Cherish the Past, Adorn the Present, Construct for the Future
Portmeirion was created by Welsh architect Clough Williams-Ellis from 1925 to 1976 to show how a naturally beautiful site could be developed without spoiling it. Portmeirion village and gardens is one of Wales' premier visitor attractions, welcoming over 200,000 visitors every year.
From 14th September 2020 it is now mandatory in Wales for face coverings to be worn by all except those under the age of 11 in indoor public places and except on premises where food or drink is sold for consumption the premises.
In cafés which offers take away services you will also need to wear a face covering.
Advance purchase of admission tickets in not necessary. Portmeirion’s grounds extend over 70 acres including sub-tropical woodlands surrounding the village and miles of sandy beaches therefore there are no capacity issues. However to avoid queues at the entrance due to the need to ensure social distancing it is advisable to arrive before 11.00am.
To comply with current regulations to combat the Covid-19 pandemic Portmeirion has followed all guidelines to ensure the safety of its visitors, staff and suppliers. Confined interior spaces cannot open at present such as the Audio-Visual room, the Welcome Centre, two of the smaller shops (the stock has been relocated to larger units) and the Woodland Train.
Several cafes are open in the village. The Town Hall Café has take-away hot and cold meals and drinks, these can be enjoyed at tables inside the Hall or at picnic tables throughout the village.
Caffi’r Sgwâr on Battery Square has take-away teas, coffees and snacks.
Angel Ices is an Italian style gelateria serving authentic home-made gelato as well as teas, coffees and snacks.
There are four shops in the village: No. 6 Shop selling Portmeirion Pottery seconds as well as preserves, wines, and confectioneries; The Prisoner Shop with souvenirs of the famous series filmed here in 1966-67, the Rob Piercy Gallery and The Ship Shop with gifts, toys, housewares and Portmeirion Pottery best-ware.
Portmeirion has two hotels, The Hotel Portmeirion and Castell Deudraeth. In fine weather from Monday to Saturday the Hotel Portmeirion Terrace overlooking the estuary has a table service lunch menu (no bookings taken) and on Sundays the Hotel serves a traditional Sunday Lunch in the Dining Room (booking required on 01766 772440 or 01766 770000). Afternoon tea is served in the Hotel lounges (booking required on 01766 772440 or 01766 770000).
Castell Deudraeth on the main driveway has a two-course lunch menu and a three course Sunday Lunch menu and is also open for dinner in the evenings. An admission voucher to Portmeirion is for entry after a pre-booked two-course lunch. Booking is required on 01766 772400.
Portmeirion has thirteen self-catering cottages let Saturday to Saturday and also Friday to Monday during the winter. These can be booked online or on 01766 770000.
The Toll & Welcome Area is home to the Main Toll Gate entrance to the village, as well as the coach car park, Welcome Centre and public toilets. Our complimentary 20-minute Guided Tours start from this area of the village. Guests can purchase tailored tours, buggy tours or buy tickets for the daily The Prisoner tour from our Welcome Centre, as well as find maps and information about the village, accommodation and local area.
Clifftop & Chantry Row offers spectacular views of the Estuary. Guests can walk down to the Clifftop Rotunda, or Grotto, featuring sweeping views across the Estuary. Stop to hear Clough Williams-Ellis give an introduction to the village at the Soundscape under Bridge House. Here, you will also find The Dome, which houses seasonal exhibitions. More information on exhibitions can be found in our Welcome Centre.
The Mermaid Spa is located in Battery Square. Walk over to the Mermaid Spa for beautiful coastal views. Battery Square is home to The Round House, which was the fictional home of Number 6 in the TV series The Prisoner. The Campanile Bell Tower is the focal feature of Battery Square.
No Italian village is complete without a central piazza. The Central Piazza at Portmeirion features a fountain pool, Gloriette, Gothic Pavilion, the Bristol Colonnade and the giant chessboard.
In Salutation Square, guests will find the Triumphal Arch and the Audio-Visual building featuring a 20 minute video about the village featuring Clough Williams-Ellis. The train station for the Woodland Train is also located in Salutation Square. Some of the best views of the village can be enjoyed from Salutation Square.
The historic Hercules Hall is located in this part of the village. Hercules Hall is an Arts-and-Crafts style village hall designed to house a Jacobean ceiling, panelling and mullioned windows salvaged from Emral Hall in Flintshire. You will also find the Hercules Hall and Tudor Room private function rooms in this area of the village.
Explore the Coastal Path, Estuary, Amis Reunis, the Observatory Tower and the Casino at The Hotel & Quayside. The area of the village houses the outdoor heated pool, available for residents to enjoy (March - Oct). You'll also find the Mirrror Room and Estuary Dining Room private function rooms in this area of the village.
From the Triumphal Arch in Salutation Square, there are two main paths into Y Gwyllt Woodlands. Featuring 70 acres of woodland and 20 miles of walking paths, the Woodland is home to hidden treasures including the Dog Cemetery, Ghost Garden, Tangle Wood and the Chinese Lake. Guests can enjoy a breath-taking view of the village and estuary from the Gazebo, designed by Susan Williams-Ellis to mark the centenary of Clough's birth.
Removed from the main village, Castell Deudraeth stands proudly on the main drive in and out of the village. This area is home to several large car parks and a dedicated disabled car park, as well as 2 self-catering cottages. The Ricardo Pearce Suite private function room is located at Castell Deudraeth.
