Brits go wild for UK town which will make you feel like you're in Italy

Brits yearning for a taste of Italy can find their very own slice of 'la dolce vita' without leaving the country, thanks to the enchanting Welsh village of Portmeirion in Gwynedd, North Wales.

This picturesque spot is captivating visitors with its stunning views, lush gardens, charming cottages, and a selection of shops and eateries that even includes authentic Italian gelato.

Portmeirion, famed as a filming location for various movies and TV shows, boasts striking architecture, palm trees, and numerous outdoor dining options along the sparkling waterfront. Tripadvisor praises it as a "dreamlike world, full of surprises" rich in history, making it an unmissable destination.

One visitor expressed their delight, saying: "There's a definite charm about the place, even visiting on a rainy day like we did, and you'd be hard pushed to find anything else like it."

Another tourist was thrilled by the weather during their visit, commenting: "We were so lucky that the weather was amazing and you could almost believe you were in Italy."

A further satisfied guest noted: "A fantastic place and lots to do. The grounds and gardens were beautiful. The seafront was lovely. We enjoyed coffee, ice cream and a delicious breakfast in the sun."

An Instagram-savvy mum, who offers travel tips under the handle @thetravelmum, has been singing the praises of this "amazing" spot. She posted videos of her trip online, exclaiming: "Portmeirion is a tourist village in north Wales, some say designed and built with inspiration from the Italian town of Portofino.

"You can visit for the day, sit and enjoy some gelato and relax by the beach. If you fancy a treat you can even stay there overnight and enjoy some top class dining. We saw a wedding there too!"

She added: "Bizarrely it has mixed reviews but we really enjoyed visiting somewhere so different."

The bargain-hunting mum-of-four thinks it's perfect for those who "want some Italian vibes but you're broke".

Her followers were quick to support her appreciation of this Welsh beauty spot. One exclaimed: "Wowww can't believe this is Wales." Another added: "Need to add to our list," while another shared a personal memory: "This is where I got married, it is beautiful."

If you wish to plan your journey to Portmeirion, expect at least a five-hour and 50-minute train ride from London. From Manchester and Birmingham, expect roughly five hours and about four hours and 45 minutes respectively.

Many people opt to drive or take a coach for their Welsh getaway.

For those looking for a faster journey, Anglesey Airport is just 30 miles away from Portmeirion, with twice daily flights from Cardiff Airport during the weekdays.

The nearest substantial international airports are Liverpool John Lennon Airport and Manchester Airport, both roughly a two hour drive away. Travelling from Manchester and Liverpool airports will be around 100 miles and will take approximately two hours.

So, for those living in the south, it might be worth considering catching a flight to the north of England first if long car or train journeys aren't your thing.