Welsh coastal spots Portmeirion and Newgale draw viral tourism buzz

Portmeirion, an Italian‑style village on the north‑west coast of Wales, has gone viral for its pastel‑coloured architecture, subtropical woodlands and fame as the filming location of the 1960s TV series The Prisoner. Designed by Sir Clough Williams‑Ellis between 1925 and 1976, the village features a central piazza, a giant human chessboard, a lighthouse and a nearby 70‑acre forest called the Gwyllt. It is owned by a charitable trust and hosts the well‑known Portmeirion Pottery shop.

Separately, a road leading to the seaside village of Newgale in Pembrokeshire has been dubbed Wales’ “most iconic” drive after TikTok users shared footage of its golden‑sand beach, rugged coastline and sweeping sea views. The short video, posted by creator Wander Wales, highlighted the route’s “stunning” panoramas and sparked a wave of comments urging others to visit the area.

Both locations are experiencing a surge in domestic tourism as Britons favour staycations over overseas trips, drawn by the striking scenery and nostalgic charm of Wales’ coastal attractions.