The 'superb in every way' Welsh village that's just been named best seaside destination in UK
The 'superb in every way' Welsh village that's just been named best seaside destination in UK
New research has revealed where Brits love the most - and Wales has come out on top.
A 'superb in every way' Welsh village has been named a 'best' coastal destination
A gorgeous seaside village in Wales that's famous for it's Italian-inspired architecture has recently been named one of the "best coastal destination" in the UK.
Portmeirion, Gwynedd, is unlike anywhere else in the UK, known for its colourful architecture, made famous by cult TV favourite The Prisoner. Inspired by Portofino's multicoloured façades, Portmeirion is a uniquely constructed tourist village that offers a slice of Italy on the bracing Welsh coast. You can stay overnight in a 'village room' or in one of two luxury 4-star hotels.
Alongside its unique architectural heritage, the private, ticketed site features two swanky hotels, self-catering cottages, an indulgent spa, gift shops, cafés, restaurants and an authentic Italian-style gelateria.
And in a new survey by consumer watchdog Which? it has been named the third "best coastal destination" in all of the UK. The survey asked more than 3,800 people in the UK what their favourite spots are and why — and Portmerion came out with an overall destination score of 79%.
Scoring five stars for its scenery and seafront, one visitor said: 'The place is superb in every way. It's a beautiful setting with wonderful food and accommodation — perfect for a special occasion.'
The picturesque village of Portmeirion
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Visitors to the village can spend their time exploring popular spots like Clifftop and Chantry Row that both offer jaw-dropping views out over the estuary. The village also features two main paths leading into Y Gwyllt woodlands for those who want to get out and explore some more nature than just the beautiful pastel buildings in the village.
Portmeirion rises like a painted mirage, with pastel-coloured buildings and whimsical towers that seem plucked from a fairytale built among clusters of lush and green trees which frame the view while the estuary beyond glitters under the changing light of the Welsh sky.
Tenby is a seaside town in the county of Pembrokeshire, Wales.
Wales, famous worldwide for its coastal beauty, also had two other spots that made the list's top 10: St David's and Tenby, both in Pembrokeshire. St David's is the UK's smallest city but, despite being little, it's got plenty to offer visitors. One visitor praised St David's for its 'excellent facilities, lovely seafront, nice walks and excellent hotels.'
St Davids also has a gorgeous cathedral to explore - it's one of the oldest in the UK and survived the plunder of the Norsemen in the Dark Ages.
Tenby also made the list with an overall score of 78 percent. This stunning village is known in Welsh as Dinbych-y-Pysgod, meaning 'Little Fortress of Fish'.
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It's nestled on the Pembrokeshire coast and is surrounded by medieval stone walls built to protect it during the Norman period. Like Portmeirion, Tenby also has some very cute pastel coloured buildings, as well as a charming harbour and a beautiful beach. Visitors can spend their time exploring its winding cobbled streets full of hisotry and charm before heading to Cast;e Beahc for a dip if the weather allows — you can read more on Tenby here.
Only two places in the UK came higher in the list than Portmeirion: Bamburgh in Northumberland and Beer in Devon.
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