Hidden UK spot that rivals Italian coastal towns is a short trip from Birmingham

Brits yearning for a taste of the Italian lifestyle don't need to fly all the way to Italy, as there's a stunning village in Wales that offers a European getaway without leaving the country.

Portmeirion, tucked away in Gwynedd, North Wales, is captivating visitors with its breathtaking views, lush sub-tropical gardens, charming cottages, and an array of shops, cafes, and eateries serving authentic Italian gelato.

A favourite location for film and television productions, Portmeirion shines with its colourful architecture, palm trees, and numerous outdoor dining options along the sparkling waterfront. Tripadvisor users have described it as a "dreamlike world, full of surprises" with a rich history, making it an unmissable attraction.

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One visitor expressed: "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."

While another said: "We were so lucky that the weather was amazing and you could almost believe you were in Italy.",

A third tourist commented: "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 shares travel tips under @thetravelmum, has been singing praises of this "amazing" spot. She posted clips of her trip online, saying: "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 reckons it's the ideal getaway for those craving "want some Italian vibes but you're broke".

Her followers were quick to pile on the love for the Welsh gem. One user exclaimed: "Wowww can't believe this is Wales."

Another added: "Need to add to our list," while a third shared their own special memory: "This is where I got married, it is beautiful."

Planning a trip to Portmeirion?

Expect at least five hours and 50 minutes on the train from London. From Manchester, it's around a five-hour trek, and from Birmingham, you're looking at about four hours and 45 minutes by train.

Many choose to hit the road or hop on a coach for a Welsh escape.

For those after a quicker route, Anglesey Airport is just 30 miles away from Portmeirion, offering twice daily flights from Cardiff Airport during the week.

The closest significant international airports to Portmeirion are Liverpool John Lennon Airport and Manchester Airport, both roughly a two-hour drive away. The trip from both Manchester and Liverpool airports is about 100 miles and takes 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.