Mediterranean climes in North Wales

Portmeirion is the kind of place that deserves to be visited again and again. Never mind its starring role in Patrick McGoohan's cult TV series The Prisoner - this amazing creation is a marvel, testament to the vision and tenacity of Sir Clough Williams-Ellis. The architect worked for over half a century to build an Italianate village on the North Wales coast.

Today, we can see Chinese copies of Venice, London and other European capitals - but what makes Portmeirion unique is that it was conceived soon after the First World War. I've visited the village eight or nine times, each visit is a great experience, each one offers new glimpses and vistas.

Like last year, I was here with Eddie and Cousin Hoavis; we spent a long day at Portmeirion. Below: Eddie strides towards the Council Building.

Below: the post Portmeirion Hotel, which consists of the buildings in this picture, as well as many dotted around the village itself.

Below: yet another folly - non-functioning lighthouse overlooking the estuary

Below: the smaller of two fountains that grace the village. Note the light-blue on white colour scheme.

Below: a cannon guards the approaches from the sea.

Below: general view of Portmeirion from the Gazebo feature up on an opposite hillside

This time last year:
Beach day, Llyn Peninsula

This time two years ago:
Down with cars in city centres!

This time three years ago:
8am and 26C already