Portmeirion Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Portmeirion featuring a garden and a small town or village
Portmeirion featuring a small town or village
Portmeirion as well as a large group of people
Portmeirion featuring a garden as well as a small group of people
Portmeirion which includes a small town or village
In this village nestled within the woods of Snowdonia see a purpose-built tourist destination where everything is carefully crafted to be as beautiful as possible.

Marvel at the beautifully designed village of Portmeirion, built in the 1920s as an exercise in aesthetics. Italian-style architecture blends in with the wooded hills and overlooks a tranquil, secluded bay. Colorful accommodations are scattered across this picture-perfect village, which is located on the edges of the spectacular Snowdonia National Park.

Admire the designs of Sir Clough Williams-Ellis, the architect behind the Portmeirion experiment. His aim was to recreate a Mediterranean-inspired town and to prove that an area of natural beauty could be developed without being ruined. The village was built in two parts, firstly between 1925 and 1939, then after the war from 1954 to 1976. Williams-Ellis’ beautiful village subsequently became famous as the setting of the cult 1960s TV series The Prisoner.

Start in the Visitor Centre for information on the history of the village. Here, pick up maps of the area and booklets pointing out what you can see. Ask about the free walking tours that happen during peak season, from March to October.

Stroll around the village center to appreciate the results of Williams-Ellis’ hard work. The central piazza transports you to the shores of the Mediterranean, with pastel-colored houses, classical statues and a bell tower. Stop by sights such as the Bristol Colonnade and the Gothic Pavilion, while looking around every corner for more architectural curiosities.

Explore the Gwyllt Wild Gardens, which burst to life with dozens of rare plant species. The mild climate of Portmeirion allows for exotic plants to survive here. Follow one of the walking trails to enjoy the biodiversity of the gardens.

Come to the village in September to experience Festival Number 6. This increasingly popular weekend includes music, comedy and art within this scenic setting.

Portmeirion’s enticingly remote location is easiest to access by car. The nearest major train station is in Blaenau Ffestiniog, although a narrow-gauge steam railway runs to the nearby village of Minffordd. Park next to the village then explore the site on foot. Stay in one of the hotels or cottages in Portmeirion to truly experience the atmosphere of this famously picturesque destination.

Hotel Portmeirion & Castell Deudraeth
Hotel Portmeirion & Castell Deudraeth
4 out of 5
Minffordd, Penrhyndeudraeth, Wales
Stay at this 4-star luxury hotel in Portmeirion. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (583 reviews)
"To stay in a tourist attraction is an amazing experience as you get to see the stunning architecture in the early morning and late evening when the light is at its best."

Reviewed on 27 May 2025

Hotel Portmeirion & Castell Deudraeth
The Royal Victoria Hotel
The Royal Victoria Hotel
3 out of 5
Llanberis, Gwynedd, Caernarfon, Wales
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Caernarfon. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (998 reviews)
"Helpful staff, comfortable room. As I had a very early start I was provided with a "breakfast bag""

Reviewed on 19 Jun. 2025

The Royal Victoria Hotel
Celtic Royal Hotel & Spa
Celtic Royal Hotel & Spa
3 out of 5
Bangor Street, Gwynedd, Caernarfon, Wales
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$278 per night from 30 June to 1 July
NZ$278
30 June - 1 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Caernarfon. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)
"Slighly faded glory old character hotel. Some money has been spent on communal areas and the swimming pool and spa are decent. Would rather stay here than the chain hotel options."

Reviewed on 19 Jun. 2025

Celtic Royal Hotel & Spa
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
SNOWDONIA LOG CABIN RETREAT 4 BERTH FAMILY/PET FRIENDLY. STUNNING MOUNTAIN VIEWS
SNOWDONIA LOG CABIN RETREAT 4 BERTH FAMILY/PET FRIENDLY. STUNNING MOUNTAIN VIEWS
Trawsfynydd
Stay at this cabin in Blaenau Ffestiniog. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities, and balconies. Popular attractions Eryri National Park and Llyn Gelli-Gain are ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (138 reviews)
"10 out of 10"

Reviewed on 13 Jun. 2025

SNOWDONIA LOG CABIN RETREAT 4 BERTH FAMILY/PET FRIENDLY. STUNNING MOUNTAIN VIEWS
GORGEOUS SPACIOUS  FAMILY HOUSE IN THE CENTRE OF ABERSOCH WITH BEACH HUT!
GORGEOUS SPACIOUS FAMILY HOUSE IN THE CENTRE OF ABERSOCH WITH BEACH HUT!
Abersoch
Stay at this vacation home in Pwllheli. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities, and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Clwb Golff Abersoch and Traeth ...
10/10 Exceptional! (80 reviews)
Family gathering
"Fabulous weekend with extended family. Property is great for hosting with lots of space both inside and in the garden area. Parking for multiple vehicles and easy access to the beautiful beach and town area Weather has been fantastic.We love this house!"

Reviewed on 19 May 2025

GORGEOUS SPACIOUS FAMILY HOUSE IN THE CENTRE OF ABERSOCH WITH BEACH HUT!
Beautiful Snowdonia Chalet in  North Wales
Beautiful Snowdonia Chalet in North Wales
Caernarfon
Stay at this chalet in Caernarfon. Enjoy laundry facilities, balconies, and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Redline Indoor Karting and Gypsy ...
Last minute break
"Excellent location and facilities. My son loved it especially the Pool Bar with games wtcExcellent location fir activities and sightseeing in the area."

Reviewed on 16 Apr. 2025

Beautiful Snowdonia Chalet in North Wales
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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