I’ve wanted to travel to Portmeirion since before I moved to London. I read an article about this fairy-tale land in North Wales, and it sparked my imagination. But many years have gone by, and I’ve never managed to make the trip. Until now, that is. My great British road trip has taken me to North Wales, and spending 2 days in Portmeirion is at the top of my list.
2 Days in Portmeirion
My boyfriend and I hop in our camper van and drive from Anglesey to Portmeirion on our 5-day road trip in North Wales. As we pull in, I’m so excited I might burst.
Portmeirion, Wales
This holiday village, which is part Portofino-on-Irish-Sea and part Disney-on-River-Dwyryd, is the dream-come-true of architect Sir Clough Williams-Ellis.
Built between 1925 and 1975, it’s his magical mix of architectural styles and colors, with a bit of historic hodgepodge peppered throughout.
Partly a reaction against Modernism, partly a way to prove that architectural beauty and commercial success aren’t mutually exclusive, Williams-Ellis developed Portmeirion into a whimsical village for people to stay in (you can book a room here), explore, and absorb.
And that’s just how I plan to spend my 2 days in Portmeirion.
Where to Stay in Portmeirion
Starting with a pink house. If you follow me on Instagram, you’ll know that I’ve always wanted to live in a pink house. Portmeirion has delivered, and my boyfriend has gracefully acceded to my wish.
Things to Do in Portmeirion
Ensconced in our own personal vie en rose, we start discovering all the best things to do in Portmeirion. For me, the highlight of the village is exploring the streets.
Each is lined with buildings in bright hues, and everywhere we go there’s a surprise.
From a giant chess set to a talking tunnel, Portmeirion is a lot like Alice’s Wonderland.
In fact, there’s even a Mad Hatter’s tea party in one of the shop windows.
When we’re not exploring the village, we’re wandering its trails. There are a lot of walking paths around Portmeirion, some leading to beaches, some to viewpoints, and some to lighthouses. Following them is one of my favorite things to do in Portmeirion.
We crisscross the forested landscape, occasionally dipping down to walk along a sandy cove or climbing up to take in the panoramas below.
2 Days in Portmeirion and Beyond
And when we’re back in Portmeirion, we cocoon ourselves in our pink house. We eat at the cafes and restaurants in the village. We walk around some more to take it all in. We marvel.
And by the time we leave I can hardly believe I’ve finally traveled here. It’s been worth the long wait.
How about you? How would you spend 2 days in Portmeirion?
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28 Comments on Lady’s Magical Guide to 2 Days in Portmeirion, Wales
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So beautiful! I would love to visit.
I hope you can someday!
That is amazing! What a beautiful spot!!
Yeah, it’s so pretty it’s hard to believe it’s real!
I have visited here, but it was 12 years ago. I don’t know where the time has gone! I was especially keen as I watched the old “The Prisoner” series.
Nice! I feel like I need to watch that now.
I visited a long time ago. It was a beautiful day and walking along the sand was amazing. I watched “The Prisoner” and it was fun to see where it was filmed. It is a beautiful place.
That’s great! I’m glad you had a good time.
It looks like a dollhouse. So pretty! Definitely a place to visit!
xoxo
Yeah! I hope you can visit sometime.
I lived in North Wales for 5 years, and Portmeirion is great. You’ve got an excellent eye for design, and your photos are beautiful. I enjoyed reading your post too!
Thanks! Portmeirion is really magical.
Lovely post 🙂 I stumbled across Portmeirion earlier this year when I was in Wales to climb Snowdon. What an unbelievably beautiful place! I found it so strange that it’s in the UK, I felt like I was on the Italian Riviera.
I agree! It felt like being in Italy. What a magical place.
It’s my first time hearing this city! It’s really a fairy tale land <3
Love all those shots 🙂
Yeah! It really feels like a fairy tale.
I’ve always wanted to visit! I think a few years ago another blogger I follow went and since then I’ve wanted to go. Maybe I’ll be able to take a wales trip next year!
I hope you can! It’s such an amazing place.
I enjoyed your beautiful photos from this amazing place. When I was there I stayed at the hotel and I loved it. A huge fireplace to sit by and interesting people to meet. I also walked on the trails and made my way up to the other hotel that looks like a castle. Thanks for bringing back all those great memories.
You’re welcome! It sounds like you had a lovely time.
Wow what a lovely colourful and vibrant looking place! Sounded brilliant 🙂
Yeah! It was one of the most amazing places I’ve ever visited.
Beautiful! What was the name of the house you stayed in? Am looking at booking something for next month. Thanks!
Thanks! I can’t remember the name, but it was one of the colorful ones near the dome. Have fun!
Yes, When I was a child in my english course in Wales. Thanks for remember this place, continuing in my memory. Soooooo beaufiful and romantic place.
My best wishes
Eva from Madrid
You’re welcome!
I went to Wales last week and booked a tour to various spots. The tour included 2.5 hours in Portmeirion and I was super excited. As we arrived to Portmeirion it began bucketing down. I managed to get a feel for the gorgeousness and to snap some beautiful pics. I really wanted to explore some of the trails but it really wasn’t the weather for it.
This is one place to which I will definitely return when the weather is nicer.
Fingers crossed you can return someday soon!