Portmeirion, designed and built by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis between 1925 and 1975 has long been on Ians bucket list. I've actually visited a couple of time but that was more than 40 years ago so a return was long overdue. The Italian style buildings tumble down the hillside set amongst gardens and edged by woodland walks.
The TV series, The Prisoner was set within the village in 1965 (still available on DVD) using the houses and woodland as the backdrop for the drama. We are currently re-watching the series and the one thing that has really stood out is how good the gardens are looking compared with what we see on the programme.
There are two hotels and most of the buildings are now self catering cottages, also they have now built a small motorhome / camper park at the entrance. The price seems daunting until you realise that it covers the entry fee ( currently £20 per person) and gives you residential access to the village before and after the usual opening hours and as you are a resident , use of the hotel swimming pool and bar is included.
We stayed a couple of nights so had access on the afternoon and evening of our arrival and the next day. On the day when we had to leave the camper park we were able to park up in the main car park and have a further days entrance. I think that for a lot of people just one night/day was enough but we were there to chill.
At night the buildings were subtlety lit up, it was a wonderful experience to be there without the hoards of visitors.
For me, it was a couple of days of relaxation, just taking it easy and enjoying the sunshine. This became my regular coffee spot during our stay, people watching as I was spinning.
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