Beautiful hidden village which looks like an Italian resort and is perfect for a trip from Manchester

It sounds like the Italian Riviera - elegant buildings painted in pastel colours nestled on a green hillside overlooking calm blue waters.

In fact, this is a beautiful location you can find right here in the UK, around two and a half hours drive away from Manchester.

The village of Portmeirion sits on the edge of the Snowdonia National Park in North Wales, a hidden gem when it comes to seaside destinations.

With colourful buildings and beautiful gardens, the village is full of visual treats and architectural details reminiscent of France, Spain and Italy.

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Purpose-built as a tourist attraction, Portmeirion was the brainchild of Welsh architect Sir Clough Williams-Ellis who bought the land in 1925. In 1976 the village was completed.

It’s now owned by the charity Ymddiriedolaeth Clough Williams-Ellis, with the grounds now a designated conservation area.

Portmeirion is home to colourful buildings (Ian Cooper/North Wales Live)

Visitors do have to pay to enter (£8 for adults, children aged 0-15 go free) and the village is open from 9.30am until 5.30pm every day. Cafes are open from 10am until 5pm.

Those with certain bookings at the Castell Deudraeth Brasserie or The Hotel Portmeirion are able to access the village free, so can people staying at the hotels or the self-catering cottages.

What can you do in Portmeirion?

Look out for quirky details like classical statues (Ian Cooper/North Wales Live)

The best way to enjoy Portmeirion is to have a stroll around the buildings and soak up its unique charm.

In the centre you’ll find the main piazza which even features a giant chessboard among the quirky buildings.

The Bristol Colonnade nods to classical architecture and there's palm trees which add to the exotic feel.

Battery Square is a colourful area with a shop and café, complete with outdoor seating for the alfresco experience.

Where to stay and how to get there?

Portmeirion is known for its architecture (Ian Cooper/North Wales Live)

Hotel Portmeirion sits on the waterfront and even has a heated outdoor pool, while Castell Deudraeth is a gothic-style hotel. There are also self-catering cottages available.

Outside of the village there is plenty of accommodation available in Porthmadog and the surrounding area.

Portmeirion is easily reached by car and there is parking available, or travel by train to Minffordd which is a mile away from the village and can be travelled by bus.

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