This is my THIRD trip to Portmeirion! David and I are both HUGE fans of the old British television show, “The Prisoner,” partly set in Portmeirion and called The Village in the show. It’s where spies who try to quite the service are sent, after being drugged and kidnapped. They grow old and die there, but of course our hero, unnamed throughout, tries to escape and reveal this secret to the world. It’s a very surreal show, with some downright hallucinogenic episodes. I saw it when I was a teen, and then again a few times as an adult. The first time I went to Wales in 2018, I didn’t realize I was near Portmeirion until a Welsh friend pointed it out to me. Forever grateful, Julian!
Very excited!But seriously: we’re going to The Village!It’s pretty odd from the outset. And very Gilliamesque throughout.So. Many. Grottos!The Square looking toward the Chessboard, which figures prominently in this episode of The Prisoner.Spring is the best time to be here, but then it’s the ONLY time I’ve been here. The tourists descend in the summer.Looking toward the hotel and Mt. Snowden.
Nice pano video from David.When I was here in 2018, there were some cosplayers reenacting the chess scene from the chess episode linked above.Prophet statue, hanging ram, and bust of Patrick McGoohan.Frolicksome mural — much of the art and sculpture is frankly erotic. Sir Clough Williams-Ellis, the architect and benefactor of Portmeirion, was no prude!There are many mermen and mermaids and gods and monsters!Pavilion with faux columns and vases.This mid-century cafe is my favorite place to eat and drink at Portmeirion. There are fancier places, but this is really cute and good food!Cats!The New Number Two!The Amis Reunis.
The Amis Reunis was Williams-Ellis’ homage to the concrete ships of WWI.
Low tide is very, very low – the beach vast.The heritage steam train stop. The train goes from Porthmadog to Blennau Ffestiniog, a slate quarry town up in the mountains.
Busy little beastie.
Despite having a bum knee, I enjoyed my day SO MUCH, especially seeing David enjoy HIS day so much! I will always go back to Portmeirion when I have the chance.
Debkakes in the UK 2025 