Britain’s hidden city is like a lush escape from Italy – and Brits can’t get enough

Brits longing for a taste of Italy can find their own slice of ‘la dolce vita’ without leaving the UK, thanks to the delightful Welsh village of Portmeirion in Gwynedd, North Wales.

With its stunning views, lush subtropical gardens, charming cottages and a selection of shops, cafes and restaurants serving authentic Italian gelato, Portmeirion captivates visitors.

This picturesque location, often used as a filming location for movies and TV shows, boasts stunning architecture, palm trees and numerous outdoor dining options along the sparkling waterfront. Tripadvisor reviews hail it as a “dream world full of surprises” with a rich history, making it a must-see destination.

Visitors were vocal in their praise, with one saying: “There’s a definite charm about the place, even visiting on a rainy day like we did, and you’d be hard-pressed to find anything else quite like it.”

Another visitor commented on the weather: “We were so lucky the weather was amazing and you could almost think you were in Italy.”

Tourists are also impressed by the variety of activities available, as he noted: “Fantastic place and lots to do. The grounds and gardens were beautiful. The seafront was wonderful. We enjoyed coffee, ice cream and a delicious breakfast in the sun. “

Popular travel influencer @thetravelmum shared her excitement for Portmeirion on Instagram, posting clips from her trip and exclaiming: “Portmeirion is a tourist village in North Wales, some say designed and built inspired by the Italian town of Portofino.

“You can visit for the day, stay and enjoy some gelato and relax on the beach. If you fancy a treat, you can even stay overnight and enjoy a first class dinner. I also saw a wedding there !”

She added: “Bizarrely it has mixed reviews but we really enjoyed visiting such a different place.”

The bargain-hunting mum-of-four reckons it’s the ideal getaway for those who want ‘some Italian vibes but you’re broke’.

Her followers were quick to shower love on the Welsh gem. One user exclaimed: “Wowww I can’t believe it’s Wales.”

Another added: “Gotta add to our list,” while a third shared his own special memory: “I got married here, it’s beautiful.”

Planning a trip to Portmeirion?

Expect at least five hours and 50 minutes by train from London. From Coventry, it’s around three hours. Many choose to hit the road or hop on a coach for a Wales getaway.

For those wanting a quicker route, Anglesey Airport is just 30 miles from Portmeirion, offering twice daily flights from Cardiff Airport during the week.

The nearest significant international airports to Portmeirion are Liverpool John Lennon Airport and Manchester Airport, both approximately two hours’ drive away. The journey from Manchester and Liverpool airports is approximately 100 miles and takes approximately two hours.

So for those living in the south, it might be worth considering taking a flight to the north of England first if long journeys by car or train aren’t your thing.