Charming UK village offers a ‘taste of Italy’ without leaving the country
- UK Hidden Gems
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
There are plenty of pretty villages across the UK, each with their own charm, but one in particular has been likened to Italy thanks to its colourful scenery and stunning coastline.
A picturesque UK village has been described as offering a true "slice of Italy". Wales, with its dramatic landscapes and quaint villages, is a popular choice for tourists and locals alike.
One such gem in Gwynedd, North Wales, has drawn comparisons to the Italian Riviera.
Famous for its bright Mediterranean-style buildings and breathtaking coastal views, it is a must-see spot for anyone who loves beauty, history, and the outdoors.
Set along the estuary of the River Dwyryd, Portmeirion combines Italian flair with classic Welsh countryside charm. Its official website describes it as the place "where the Italian Riviera meets rural Wales," filled with striking colours and unique architecture.
The village rose to fame after being used as the filming location for the cult 1960s TV show The Prisoner.
Today, it features colour-washed buildings surrounding a piazza, sweeping woodlands, two luxury hotels, charming cottages, gift shops, a spa and award-winning restaurants.
Recently, a TikTok video showing the village went viral, leaving viewers amazed at its beauty.
The caption read: "A slice of Italy in the UK. Perfect weekend break from London. Colourful houses, coastal vibes!"
The video highlighted the brightly painted houses, many complete with domes, arches and balconies, surrounded by flowers, tall trees and a lily-filled lake in the Japanese Garden.
According to the Portmeirion website, the area is also home to some of Britain’s most impressive trees, secret gardens, an old castle ruin and a wide range of exotic plants.
Visitors can explore 70 acres of woodland, with 19 miles of winding trails leading to hidden gardens, dramatic viewpoints and peaceful coves along the coast.
Scattered throughout the estate are quirky features including the Dog Cemetery, Tanglewood, the Ghost Garden and Shelter Valley, each adding to the village’s magical atmosphere.
Portmeirion also boasts rare trees and plants, many introduced during the Victorian era by Henry Seymour Westmacott and botanist Sir Williams Fothergill Cook. Their legacy lives on in the form of monkey puzzle trees, magnolias, redwoods, camellias and rhododendrons that still flourish across the site today.
Remember - LeaveNoTrace!
As with anywhere outdoors, kindly keep these areas pristine and wild by taking all trash with you. The amount of complaints we have seen since the pandemic is crazy. It's really not that hard to take your rubbish with you!
Litter tends to spread, so if you see any and are able to pick it up and dispose of it outside the hidden gem, it will help keep the area tidy.
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