The Mediterranean village in Gwynedd
Famous as the location for the cult 1960s television series ‘The Prisoner’, the fantasy village of Portmeirion has been delighting visitors since the first hotel opened on the site in 1926. Inspired by the Mediterranean-like setting of the peninsula on which it stands, Portmeirion was the eccentric creation of the Welsh architect Clough Williams-Ellis. It was deliberately designed to resemble the small Italian towns that Williams-Ellis so admired.
The peninsula was originally the site of Deudraeth Castle, mentioned by Gerald of Wales in 1188. Essentially a stone-walled enclosure and 30ft-high stone tower, the castle was said to have been the creation of two Welsh princes, Gruffydd and Maredudd; both were the sons of Cynan, who ruled over a large area of north-west Wales in the 12th century. Remains of the original tower were reputedly visible until as late as 1869, when they were razed to the ground by Sir William Fothergill Cook (inventor of the electric telegraph) in order to discourage visitors to the site. Dressed stones from the tower were said to have been used during the construction of the campanile, or bell tower, in Portmeirion in 1925. The site of the original Deudraeth Castle has now been lost, with its location the subject of much debate. Today visitors can stay at the Deudraeth Castle Hotel – a Victorian mansion built in the style of a castle.
Clough Williams-Ellis bought the site in 1925 and embarked on the project of turning his dream of an ideal village into a reality. The result is spectacular, with stunning gardens, two hotels and several shops and cafes delighting the many visitors. Every September Festival No 6, an independent music and arts festival, takes place in Portmeirion’s magical surroundings.
Every day of the year from 9.30 am to 7.30 pm.
1 ½ miles west of Penrhyndeudraeth on the A487 signposted at Minffordd
Porthmadog - 1 mile, Blaenau Ffestiniog - 8 miles
Bus stop at Minffordd
On the NCN Route 8
No dogs allowed
OS Full Grid Reference Number: SH 590372 OS Landranger map sheet: 124