Last weekend I had the privilege to go on a visit to the absolutely stunning Portmeirion
Just Arriving
Knowing nothing at all about the place, I was just looking forward to a trip out and a chance to see a little more of the country.
Pake-Muu Perfection
Taking around 4 hours to get there, I arrived on Friday evening after work and was completely shattered. I wet set my hair and gave it a blast with the hair dryer to get rid of some of the moisture and headed to bed.
It’s A Look?!?
Getting up early next morning I quickly steamed my Pake-Muu, did my make-up and brushed out my hair. Getting dressed I grabbed my matching handbag, camera, phone and parasol and headed a couple of miles to Portmeirion.
Sitting Pretty
Every visitor has to have pre-purchased a ticket and you do have to choose a time of arrival which is in blocks; 930am-1130am, 1130am-2pm, 2pm – 5pm.
Lioness
The cost was £17 which for those of you who know about Portmeirion, is actually really good value. However, apart from knowing it was supposedly ‘pretty’, I wasn’t quite sure what I was paying for OR what I would see on arrival.
Barely A Cloud In The Sky
Being born in 1974, I have absolutely no idea of ‘The Prisoner’ or what on earth it was about. I was reliably informed that it was a brilliant series where Patrick McGoohan was chased around the village by huge white balloons?!?
The Prisoner
Sounds fantastic?!?
Simply Gorgeous
On arrival I spoke to a lovely young man as the parking was very full and although I am struggling with my knee, as I don’t have a disabled badge, there is no way I would park in a disabled bay. He actually directed me to a closer space and I thanked him before parking up.
The Perfect Positioning
Making sure I took my parasol, walking stick and proper camera I slowly walked down towards the entrance booths.
Floral Fantastic
I was warmly welcomed by a staff member who scanned my pre-booked ticket and gave me a guide and advice as to which restaurants/facilities were open.
Delightful!
The sun was absolutely glorious in the sky and it was already pretty warm so up went the parasol. I slowly ambled down through gardens and flower beds all surrounded by what looked like slate cliffs.
Beautiful Grounds
I couldn’t stop taking photographs of everything I could see; quirky statues, unusual windows, painted rockfaces and stunning little cottages all in different colours.
The “Bay”
As I wandered through alley ways, down little streets and eventually found myself in the main piazza; a huge open space with borders full of flowers and bushes. In the centre was a long rectangular pool with outside tables and chairs dotted around.
The Piazza
A beautiful lady in some fabulous sunglasses stopped me and asked if she could possibly take my photograph. It was a complete honour, so of course I posed for her. We got talking and she told me that she was staying in the village for the weekend with her husband.
My Own Little Balcony
It was both their 50th birthdays and they had booked a cottage for the weekend as they had always wanted to visit. Up to that point I didn’t realise you could stay on site and this also got my brain whirling.
Superb Slate
Suddenly I heard the sound of music.
A Bloomin’ Brass Band!
Not just any music but what sounded like a brass band playing Meatloaf. Well, that couldn’t be right, could it?
The Perfect Place To Sit
Turning a corner I saw a group of people sat at the end of the piazza with instruments and they certainly were playing “I would do anything for Love (but I won’t do that)”
A Almost Private Performance
Absolutely magic!
Beautiful Balcony
Knowing that one of my best friends loves Meatloaf, I started videoing the performance for her. As the first song ended I walked a little further and went through an archway. I found that it was a balcony directly above the band and a perfect place to watch.
Delightful Decorations
There were two wide garden chairs on the balcony so I made myself comfortable in one and sat to listen. The sun was high in the sky, the birds were tweeting and the band were exceptional.
A Beautiful Panorama
I am not ashamed to admit I found myself getting quite emotional and a few tears may have leaked out of my eyes. It wasn’t that I was sad, more that I was overwhelmed by the beauty, the music and the perfect day.
Gorgeous Gates
The performance must have lasted about 30 minutes or so and I sat there lapping up every moment of it.
Across The Estuary
When the band finished, I got up and had another walk around. It was then that I popped into the Portmeirion Glass and Pottery shop to see what they had available.
Portmeirion Spa
I was quite taken by a glass vase so I purchased that and a magnet as a reminder of the visit.
The Portmeirion Hotel
Outside was gloriously sunny and very warm so I treated myself to a large ice cream with a flake. It was a quintessential British thing to do; wander around a beautiful little village, eating ice cream whilst the sun shone.
Peek-A-Boo
Heading down towards the estuary and the Portmeirion Hotel, my knee started to grumble a bit; it was mainly downhill and this was effecting me a little.
Across The Piazza
Thankfully when I got to the hotel, there was a little outcropping with a table and chairs. I sat down and looked at the beautiful surroundings.
A Private View
The Welsh flag was moving in the breeze and I literally sat there for nearly an hour, relaxing, thinking about life and catching some rays.
A Perfect Day
I had spent several hours wandering the village and it was the most perfect day. I genuinely was distraught to have to leave as I felt like I had been walking in Paradise.
An Array Of Colours
Sadly walking back through the beautiful grounds towards the car I was already planning on when I could return to Portmeirion.
Castell Deudraeth
It won’t be too far in the future.
The Most Amazing Place
Hopefully for a whole weekend in one of the cottages on site.
I Can’t Wait To Return
Till next time,
SPSG xxx