A Guide to Portmeirion - The Camping and Caravanning Club
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Portmeirion Portmeirion

From £12
Contact:  01766 770000 Address: Portmeirion Road
Minffordd
Merionethshire
LL48 6ER
Website
Contact:  01766 770000 Address: Portmeirion Road
Minffordd
Merionethshire
LL48 6ER
Website
Find nearby campsites

A Guide to Visiting Portmeirion

Nestled in North Wales is the charming Portmeirion village. On your visit, spend time in the village and browse through a variety of shops and cafes. See the colourful buildings, picturesque piazza and amazing exhibitions. There are over 70 acres of exotic woodlands to explore, with 19 miles of paths that cut through forests and coastal caves. Before heading off on your adventure, read this guide to make sure you’re well-prepared and have the best time.

Portmeirion tickets and admissions | Travelling to Portmeirion | Places to stay in Portmeirion | Things to do at Portmeirion | Food and shops in Portmeirion | More information on Portmeirion

Portmeirion tickets and admissions

Portmeirion

Portmeirion is open throughout the year except Christmas Day. You can purchase day tickets or annual tickets to enter the picturesque village.

Day tickets start from just £12, with under 5s having free access. You can also purchase family tickets for as little as £34.

There are three arrival time slots to choose from:

  • 9:30 am - 11:30 am
  • 11:30 am - 2 pm
  • 2 pm - 5 pm

Although you can stay in Portmeirion up until closing, you’ll need to arrive at your allocated time.

Click here for more information on day tickets.

A day trip to Portmeirion might leave you wanting more. If you find yourself coming back to the beautiful village, save money by purchasing an annual pass. An adult annual pass starts from as little as £40 for the year, but there are different packages depending on what you want to be included in your visit.

Click here for more information on Portmeirion annual passes.

Travelling to Portmeirion

Portmeirion sign

Portmeirion is a tourist village located in Gwynedd, North Wales. It lies on the estuary of the River Dwyryd in the community of Penrhyndeudraeth. There are multiple ways to get to Portmeirion.

Travelling by car to Portmeirion

If you’re driving to Portmeirion, you’ll need to use the postcode LL48 6ER. Once you’ve reached the A487, you can follow the signs to the village.

Travelling by public transport to Portmeirion

Although it is more convenient to travel to Portmeirion via car. You can travel by public transport.

Virgin Trains has an express train service from London Euston to Llandudno Junction or Bangor Station. From Llandudno Junction, you can get a connecting train to Blaenau Ffestiniog along the Conwy Valley line. After, take a 20-minute taxi to Portmeirion, or catch a bus for 20 minutes and walk for less than a mile.

Places to stay in Portmeirion

If you’re travelling to Portmeirion from other parts of the UK, you’ll want a place to rest, so you’re refreshed and ready to explore the village and its surroundings. Discover our affordable campsites near Portmeirion and book a relaxing stay today.

A popular campsite near Portmeirion is Llanystumdwy Club Site. This campsite is a 20-minute drive from the village, and it has public transport links directly from the campsite – taking you less than an hour to get from the campsite to Portmeirion.

Llanystumdwy Club Site not only has phenomenal coastal views, but it also has incredible facilities, accommodates all camping units, and has different pitch types.

The campsite is dog friendly with designated dog walks. It has brilliant family-friendly facilities, including a mother and baby room, an area for all games, washing facilities and an on-site shop stocked with everything you’ll need for a successful camping trip.

Psst, Camping and Caravanning Club members also have access to our exclusive member-only campsites in Wales and plenty of money-saving campsite offers.

Things to do in Portmeirion

giant chess

Portmeirion village was created by Welsh architect Clough Williams-Ellis, who first acquired the site in 1925 and spent 50 years developing it. His vision was to enhance the natural beauty of the area without spoiling what was already there. Although it has been rumoured that Portmeirion was inspired by the Italian fishing village of Portofino, Williams-Ellis denied this, stating that his goal was simply to capture the Mediterranean atmosphere. During your visit, you can see his vision in the flesh and take in the Italian/Mediterranean atmosphere.

Clifftop and Chantry Row

After passing through the toll and welcome area, you’ll arrive at Clifftop and Chantry Row, where you’ll be greeted by stunning views of the estuary and The Dome.

The Dome, a Grade II listed building constructed between 1960 and 1961, houses a wealth of information and archives about Portmeirion. Inside, you can delve into the village's rich history, explore various artefacts, and even see a doll house designed by Clough Williams-Ellis.

Click here for more information on The Dome Exhibition.

Central Piazza

No Italian city is complete without a central piazza, and Portmeirion did not disappoint with this little pocket of wildness. Here, you’ll find incredible fountain pools, a gloriette, a gothic pavilion, the Bristol Colonnade, and a giant chessboard.

Battery Square

Battery Square is a charming place to relax and take in the Mediterranean-inspired architecture. You can treat yourself to a slice of cake, a tasty meal or a coffee at one of the nearby cafes, browse through the unique stores or simply sit back and admire your surroundings. There’s a magical fountain in the square, street performers and live entertainers to keep the atmosphere alive.

The Gwyllt

Every nature enthusiast must visit The Gwyllt. This 70-acre subtropical forest within Portmeirion features miles of winding paths, hidden lakes, temples, secret gardens, castle ruins and spectacular views. The Gwyllt is home to some of Britain's largest trees and rare flowers, some of which were planted before Clough Williams-Ellis purchased the estate. As you explore, you’ll discover enchanting spots like the Japanese Garden with its lily-covered lake and uncover hidden spaces such as the Dog Cemetery, Tangle Wood, Ghost Garden, and Shelter Valley.

Castell Deudraeth

Castell Deudraeth is a 19th-century mansion that has been restored and transformed into a luxury hotel. Visitors can admire its stunning architecture, where historic charm seamlessly blends with modern amenities. Even if you're not staying at the hotel, it's a wonderful attraction for those interested in history and architecture. It’s also an excellent place to dine.

Food and shops in Portmeirion

Benches

There are plenty of places in Portmeirion to shop or put your feet up and relax with a bite to eat. Here are some shops to visit on your trip:

The Ship Shop

The Ship Shop is a boutique-style shop in the centre of The Village. Here, you can pick up a memorable souvenir or a gift for a loved one. With plenty of unique and specific items to choose from, you’ll spend hours browsing through the aisles.

The Prisoner Shop

If you’re a fan of the TV show ‘Prisoner’, visit the world's only Prisoner gift shop. Here, you’ll find official Prisoner merchandise, including No 6 badges to the black blazer worn by Patrick McGoohan, Prisoner maps, Village Foods tins and the Rover balloon.

Pot Jam

If you're visiting during the spring and summer, pop into Pot Jam, where you’ll find a range of locally sourced, fresh Welsh jams and chutneys, as well as Portmeirion's own wine and champagne. You can also find other locally made produce such as cheese, milk, pasta, fudge, cakes, biscuits, and chocolate.

Rob Piercy Gallery

Support local artists by visiting Rob Piercy Gallery. You’ll find a selection of watercolours, prints, and greeting cards unique to Portmeirion. Rob, an artist himself, was inspired by Portmeirion and published a book of his watercolour paintings of the village called “Portmeirion: A Perspective Which Spans Several Decades”. You can see his work, as well as others, at the gallery.

Siop Fawr Portmeirion

Siop Fawr Portmeirion, formerly Kerfoots, is allegedly one of the oldest department stores in North Wales. It has been at the heart of the high street since 1874 and sells various items from large brands.

A day of gift buying can be exhausting, so why not sit back and relax at one of the many food spots in Portmeirion?

The Hotel Portmeirion

Whether you fancy a quaint dining experience in the dining room or a drink at the bar and terrace, the Hotel Portmeirion is a stunning place to book a reservation.

Castell Deudraeth

If you’re looking for a more contemporary menu cooked by expert chefs using locally sourced produce, Castell Deudraeth is the place to be.

The Town Hall

Whether you fancy a slice of cake, a cold takeaway meal, or just a coffee, the Town Hall can accommodate you. This 1950s-style cafe has a bar and terrace and serves a variety of food and drinks.

Portmeirion Cafes

Whether you need a strong coffee to wake you up in the morning, a homemade cake to satisfy your sweet tooth or a freshly made meal, the cafes in Portmeirion will not disappoint you.

More information on Portmeirion

Portmeirion

Are dogs allowed in Portmeirion?

Only guide dogs are allowed in Portmeirion. Guide dogs must wear a coat, collar, or lead, stating they are there for assistance.

For more information on dogs in Portmeirion, check out their dog policy.

Is Portmeirion wheelchair friendly?

Portmeirion has parking for Blue Badge holders, and many of its facilities and paths are appropriate for wheelchair users.

There are different types of paths in Portmeirion, including areas that are cobbled and sloped, have steps, grass, sand, or water. Some of these paths are accessible to wheelchair users, but it's recommended that someone accompany them.

The Gwylt has 19 miles of dedicated pathways, but not all of them are suitable for wheelchairs due to protruding tree roots, fallen leaves, or uneven ground. Download the map to navigate around Portmeirion using a wheelchair.

Click here for more information on safety and accessibility.

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