chloedickensonLast Updated on 15th October 2023
This post about visiting Portmeirion Village Wales contains affiliate links.
When I’d seen fellow travel bloggers of mine such as Monica and Ellie visiting Portmeirion Village, I immediately knew that I had to add it to our Wales must-visit list for our road trip around the country.
Our Wales road trip was actually split into two separate journeys and so our visit to Portmeirion was included as part of our North Wales itinerary.
Before our initial trip was cut short, we spent a wonderful few hours exploring this beautiful, albeit weird and wonderful attraction in Gwynedd, North Wales and I’m so excited to tell you more about it today as I definitely think it’s worth adding to your Wales bucket list.
If you’re planning a trip to Wales anytime soon and you’re wondering whether a visit to Portmeirion Village should be on your itinerary, check out my post below about why you need to visit Portmeirion while in Wales!
Read more: The Ultimate 3-Day North Wales Itinerary – Best Things To See On A Road Trip
What you can expect from visiting Portmeirion Village Wales
Created by Welsh architect Clough Williams-Ellis from 1925 to 1976, Portmeirion was designed to show that it was possible to develop an already naturally beautiful site and turn it into something even more magical without ruining it.
The village and gardens are one of the most highly-coveted attractions in Wales and if the 200,000+ visitors each year are anything to go by, it’s safe to say that visiting Portmeirion Village is something that you need to have on your Wales bucket list.
Located in the Welsh county of Gwynedd, Portmeirion Village prides itself on being “a corner of Italy on the coast of Snowdonia” and while I’d heard people compare it to a quintessentially Italian town before, there was a part of me that had reservations about whether it was true or not.
However, as soon as we entered the grounds of Portmeirion, I was transported to a fantastical land full of stunning pastel buildings, palm trees and, miraculously, gorgeous blue skies and sunshine, even though we were still very much in Wales and not the south of Italy.
The grounds of Portmeirion Village Wales are absolutely breathtaking and everywhere you look, there’s something new to discover and marvel at.
There are numerous cafes where you can enjoy lunch (more on that below), plus multiple shops where you can pick up some traditional Welsh souvenirs and items to remember your visit to Portmeirion.
You’ll also find the Hercules Town Hall which is an art and crafts-style village hall that houses stunning ceilings, gorgeous panelling and numerous function rooms that can be privately hired.
From the Clifftop and Chantry Row area of the village, you’ll be blown away by the lush views of the Estuary; a part of Portmeirion that simply cannot be missed!
One of the main highlights of Portmeirion in Wales, in my opinion at least, is the stunning coastal views that you can enjoy near the Mermaid Spa.
From Battery Square, you’ll discover the Campanile Bell Tower and a little balcony area where you can enjoy views over the Central Piazza which features a lovely fountain pool, a gothic pavilion and an awesome giant chess board!
Overall, taking a leisurely wander around Portmeirion Village is a thoroughly enjoyable thing to do in itself, whether you want to visit absolutely every part of the village or not.
Just be sure to keep your eyes peeled around every corner and nook and cranny; you’re sure to uncover something truly beautiful and worth admiring!
Portmeirion accommodation
Fans of Portmeirion Village will be delighted to discover that not only can you spend hours luxuriating in the beauty of the village, but you can also spend a night or two (or longer!) here.
Accommodation at Portmeirion knows no bounds and you have the choice of staying in the spectacular Hotel Portmeirion; a luxury four-star hotel that is undoubtedly one of the most picturesque places to stay in North Wales.
Castell Deudraeth is another incredible four-stay hotel within the Portmeirion grounds and this magnificent castle boasts 11 elegant rooms and suites that are perfect for a more fanciful stay.
The Hotel Portmeirion overlooks the village’s Estuary and come rain or shine, it’s a sight not to be missed. Opened in 1926, Portmeirion’s flagship hotel oozes elegance, luxe and history and while you can certainly enjoy a visit to Portmeirion in just one day, if you’re looking for a visit that’s extra special, a stay at the Hotel Portmeirion certainly delivers on that front.
Inside, you’ll find an art deco-inspired bar and dining room, plus grand Victorian rooms, complete with gorgeous fireplaces and a spectacular 18th-century oak staircase. The hotel also boasts its very own outdoor pool on the immaculate grounds of the lawn, right beside the Estuary.
Alternatively, you can stay in one of the 32 village rooms at Portmeirion, each of which is uniquely decorated and designed in a beautiful, bespoke manner.
Book a stay at Portmeirion Village here.
Dining at Portmeirion Wales
Once you’ve spent a good while mooching around the village, you’ll have likely worked up quite the appetite so you’ll be pleased to know that there are numerous dining options to indulge in at Portmeirion.
Matt and I ate at The Town Hall where we enjoyed delicious handmade sandwiches, crisps and a side salad. I went for the tuna sandwich which was truly yummy, although, for the price of £7 per sandwich, I think I’d have much preferred to bring my own!
If you’re looking for more of a sit-down meal at Portmeirion, the village boasts two fancy restaurants; one in the Hotel Portmeirion and one in Castell Deudraeth. Alternatively, you’ll find more delicious food at Caffi Glas and Caffi No 6 or you can enjoy some delectable Italian gelato at Caffi’r Angel.
Read more: The Best Places To Eat In Swansea Bay, Mumbles & Gower
Opening times
Portmeirion Village is open seven days a week, 9.30 AM to 6.30 PM (last entry 5 PM).
Tickets
When visiting Portmeirion Village in Wales, you can choose to purchase day tickets or annual passes that give you unlimited entrance to Portmeirion Village throughout the year.
Day tickets:
- Adult – £17.00.
- Concessions – £13.50 (60+ or a student with a valid student ID).
- Children – £10 (5-15 years).
Annual passes:
- Adult: £35
- Adult Gold: £70 (free entry for the member and one guest, plus discounts and special offers at Hotel Portmeirion and Castell Deudraeth).
- Children: £20
- Family (2 adults + 2 children) – £85.
Where is Portmeirion?
The village of Portmeirion is located between Penrhyndeudraeth and Porthmadog in Gwynedd, North Wales. It’s located on the coast of Snowdonia in North Wales, approximately 20 minutes from Snowdonia National Park.
Find it: Portmeirion, Minffordd, Penrhyndeudraeth, Gwynedd, LL48 6ER.
How long does it take to go around Portmeirion Village Wales?
Once you’ve purchased your tickets to visit Portmeirion Village, you can spend the whole day there.
However, if you’re a bit pushed for time and you have other places to visit on your North Wales road trip, I’d recommend allocating around 2-3 hours at Portmeirion.
Is Portmeirion worth visiting?
If you fancy exploring a beautiful Italian-esque town in the heart of North Wales, Portmeirion is 100% worth visiting!
It’s an attraction like no other on the coast of North Wales and it’s the perfect place to visit as a couple or with the whole family for a fun and alternative day out in Wales.
Are dogs allowed?
Unfortunately, only service dogs are allowed on-site at Portmeirion.
Who owns Portmeirion in Wales?
Portmeirion is owned and run by a charity called Ymddiriedolaeth Clough Williams-Ellis Foundation. It cannot be bought or sold, so if you were thinking of making an offer to be able to own this little slice of heaven all for yourself, you’ll be disappointed to discover that it’s impossible to do so!
Related posts:
- The Ultimate 3-Day North Wales Itinerary – Best Things To See On A Road Trip
- The Best Things To Do In Swansea Bay, Mumbles & Gower
- The Best Places To Eat In Swansea Bay, Mumbles & Gower
- South Wales Road Trip – The Ultimate Guide Of The Best Things To Do
- The King’s Head Inn Gower – Great Food & Accommodation In Swansea
Pin for later – visiting Portmeirion Village Wales
Have you ever been to Portmeirion Village in Wales? Is it somewhere you’d like to visit after reading this post? Let me know in the comments or on Instagram at @imjustagirl_16.
