Portmeirion is a village in Gwynedd, North Wales, that’s only a 10-minute drive away from Snowdonia National Park, but it’s a village like no other in the region
Located just a short 10-minute drive from the breathtaking Snowdonia National Park lies the enchanting village of Portmeirion in north Wales. Designed by renowned Welsh architect Sir Clough Williams-Ellis in the early 20th century, this captivating destination is a major tourist draw in its own right.
Vibrant architecture encloses meticulously landscaped gardens, setting this village apart from any other in Wales. Interestingly, Portmeirion has no permanent residents, schools, cars, or even a local shop.
Instead, it boasts two luxurious four-star hotels – Hotel Portmeirion and Castell Deudraeth – offering guests an unforgettable stay. Additionally, Portmeirion Village features 32 uniquely styled serviced rooms and self-catering cottages, providing visitors with a range of accommodation options.
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This picturesque haven is perfect for a day trip, especially when combined with a hike in nearby Snowdonia. According to the official Portmeirion Cymru (Wales) tourist guide, the village is a “photographer’s dream”, boasting “stunning coastal scenery”, “extensive woodlands” and a charming central piazza.
One delighted visitor, who shared their experience on TripAdvisor, described Portmeirion as “stunning”, praising its surreal architecture and highlighting the opportunity to explore the village and beach.
The traveller, known as “Wanderlust W”, also mentioned the village’s scenic trail, which winds through woodlands and reveals hidden gems, including Japanese gardens and a quaint pet cemetery. This review does raise a point about the “limited” food and drink offerings for non-hotel guests in the area, so it’s suggested to bring along a picnic to enjoy your day.
Some visitors did mention that the buildings might benefit from “a lick of paint”, yet the undeniable, jaw-dropping views on a sun-kissed day were highlighted by all.
Snowdonia National Park
Covering a vast 823 square miles, Snowdonia boasts an impressive nine mountain ranges, stretches across 23 miles of coastline, and is home to 11,000 hectares of rich woodland.
A magnet for hikers globally, the park’s views are reputed to be transcendental, reports the Express.
Moreover, according to a study by Blacks, the sunrises and sunsets at Snowdonia are a photographic favourite, earning the most shots on Instagram among scenic spots.
Discussing Blacks’ findings, outdoor enthusiast Calum Jones remarked: “With spring finally here, there is no better time to start heading outside and enjoying your surroundings.”