Yahoo News The Welsh village that's so jaw-dropping gorgeous they charge an entry fee
Portmeirion is a stunning Welsh location, famous for its Italianate architecture, beautiful gardens, and of course for its role as the setting for classic TV series, The Prisoner. It has hundreds of thousands of visitors every year who flock to walk its streets and even stay and attend events there.
But what impression does it give to a first time visitor? Manchester reporter Emma Gill visited, and this is what she found...
Having resided in Stoke-on-Trent for some time, Portmeirion is synonymous with pottery for me. However, I only recently found out that its spiritual home is the village in North Wales from which it takes its name.
The village, tucked into the hillside overlooking Cardigan Bay, is the brainchild of architect Sir Clough Williams-Ellis, who constructed it between 1925 and 1975 as an homage to the Italian Mediterranean. His daughter, Susan established, Portmeirion pottery in 1960, creating souvenirs for the village shop. Find out about the latest events in Wales by signing up to our What's On newsletter here
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But the shops are merely a fraction of what draws visitors to this unique pay-to-enter village, now one of Wales' top tourist hotspots and famously known as the setting for the 1960s cult TV show The Prisoner.
Despite the striking resemblance, Sir Clough always refuted claims that it was modelled on the seaside village of Portofino on the Italian Riviera. He maintained that it was designed to evoke the overall ambience of the sun-kissed region, reports the Manchester Evening News. Regardless, it's a breathtaking location, adorned with pastel-coloured buildings and stunning woodlands and gardens. The village is brimming with visual delights and architectural details that echo not just Italy, but also France and Spain. Try WalesOnline Premium for FREE by clicking here for no ads, fun puzzles and brilliant new features
Portmeirion offers a variety of accommodation options, including two hotels, self-catering facilities, and a motorhome park. You can even indulge in a spa break. Hotel Portmeirion is located on the waterfront and boasts a heated outdoor pool, while Castell Deudraeth is styled in gothic architecture. Day visitors are also welcome, as we discovered during our Easter holiday visit.
Upon booking, you're allocated an entry time slot, but once inside, you're free to leisurely explore the buildings and absorb the unique charm at your own pace. The central piazza features a giant chessboard and a shallow fountain pool, beautifully adorned with spring tulips.
Our trip was blessed with dry, albeit mostly overcast weather, and the tide was high. However, in warmer months, visitors can venture to the white sandy beaches of the Dwyryd Estuary, where they'll find hidden caves, gullies, and a plethora of intriguing plants. We took a stroll along part of the coastal path, which offered breathtaking views of the surrounding hills. A must-see is Amis Reunis, or 'Friends Reunited', the renowned Stone Boat of Portmeirion.
But soon it was time to return and discover the culinary delights this place has to offer. We decided to dine at the Town Hall Cafe, a 1950s style diner offering a variety of hot and cold meals and snacks. The prices were surprisingly reasonable considering the location.
We both chose the chicken burger with chips and smoked paprika mayo, which was priced at £12.50. The ingredients were fresh and delicious, and our order was served with a smile within 15 minutes. We must have timed our visit perfectly as queues began to form for the tables as we were leaving, and customers were being informed of a 40-minute wait for food.
However, there are plenty of places to grab a bite to eat, and many people had chosen to sit at the tables and benches surrounding the fountain pool or in the equally vibrant Battery Square.
There are also several shops to explore, including the world's only Prisoner TV Show Shop, which sells a range of official Prisoner merchandise featuring the iconic penny-farthing logo. Indeed, references to the show can be found throughout the entire village, including a bronze bust of actor Patrick McGoohan located in the old toll booth near the entrance.
Regardless of whether you're a fan of the show or not (I personally had never heard of it), this place has enough charm to captivate anyone. The village is open daily from 9.30am until 6.30pm, with last entry at 5pm. Tickets cost £20 for adults and £12 for children aged five to 15.
Entry is free for children under five. Visitors are advised to book online.
