PORTMEIRION UPDATE - APRIL 2012
Photos: Rick Davy & Lee Arnall.
PORTMEIRION VISITOR CENTRE PLANNED
Potentially exciting news has reached The Unmutual Website with the announcement here that plans are in development (subject to planning permission) that the toilet block and surrounding area near the smaller toll booth (left) at Portmeirion may be redeveloped in the near future to incorporate a visitor centre, cafe, and even a small theatre.
The plans, already submitted to Gwynedd County Council, would mean that visitors would have an area in which to learn about the history of Portmeirion before entering. So far the plans have met with near-unanimous support.
NEW DRIVEWAY SIGNS
BEACH SHIPWRECK
A new addition (or should one say a re-appearance) to the beach at Portmeirion, just a few feet from the rocks in front of the main hotel building, which has wowed vistors and fans of late is news that the changing tides and banks that form the estuary have recently shifted to unearth a shipwreck, which previously had been buried beneath the sands for many decades.
Talk has begun that the ship may be the original Amis Reunis (later replicated as the Stone Boat)!
AMIS REUNIS REFURBISHMENT
A new addition (or should one say a re-appearance) to the beach at Portmeirion, just a few feet from the rocks in front of the main hotel building, which has wowed vistors and fans of late is news that the changing tides and banks that form the estuary have recently shifted to unearth a shipwreck, which previously had been buried beneath the sands for many decades.
Talk has begun that the ship may be the original Amis Reunis (later replicated as the Stone Boat)!
THE LAND TRAIN
Another recent development at Portmeirion is the new woodland land train, which takes visitors free of charge on a ride into the woodland (from the tollbooth to the oriental bridge/lake and back via Salutation) behind the village.
Originally 3 carriages long but reduced to 1, the service (which is not noisy) has proved popular amongst day visitors since the service began.
Despite the advantages to those who normally find it difficult to go into the woods (although the very bumpy ride would still be unsuitable for those with arthritic conditions), the train has received some criticism on Portmeirion's facebook page with comments such as "looks more like Disney" and "perfect peace shattered" being posted, along with concerns about its viability, need, and effect on the woodland environment.
RECEPTION BUILDING CLOSED
What was the main reception building, opposite the coach park, is now closed (self-catering check in is now at Castell Deudraeth).
PORTMEIRION SPA OPEN
The Portmeirion Spa (located in what was Chart Room) is now fully open.
PATRICK McGOOHAN PLAQUE AT WHITE HORSES
