Portmeirion, on the edge of Snowdonia National Park, is a popular stopover in northern Wales, 173 mi/277 km northwest of Cardiff.
A fantasy creation of Sir Clough Williams-Ellis, the private, gated village is a bizarre mix of architectural styles: The influence is primarily Italian, but buildings from across the country were saved from demolition and brought there.
It has a lovely hotel, gardens, woodlands and nice beaches along a scenic estuary. Flower-decorated Portmeirion china is for sale at a discount at the village shop.
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