I’ve never watched the cult 60s show “The Prisoner”, but I’ve heard of the village of Portmeirion, near Porthmadog, where its outside scenes were filmed. So while I was staying at Tywyn, I thought it would be rude not to take a ride on the Cambrian Coast Line train further up so I could have a look around.
The train journey itself from Tywyn up to Minffordd was an absolute delight, with some beautiful coastal scenery to take in, only let down by the train I travelled on being particularly filthy (thanks Transport For Wales!), which prevented me getting any decent photos! It was about an hour and twenty minute ride, taking in the delights of Fairbourne, Barmouth and Harlech, before arriving at the little unassuming station at Minffordd, which also provides a handy connection to the Blaenau-Ffestinog steam railway.
From Minffordd, the village of Portmeirion was a roughly twenty-five minute walk. Oh, at this point it’s worth pointing out that you have to pay to get in! I had already booked online, which cost me £20. (You are however free to leave whenever you wish, unlike Number 6!)
It was pretty spectacular to be honest – very pretty and pictureseque. I didn’t avail myself of any of the cafes or eateries, prefering just to wander round and explore all the little paths and stepways. Not being familiar (at the time) with “The Prisoner”, I didn’t recognise anywhere in particular, but I was able to admire the stunning architecture and layout of the village, you really didn’t feel like you were in Wales any more!
Thanks to the frequency of the Cambrian Coast line trains, I was able to spend a good couple of hours wandering around and exploring, before making my escape back out to Minffordd in order to get the train back home. (Without being caught by Rover!)
I have since started watching “The Prisoner” thanks to it being on the ITVx app on the smart TV at my holiday home, and am finding it quite gripping…
