Portmeirion

Profile of a unique place

Located on the coast of North Wales, just outside the boundary of Snowdonia National Park, Portmeirion is one of the most extraordinary villages you will find in the UK. Created by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis between 1925 and 1975, this bright and imaginative Baroque-style settlement blends Mediterranean architectural style with the rugged Welsh coastline. Today it is maintained by a charitable trust.

Portmeirion has featured in numerous films and television shows — most famously as “The Village” in the 1960s TV series The Prisoner. Many of the buildings are listed by Cadw for their architectural and historic significance, and the gardens are Grade II listed. Within the village you’ll discover colourful facades, wooded terraces, sheltered beaches and views of the estuary.

Just a short drive from Snowdonia and Glyn Shepherd’s Hut, Portmeirion makes a perfect day-trip destination. From dramatic headlands to gentle promenades, it offers beautiful photo-opportunities, architectural intrigue and a uniquely whimsical sense of place.

Below are a selection of our favourite photographs capturing the spirit of Portmeirion..

Colourful stucco walls and ornate ironwork typical of Portmeirion’s Italianate style.’
Portmeirion’s Italianate style piazza
Colourful Portmeirion building
The Chessboard in Portmeirion piazza
Portmeirion cottages with bright Mediterranean colours and ornate architectural features
View of the Portmeirion bell tower rising above the village’s pastel facades
View of the Portmeirion bell tower rising above the village’s pastel facades
View of the estuary from Portmeirion through barred windows
Portmeirion cottages with bright Mediterranean colours and ornate architectural features
Estuary view from Portmeirion with tidal sands and soft coastal light
Close-up of Portmeirion’s baroque detailing and bright window shutters
Close-up of Portmeirion’s baroque detailing
Estuary view from Portmeirion with tidal sands and soft coastal light
Close-up of Portmeirion’s baroque detailing
Estuary view from Portmeirion with tidal sands and soft coastal light
Estuary view from Portmeirion with tidal sands and soft coastal light
Arched gateway and yellow façade at Portmeirion, overlooking the piazza.
Portmeirion cottages with bright Mediterranean colours and ornate architectural features
Estuary view from Portmeirion with tidal sands and soft coastal light
Close-up of Portmeirion’s baroque detailings with bright Mediterranean colours and ornate architectural features
Close-up of Portmeirion’s baroque detailings with bright Mediterranean colours and ornate architectural features
Close-up of Portmeirion’s baroque detailings with bright Mediterranean colours and ornate architectural features
Close-up of Portmeirion’s baroque detailings with bright Mediterranean colours and ornate architectural features
Close-up of Portmeirion’s baroque detailings with bright Mediterranean colours and ornate architectural features