let me whisk you away to a storybook setting right here in Wales – Portmeirion. Can I just say – if ever there was a place that made you feel like you’ve stepped into a fairy tale, this is it. Believe me, the charm of this place is so infectious, it’s like little kindness brushes.
From the second we set foot in this picture-perfect village, we couldn’t help but gasp a little. It’s draped so tastefully in pastel-hued architectural details, complemented subtly by the lush backdrop of flowering gardens and towering trees — it’s rustic, it’s dreamy, and it’s utterly exquisite.
Portmeirion Wales
Our little explorers were thrilled to wander around the winding pathways. Portmeirion had their eyes wide and sparkling with wonder around every pastel-freckled corner. It’s such an odd feeling to get off the train in north Wales and suddenly feel like you are in (albeit a rather wetter) version of Italy. As someone who loves architecture and bright colours I feel very at home in the village. Not to mention how brilliant it would be as a backdrop for photos!
While the kids were living their Sugar Plum dreams, we were falling head over heels for the dash of Italian charm threaded through the Welsh landscape. That’s right; Portmeirion fuses Italian Riviera vibes with the wistful Welsh countryside. It’s like a trans-European escape but without needing a passport!
From the whimsical architecture to the cheeky, chattering birds, Portmeirion felt like it was embracing us in a welcoming swirl of colours, sounds, and scents. And dining out? Oh, heavenly views teamed with plates showcasing the best of local Welsh produce — pure delight!
But you know, the standout thing about Portmeirion was how it made us feel. It was like being in a getaway bubble that was just a tad magical. Somehow, Portmeirion gives you both a sense of gentle familiarity and the thrilling whiff of somewhere far-flung and fancy.
Italy in Wales?
So, here it is — the marvellous little treasure that is Portmeirion, where stepping out of your cottage door is like stepping into a dream. It’s charming, it’s memorable, and it’s on our family’s ‘must-return’ list! If you ever have a chance to visit, trust me, leap straight into this storybook setting. It’s worth every moment!
Without a doubt, one of my favourite places in the UK is I’ve been a few times now and it never fails to impress me with its beauty. Tom and I have even said if we were ever to get married it would be a pretty beautiful location for a wedding.
I’ve only ever been on a day trip but you can stay over in Hotel Portmeirion or one of the cottages on site, there are also a good variety of places to eat. Portmeirion also hosts Festival Number 6 in early September which looks like such a brilliant family-friendly event, I hope we get to take Wilf someday. Tom and I visited years ago on a trip to see my parents (who live in west Wales) and I snapped these pics on my phone, writing this post has reminded me how much I want to return and now I know a little more about photography take some photos that show how stunning a setting it is.
I think what I love about the UK is you really can live here for years and still manage to happen upon a secret spot or ‘hidden gem’ you had no idea about. I had never visited Dorset for example until I met Tom and likewise, he had barely seen much of Wales. There are still so many places I would love to visit, although I do consider myself very lucky to live in the West country.
I loved reading about some of the other areas via the interactive map, there are so many spots right on our doorstep we have yet to visit which is quite exciting! Here’s to a spring and summer exploring more of our beautiful country!