Portmeirion is on a rugged cliff top, on its own private peninsula on the southern shores of Snowdonia and overlooks Cardigan Bay on the coast of Snowdonia, surrounded by 70 acres of sub-tropical woodland gardens. It was created by Welsh architect Clough Williams-Ellis (1883-1978) to demonstrate how a naturally beautiful place could be developed without spoiling it. He acquired the site in 1925 for less than £5,000 as "a neglected wilderness". Clough changed the name from Aber Ia (Glacial Estuary) to Portmeirion: Port - coastal location and Meirion Welsh for Merioneth its county. On the main driveway is Castell Deudraeth, a Victorian mansion recently restored as a brasserie style restaurant and hotel.

Portmeirion with its fabulous architecture, sandy beaches, gardens and woodland has inspired many illustrious authors, artists, photographers and TV and Film producers. Writers such as George Bernard Shaw, H.G. Wells, Aldous Huxley, Ernest Hemmingway and Bertrand Russell were habitués. Noel Coward wrote Blithe Spirit during a two week stay at Lower Fountain in 1941. Patrick McGoohan's television series The Prisoner was also filmed here in 1966-67, the village still is the same as in the series!

Portmeirion has a variety of shops open all year round with several cafe's. It is also renouned for the Portmeirion Pottery, designed by Clough's daughter Susan Williams-Ellis.Two wheelchairs are available on request at the tollgate, free of charge. Note no dogs allowed except guide dogs. Baby changing facilities are available in all toilet areas