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Portmeirion is an iconic seaside resort in Gwynedd, North Wales, designed and built from 1925 to 1975 in an Italianate style by the architect Sir Clough Williams-Ellis. It has been used as a location for many films and television shows, most famously as ‘The Village’ in the 1960s television series The Prisoner.

Since its inception, Portmeirion has been run as a hotel, and most of the buildings are in fact used as hotel rooms or self-catering cottages, as well as shops, a cafe, tearoom and restaurant. Unless you are staying within the village itself, you will need to pay an entry fee and will only be able to visit during the day.

Shopping in Portmeirion

The shops in Portmeirion offer an eclectic mix of products, from Italian coffee machines, designer homeware, beauty products, toys and games, books and gifts, to souvenirs, The Prisoner memorabilia and the famous Portmeirion Pottery, designed by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis’ daughter Susan from 1960 to the present day.

Food and Drink in Portmeirion

The main hotel building offers an informal lunchtime menu from Monday to Saturday, and a three course menu on Sunday lunchtimes, while the estate’s imposing castle, Castell Deudraeth, hosts a modern restaurant which is open daily for lunch and dinner. The menu is contemporary and takes full advantage of the fresh local produce. Lunch includes a free entry pass to the village, valid for the rest of the day.

In addition there is an Italian style pizzeria that offers freshly baked pizzas, pastas, paninis and pastries as well as Italian coffee and wines, and a traditional Italian style gelateria, serving ice cream freshly 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 packed with iconic architecture, such as the Gothic Pavilion, the Pantheon, the Bristol Colonnade, the Bell Tower, the Bridge House and the Piazza, each of which 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 along the coast up to the folly lighthouse that marks the southernmost point of Portmeirion. With many benches and floral displays it makes for a very pleasant and relaxing walk, and is a great spot for a picnic.

Portmeirion is surrounded by beautiful gardens. You can pick up a map from the village showing the designated trails, which will take you through woodland, past lakes, fishponds and even a Japanese garden. Along the way you will see many rare species of plants, including an important collection of rhododendrons, and conifers dating back to Victorian times.

After a long day of exploring the village, why not relax with a treatment in the village’s own spa?

Visit Portmeirion

Enjoy a holiday with a difference, and a little taste of Italy, in this truly unique village in North Wales.