Having lived in Stoke-on-Trent for a while, Portmeirion means one thing to me and that's pottery. But I only recently discovered that its spiritual home is the village in North Wales that gave it its name.
The village, nestled into the hillside overlooking Cardigan Bay, is the masterpiece of architect Sir Clough Williams-Ellis, who built it between 1925 and 1975 as a tribute to the Italian Mediterranean. And it was his daughter Susan who founded Portmeirion pottery in 1960, to produce souvenirs for the village shop.
But the shops are just a small part of what attracts visitors to this unique pay-to-enter village, which is now one of Wales’ most popular tourist destinations and is well known as the location for the 1960s cult TV series The Prisoner.
Sir Clough always denied that it was modelled on the seaside village of Portofino on the Italian Riviera, despite the resemblance being clear to see. He has instead insisted it was designed to channel the general feeling of the sun dappled region.
Either way it's a stunning location, with pastel coloured buildings and beautiful woodlands and gardens. The village is full of visual treats and architectural details reminiscent of not only Italy, but also France and Spain.
There are two hotels you can book to stay in at Portmeirion, as well as self-catering accommodation and a motorhome park, or you can even book a spa break. Hotel Portmeirion sits on the waterfront and has a heated outdoor pool, while Castell Deudraeth is a gothic-style hotel. But for those just passing by, you can visit for the day, which we did during the Easter holidays.
When you book you're given a time slot to enter, but, once inside, you can take as long as you like strolling around the buildings and soaking up its unique charm.
In the centre there's a main piazza, which features a giant chessboard and a shallow fountain pool surrounded by spring tulips.
The weather was dry yet mostly overcast during our trip and the tide was in, but in the warmer months visitors can explore the white sandy beaches of the Dwyryd Estuary to discover hidden caves, gullies and a flurry of interesting plants.
We walked part of the coastal path, which offered stunning views of the surrounding hills and there's a great photo opportunity at Amis Reunis, or 'Friends Reunited', the famous Stone Boat of Portmeirion. But it was soon time to head back to see what foodie treats this place has in store.
There are a few different cafes scattered about and we opted for the Town Hall Café, a 1950s style diner serving a wide range of hot and cold meals and snacks. Prices were actually quite reasonable given the location and we both opted for the chicken burger with chips and smoked paprika mayo, priced £12.50. Fresh, tasty ingredients and served with a smile in 15 minutes.
We clearly timed it just right as queues were forming for the tables as we left and customers were being warned of a 40-minute wait for food.
But there's no shortage of places to stop off for a bite to eat and many people had chosen to sit on the tables and benches surrounding the fountain pool or in the equally colourful Battery Square.
There are a number of shops to visit too, including the world's only Prisoner TV Show Shop, with all sorts of official Prisoner merchandise featuring the recognisable penny-farthing logo.
In fact there are nods to the show across the entire village, including a bronze bust of actor Patrick McGoohan erected in the old toll booth close to the entrance.
Whether you're a fan of the show or not, I'd personally never heard of it, this place is special enough to float anyone's boat.
The village is open from 9.30am until 6.30pm every day, with last entry at 5pm. Tickets cost £20 for adults and £12 for children aged five to 15. Under fives free. Visitors are advised to book online.
