Portmeirion is located in North Wales close to Snowdonia and nestling alongside the River Dwyryd which in turn flows into Tremadoc Bay, at low tide there are wide expanses of sands whist at high tide the sea reaches the coastal path. Before Portmeirion was built there was a small settlement here known as Aber La, in around 1840 a large mansion was built here and today this is the Portmeirion Hotel which hugs the sea shore. Portmeirion was the brainchild of Clough Williams-Ellis who purchased the estate in 1925 and in his words he felt he could prove that 'the development of a naturally beautiful site need not lead to its defilement' and in doing so over a period of 50 years he set about creating Portmeirion. At first he started by purchasing what is now the hotel which opened for business in 1926 and then purchased additional properties for extra accommodation and he changed the name from Aber La to Portmeirion.. Clough Williams-Ellis was inspired to create Portmeirion from his favourite place in Italy, Portofino. The present day sees Portmeirion owned by The Second Portmeirion Foundation and Sir William’s grandson is the managing director. The Italianate village of Portmeirion attracts many thousands of visitors every year, in the 1950’s the running of Portmeirion’s shop was taken over by Clough Williams-Ellis’ daughter, the initial ceramic ranges that she designed proved so popular that together with her husband they purchased a run down pottery mill in Stoke on Trent from which to produce a greater variety of ceramics and which is now exported all over the world. One final thing – you cannot mention Portmeirion without mentioning “The Prisoner” a television series of the 1960’s starring Patrick McGoohan. Today there is an appreciation society for “The Prisoner” a sure sign that it has achieved cult status however a visit to Portmeirion is more than this – it is a testament to one man’s dream that he made come true set in the most picturesque of locations.
Attraction
Cottage
Restaurant
Places to Stay near Portmeirion
Portmeirion Hotel (0.34 miles)
It enjoyed ... More | visit website
Estuary Lodge (1.71 miles)
Locate approximately 4 miles North of Harlech on the A496 the Estuary is a STRICTLY NO SMOKING PREMISES (including car par and all outside areas) ideal for visiting the St. ... More
Royal Sportsman Hotel (1.79 miles)
The Royal Sportsman is Porthmadog's premier Hotel, the only full service quality Hotel in Porthmadog with star ratings awarded by both the Welsh Tourist Board and the AA. The Royal ... More
Travelodge Porthmadog (1.87 miles)
Travelodge Porthmadog is located just 2 miles from Portmeirion and is just under a mile away from Snowdonia National Park. The hotel offers free onsite parking and offers great access to nearby attractions. Guest rooms ... More | visit website
Gwrach Ynys Country House (2.17 miles)
The house is surrounded by an ... More | visit website
Maes y Neuadd (2.48 miles)
The setting is superb. Maes y Neuadd 'The Mansion in the Meadow' stands in 80 acres of landscaped lawns, orchards and paddock on a wooded hillside high above Cardigan Bay.
The perfect location for exploring this ... More | visit website
Golden Fleece Inn (2.50 miles)
Brynllydan (2.79 miles)
A haven of peace and tranquillity, this family run residence is immersed within 7 acres of private grounds on a secluded hillside setting, boasting spectacular views of Snowdonia’s National Park. Overlooking the ... More
Y Branwen Hotel (4.23 miles)
This family-run country hotel overlooks Harlech Castle and rests opposite the championship Royal St. David's golf course. The hotel is easily accessible by picturesque country roads off of all major motorways to ... More
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