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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Entertainment
Liv Clarke & Charlotte Hadfield

Hidden Italian village just a short journey away from Liverpool

Nestled on a hillside on the coast of North Wales you'll find a hidden village that looks just like the Italian Riviera.

With historic buildings painted in pastel colours and its own piazza, Portmeirion really does look like it's been lifted straight from Italy.

However, it's actually just over two hours away from Liverpool by car, on the edge of the Snowdonia National Park in North Wales.

READ MORE: Life in Merseyside's 'poshest' village

Thousands of tourists flock to the village each year to explore the sites and soak up the stunning beach views.

Portmeirion was designed and built by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis between 1925 and 1975 in the style of an Italian village, the Manchester Evening News reports.

He wanted to show how a naturally beautiful location could be developed without spoiling it.

The village boasts of beautiful architecture and its own piazza (Ian Cooper/North Wales Live)

The village is now owned by the charity Ymddiriedolaeth Clough Williams-Ellis, with the grounds now a designated conservation area.

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, as can people staying at the hotels or the self-catering cottages.

What can you do in Portmeirion?

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.

Gloriette - the columns where taken from Hooton Hall, Cheshire and where buried within the grounds of Portmeirion to add to the weathered effect. (Ian Cooper/North Wales Live)

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?

The village is situated on the coast of North Wales and boasts of stunning views (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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