The village was constructed by architect Sir Clough Williams-Ellis on his own private peninsula from 1925 to 1975 and is now run by a charitable trust with the aim of preserving his work, which is quite a task since he constructed a lot of it on the cheap as a personal project and out of his own pocket. It is not a residential village, it runs as a tourist attraction, welcoming day guests (admission around __5) and hotel residents, using the village's many cottages as the hotel accommodation.
It has been made famous as the location used in the filming of the 60s cult TV series, [http://www.theprisoneronline.com The Prisoner] in which it was called 'The Village'. In the 2008 remake of The Prisoner, Swakopmund in Namibia was used as the setting, it's architecture referencing Portmeirions own quaint buildings.
The best way to get to Portmeirion is by car, as it is off the beaten path of railways and public transportation. It is situated a couple of miles south-west of Porthmadog.
Portmeirion is a small village and everything is accessible by foot. It also includes trails for those who are inclined to a workout.
The village also contains extensive gardens with a pagoda, clifftop lighthouse, camera obscura, and pets' cemetery.
Walking around Portmeirion to view all the different bits of architecture is a must. The village also includes wooded trails with extensive types of flora, a beach and a swimming pool (for hotel guests only).
The Portmeirion pottery brand was designed by Sir Clough's daughter Susan and is on sale there. It also has a few shops for Portmeirion and Welsh merchandise, as well as Number 6's Cottage which houses the Prisoner merchandise shop.
Portmeirion has a restaurant, ice cream shop, and newly built pizzeria.
Staying in Portmeirion is expensive, starting at about __90 per person, per night. Prices are available on their website or by phone.