place to visit along the Wales Coast Path is Portmeirion, a stunning Italianate-style village perched along the Dwyryd Estuary, in the community of Penrhyndeudraeth, near Porthmadog. Whether you stop off on your Wales Coast Path walk or make a day of it, if you’re staying in Eryri, Portmeirion is a must-visit.
I have always been enchanted by Portmeirion, and have enjoyed many visits across the several decades of my life. I have memories of visiting as a child, and I have introduced many people to this beautiful spot over the years.
There’s plenty to do on a visit to Portmeirion, from taking a stroll around the village, through the woodland and along to the estuary, to dining at one of the selection of restaurants and cafés and visiting the shops and galleries, browsing the iconic Portmeirion pottery and purchasing a tasty treat or two to take home.
About Portmeirion
The village of Portmeirion was built by Welsh architect Sir Clough Williams-Ellis, who acquired the site in 1925. Williams-Ellis was a tireless environmental campaigner, a founding member of the Council for the Protection of Rural England and the Council for the Protection of Rural Wales, and an advocate for the establishment of National Parks in both England and Wales.
Through Portmeirion, Williams-Ellis wanted to demonstrate how a naturally beautiful location could be developed to enhance the environment, rather than spoiling it. Over nearly 50 years, he developed this truly unique village, which included several buildings that had been salvaged from demolition sites, giving rise to Williams-Ellis’ description of Portmeirion as ‘a home for fallen buildings’.
You can hear Clough Williams-Ellis tell the fascinating story of Portmeirion himself here.
Where have I seen Portmeirion Before?
A location as iconic as Portmeirion is bound to attract cameras, and many people recognise the village from the big and small screen. Perhaps most famously, Portmeirion had a starring role as ‘The Village’ in The Prisoner, which aired in 1967 and 1968. It also featured in Doctor Who in 1976, and has served as a location in episodes of Cold Feet and CBeebies series Gigglebiz.
How can I visit Portmeirion?
Most visitors to Portmeirion come for the day. Portmeirion opens for day visitors at 9:30am, with last entry at 5pm during the summer season, and 4:30pm in the winter.
If you’d like to discover Portmeirion by night, the only way to do so is to stay. You can stay in one of two four-star hotels, or in a suite or self-catering cottage in the heart of the village. Alternatively, if you have a motorhome, you can book one of their pitches.
How can I get to Portmeirion?
There are plenty of ways to travel to Portmeirion for a visit.
If you’re walking the Wales Coast Path, the route will take you right to the entrance on the walk from Harlech to Porthmadog (or Porthmadog to Harlech). If you’re walking north, you’ll enjoy stunning views of the village from across the estuary before you get there.
The entrance of Portmeirion is also just a mile from Minfford Station, which is well served along the train line from Pwllheli to Birmingham New Street, and is also a stop on the heritage Ffestiniog Railway.
You can also reach Portmeirion via bus or car.
Where can I buy tickets to visit Portmeirion?
You can purchase tickets and plan your visit on the Portmeirion website.
A walk along the Wales Coast Path is an amazing adventure, so what are you waiting for?! If you’re ready to start planning your walk, you can find lots of resources to help you on your way here.
