Hidden UK town resembles lush Italian getaway – and Brits can't get enough

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

With its stunning views, lush sub-tropical gardens, charming cottages, and a selection of shops, cafes, and eateries serving authentic Italian gelato, Portmeirion is captivating visitors.

This picturesque location, often used as a filming location for movies and TV shows, boasts striking architecture, palm trees, and numerous outdoor dining options along the sparkling seaside. Tripadvisor reviews hail it as a "dreamlike world, full of surprises" with a rich history, making it an unmissable destination.

Visitors have been vocal in their praise, with one 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 visitor commented on the weather: "We were so lucky that the weather was amazing and you could almost believe you were in Italy."

Tourists are also impressed by the variety of activities available, as one 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."

The popular travel influencer @thetravelmum has also shared her enthusiasm for Portmeirion on Instagram, posting clips of her trip and 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 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 Coventry, it's around three hours. 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.