Tourist Attractions > Europe > Wales > Portmeirion


Portmeirion

Description
Located close to the boundary of Snowdonia National Park (see separate entry), Portmeirion is a quintessentially Welsh coastal village of yesteryear. The abandoned site, formerly called Glacial Estuary, was bought by the architect Clough Williams-Ellis in 1925 for less than £5,000 and he immediately renamed it Portmeirion. It was to become his personal pride and joy and over the next 50 years he set about redeveloping the peninsula in a way that was sympathetic to the natural surroundings with a strong emphasis on subtle architecture and beautiful landscaping. Today, Portmeirion is owned by The Second Portmeirion Foundation, a registered charity that lets out some of the quaint cottages and buildings that characterise the village. Other famous buildings include the Town Hall, Castell Deudraeth, and the Bristol Collonade. A number of traditional industries thrive in the village including Portmeirion Potteries, Pot Jam selling a range of jams and preserves, and the Dome Gallery selling works of art by the local-born artist, Rob Piercy. The area is renowned for its landscaped gardens, woodland walks and long, sandy beaches. Portmeirion also gained notoriety as the location for the filming of the cult 1960s television series, Prisoner, which still attracts many fans today.

Transportation
Air: Manchester International Airport. Rail: Bangor Station then bus or taxi. Road: Bus: Public services. Car: Signposted from the A487 or B4573.

Contact Addresses
Portmeirion, Gwnedd LL46 6ET, Wales
Tel: (01766) 770000
Website: www.portmeirion-village.com


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