Portmeirion
Portmeirion is one of those places where you have to keep reminding yourself that you haven't wandered onto a film set. Tucked away on the coast near Porthmadog, this extraordinary Italianate village looks utterly out of place in the Welsh landscape — which is precisely why it is so memorable.The creation of architect Clough Williams-Ellis, Portmeirion was developed over many decades using an eclectic collection of buildings, architectural fragments and rather imaginative ideas. The result is a riot of pastel colours, domes, towers, columns and Mediterranean-style terraces overlooking the beautiful Dwyryd estuary. It shouldn't work in Wales — but somehow it works brilliantly.
For many visitors, however, Portmeirion is forever associated with The Prisoner, the wonderfully bizarre 1960s television series starring Patrick McGoohan. The village became the mysterious Village in which McGoohan's character, Number Six, finds himself imprisoned after resigning from his job. The opening sequence, with Number Six arriving by Lotus Seven and being pursued through the Village, is television history.
The series has given Portmeirion an almost cult-like following. Fans still recognise locations such as the Green Dome, the hotel and the distinctive village square, and there is something rather surreal about standing in exactly the places where Number Six repeatedly demanded to know: "Who are you?"
Even without The Prisoner, though, Portmeirion is worth visiting. The village is surrounded by extensive woodland and gardens, with paths leading down towards the estuary and through a landscape that feels almost tropical in places. There are viewpoints, hidden corners and architectural oddities everywhere, so wandering around rather than simply following a prescribed route is part of the fun.It is also a place where eccentricity is positively encouraged. There are hotels, cafés, shops and gardens, but the architecture is the real attraction. One moment you are looking at a classical Italian piazza and the next you discover a pagoda, a campanile or some improbable little cottage tucked behind it.
Portmeirion is perhaps best described as Wales through the eyes of someone who decided Wales needed a little more Italy. It is beautiful, slightly bonkers and completely unlike anywhere else in Britain.
And for The Prisoner fans, it offers the additional pleasure of walking through a television location that has remained remarkably recognisable more than half a century after the series was filmed.
Be seeing you!
Opening Times (2026–2027):- Main Season (March 23 – November 1) Toll booths are open from 09:30 to 18:30. Last entry is at 17:00
Out of Season (November 2 – March 15):Toll booths are open from 09:30 to 17:30.Last entry is at 16:30
Admission Costs (Main Season) Adults: £20.00, Seniors (60+) / Students: £18.00, Children (5–15 years): £14.00, Children (under 5 years): Free, Disabled Adults (with valid proof): £10.00
(prices quoted correct as at August 2026)
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