Inside the stunning UK town that’s been compared to a dreamy Italian village

A TOWN in the UK has been compared to a village on the Italian Riviera.

It’s home to colourful buildings, a subtropical forest with a Chinese Lake and incredible wildlife.

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Portmeirion village in Gwynedd, resembling the Italian Riviera, was built by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis between 1925 and 1975.

Despite denying claims he based the village on Portofino, Portmeirion has al-fresco dining areas, acres of gardens and multi-coloured buildings a-plenty.

Once inside the village gates, visitors can enjoy an Italian gelato at Angel Ices or opt for a spot of afternoon tea at The Hotel Portmeirion.

For amazing views of the Dwyryd Estuary, head to the Clifftop Rotunda where seasonal exhibitions can also be found.

Battery Square is also home to the Round House where the cult TV series The Prisoner was filmed.

An Italian-inspired town wouldn’t be complete without a Bell Tower or a Central Piazza, both of which are a stone’s throw from each other.

The town isn’t just inspired by Italy – The Gwyllt is a subtropical forest that has a Japanese Garden and a calming Chinese Lake.

The village also has three shops for tourists who fancy purchasing a souvenir or a piece of Portmeirion pottery.

Holidaymakers need to pay to enter the town with tickets costing £18 per adult in the summer months.

There are cheaper tickets for children, pensioners and students and family packages are available too.

Visitors who want to stay in Portmeirion can stay in one of two four-star hotels in the village as well as a range of self-catering cottages.

One night in Castell Deudraeth, which is a short drive from the village gates, cost £117pp per night in March.

Tent pitches in the nearby Llech Camping and Touring Site, are much more affordable, with a two-night stay for two people available from £48 all-in or £12pp per night.

If you fancy exploring the rest of the area, just 20 minutes from Portmeirion is the Llechwedd Slate Caverns – a slate quarry that has been turned into a visitor attraction.

Snowdonia National Park is also nearby which is home to Snowdon – the highest peak in Wales.

Here are some other UK spots that look like they could be abroad.

If you fancy another staycation, here are some of the most tranquil staycation spots in the country.

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