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National Geographic
9 hours ago
- National Geographic
Experience a slice of the Italian Riviera in this Welsh village
This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK). Portmeirion must be the most distinctive village in the UK. It's a fairytale folly of pastel cottages, soaring spires and classical statuary; a slice of the Italian Riviera on the north Welsh coast. The passion project of amateur architect Sir Clough Williams-Ellis, Portmeirion was built in stages between 1925 and 1975 — not for residents but as an experiment to prove that buildings could enhance, rather than spoil, nature's beauty. The result is as eclectic as it is colourful, the village's shops, cafes and restaurants reflecting baroque, gothic and Arts and Crafts influences. The setting is equally enchanting. Portmeirion sits on a cliff side overlooking the tidal estuary where the River Dwyryd meets the sea, and beautiful coastal views can be enjoyed throughout the village. Enclosing it is the Gwyllt, a woodland stocked with gargantuan, exotic trees that thrive in Portmeirion's balmy microclimate. The impact of founding architect Clough William-Ellis lives on through features like this cafe sign designed by his eldest daughter Susan Williams-Ellis. Photograph by Stephen Milne, Alamy Photos Can I spend the night in the village? You can and should. Portmeirion has no permanent residents, with day-trippers required to depart by 6.30pm in summer and 5.30pm in winter, leaving overnight guests to amble the grounds during golden hour. Grab a drink on the Portmeirion Hotel's terrace and watch dusk cast the sandbanks and coastal caves of the Dwyryd Estuary aglow. The hotel itself is a luxurious property with an art deco feel — particularly evident in the mosaiced bathrooms and sleek bar and restaurant. There's also a heated outdoor pool. Alternatives include the looming Castell Deudraeth, a faux fortress whose crenellations shelter suites and guest rooms are decked out in local oak and slate. The cosiest options, however, are the Village Rooms and self-catering cottages scattered among Portmeirion's distinctive buildings. What's there to do in Portmeirion? Top of the list is an architectural walking tour. Fans of cult 1960s sci-fi programme The Prisoner, which was filmed in Portmeirion, will enjoy spotting locations from the series, like the towering baroque-style Campanile Bell Tower; the Dome, also known as the Pantheon, topped with an elegant cupola; and the Town Hall, with its carved ceiling depicting the labours of Hercules. Just as captivating as the village itself is the forest that surrounds it, known as Y Gwyllt Woodlands. This subtropical forest has been planted with red-flowering Himalayan rhododendrons and ginkgo trees, woven through 19 miles of footpaths. Hidden in the forest, you'll find a serene Japanese Garden and a dog cemetery, a resting place for beloved canine companions originally created by Adelaide Haig, who lived here before Portmeirion was built, on the Victorian estate of Aber Iâ. Beyond the village and the woods, the Dwyryd Estuary is a lovely place for a walk, with shifting sandbanks and a golden beach. Note that strong currents mean it's best not to swim here. Portmeirion overlooks a tidal estuary, where the River Dwyryd leads into the sea through Tremadog Bay. Photograph by Rosie Young, Getty Images Two flavours not to miss at Caffi'r Angel Gelato shop are salted caramel and strawberry. Photograph by Tim Richmond, Caffi'r Angel Gelato Where to eat in Portmeirion There are a couple of fantastic places to eat here, both offering traditional Welsh delicacies and the chance to spend time inside some of Portmeirion's grandest buildings. The village's flagship restaurant is The Dining Room at the Portmeirion Hotel, open for lunch, afternoon tea and dinner. Welsh lamb is often on the menu, as is laverbread, a coastal classic made from foraged seaweed. The Dining Room overlooks the estuary and sits adjacent to the stone boat Amis Reunis, a Portmeirion landmark created by Williams-Ellis. It's a replica of his own wooden vessel, a trading ketch which was stranded on an offshore sandbank. The other main restaurant is the Brasserie at Castell Deudraeth, at the entrance to the village. This has a more casual feel, but a menu with a similar fusion of European and Welsh influences — highlights include aged Bala beef and succulent Anglesey oysters, while chalk stream trout is served en croute and local mussels are used for moules frites. You'll find more informal options in the form of Caffi Glas Italian cafe and Caffi'r Angel gelato shop. The salted caramel is superb. Published in the September 2025 issue of National Geographic Traveller (UK). To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only).
The Independent
11-03-2025
- The Independent
10 of the most beautiful places to visit in the UK for 2025
Our earth has a whole list of remarkable sites to behold, from the seascape of Vietnam 's Ha Long Bay to the sands of the Sahara. However, it is easy to forget that we have just as many beautiful natural and manmade wonders ready for us to explore right on our doorstep. You don't have to venture outside of the UK to enjoy azure waters, white sands and palm trees. In fact, for those who only look to jet off or catch a ferry out of the country to get their holiday fill, the sheer beauty that can be found across Britain is somewhat surprising. From Bali -esque flowing waterfalls to a slice of Sydney in Devon; a jungle-like setting in Durham to the most Italian part of Wales, here are some of the best places in the UK to enjoy the very best of the Great British landscape. Most beautiful UK destinations 1. Three Cliffs Bay, Gower Peninsula A half-hour drive from Swansea, in south Wales, Three Cliffs Bay is a spectacular shoreline of sand dunes, salt marshes and the bay's signature three limestone cliffs. A photogenic part of the Gower Coast Path, it's an ideal spot for picnics and is popular for caravanning, glamping and cottage retreats. For a place to stay near this spectacular landscape, book a room at the nearby Parc Le Breos guesthouse on the grounds of a large country estate. You'll find exuberantly furnished rooms and suites emulating regency-era chambers with roll-top baths, twinkling chandeliers and family-friendly options. 2. Tinside Lido, Plymouth Part of an Art Deco hotel that first opened in 1935, Tinside Lido closed in 1992 but returned after a successful local campaign and attained Grade II-listed status in 1998. Its poolside views are not dissimilar to Sydney's Bondi Beach, while the saltwater swimming pool is a great place to splash and sunbathe in the summer months. After a splash in the Lido, check in to the Grade II-listed building Residence One in one of its 14 boutique rooms, decorated with stylish furnishings that complement its period charm. 3. Portmeirion, Gwynedd Designed and built in the style of an Italian village by Sir Clough William-Ellis between 1925 and 1975, Portmeirion is one of the most unique villages in Wales. While it may be located in North Wales, rather than the Mediterranean, Portmeirion still attracts visitors in their droves due to its scenic beauty, boutique hotels and excellent restaurants. If you want to stay among the Italian glamour, Portmeirion has a few choices for accommodation, such as its four-star hotel overlooking the sandy banks of Dwyryd Estuary, with 14 bedrooms and a fine-dining restaurant. If you are looking for something a bit more quirky, check in to Castell Deudraeth, a Victorian mansion with exteriors designed to look like a castle, with modern bedrooms inside. 4. High Force, Durham Verdant scenery and fast-flowing waterfalls give High Force the air of a Costa Rican jungle, but it can be found in County Durham. One of England 's most spectacular waterfalls, it has a 21m drop into the beautiful plunge pool below. A variety of wildlife and fauna can be seen at High Force throughout the seasons from wildflowers, ferns and towering trees to roe deer and rabbits. Hoping to stay a night near this enchanting waterfall? The High Force Hotel is a countryside inn with 10 cosy rooms. Downstairs you will find open fireplaces welcoming you into a laidback atmosphere as you dine on locally sourced pub staples and twists on British favourites. 5. Barafundle Bay, Pembrokeshire, Wales Near the village of Stackpole in Pembrokeshire, Barafundle Bay is nestled between cliffs and is reminiscent of a secluded bay on a Greek island. Once owned by the Cawdor family of Stackpole Court, the beach is now open to the public and has previously made the list of the top beaches in the world, while the Good Holiday Guide also named it the best beach in Britain. With sand dunes and pine trees, the beach is accessible by a half-mile walk from the nearest car park and offers a secluded, scenic retreat. Just outside the Stackpole National Trust area is Portclew House, a family-run guesthouse with a choice of seven rooms and seven self-catered cottages for a luxurious stay in the country, from a large coach house with super king rooms for family getaways to a cosy and compact cottage with well-equipped kitchens and living rooms. 6. West Bay, Dorset, England With towering orange cliffs and beautiful clear waters, West Bay in Dorset is reminiscent of the Algarve. With its seaside location, it's ideal for family holidays and coastal walks, while the nearby market town of Bridport has long had a stellar reputation for culture and food. Bridport is also home to The Bull, a 16th-century coaching inn with 19 boutique rooms that combine contemporary comfort with historic charm, including roll-top baths, four-poster beds and vintage furniture. There is a choice of rooms from large doubles, family spaces and twin beds. 7. Kynance Cove, Cornwall, England Cited as one of the most photographed and painted locations in Cornwall, with beautiful white sand and blue sea, Kynance Cove wouldn't look out of place on a Sardinian postcard. A landscape painter's dream, the contrast between the cove's white sand beach and the dark red and green serpentine rock is breathtaking. At low tide, there are plenty of sea caves and islands to explore, and its rock towers were even featured in BBC One's Poldark. Awaiting you just under two miles away at Lizard Point, the most southerly place in Britain, is The Top House Inn, a 200-year-old guesthouse and pub, offering four-star luxury rooms that bring the coastal charm inside with its seaside colour scheme. 8. Tenby, Pembrokeshire On the right day, Tenby can feel like you've been transported to Bali, with its palm trees, golden sands, blue seas and colourful buildings. A seaside tourist town for over 200 years, Tenby is steeped in history and surrounded by a medieval wall. It's also home to three beaches; North, South and Castle. North is popular for watersports, Castle for its spectacular views and South Beach for its almost two-mile stretch of golden sand. Away from the seaside hustle and bustle of Tenby is the coastal village of Penally, where the four-star Penally Abbey is found overlooking the sea with 12 elegantly decorated rooms and a Welsh breakfast included in your stay. 9. Sgwd Yr Eira, Brecon Beacons Sgwd Yr Eira waterfall may look like a selfie spot in Thailand, but is actually found in the Melte Valley in Wales's Brecon Beacons. Translated literally as 'fall of snow', visitors can walk behind the curtain of water on a path forged by sheep farmers, which makes for the perfect photo opportunity. While there are a number of camping and cottage stays nearer the waterfall, the Ancient Briton pub in Pen-y-cae, just half an hour away (or a four-hour hike for the avid ramblers) provides rooms with mountain views. Downstairs at the bar, a lineup of real ales are on offer, while its menu relies heavily on Welsh produce. 10. Langamull Beach, Isle of Mull, Scotland Described as one of Mull's best-kept secrets, Langamull Beach is often heralded as the Mull Caribbean thanks to its white sand. The 20-minute walk to the beach is secluded, with spectacular views justifying the journey. On a clear day, visitors may be able to see other small islands and Skye. To stay near Scotland's wild sandy haven, the four-star guesthouse Killoran House is a perfect pit stop halfway between the beach and the small nearby village of Dervaig. This off-grid getaway has snug bedrooms complete with floral quilts, coastal artwork and wooden accents, serving as a peaceful hub to explore the beach and the rest of the island.
