Portmadog in North Wales has been named one of the happiest places in Britain.

The happy town on the Welsh coast

According to The Sun: The coastal town of Portmadog in North Wales has become one of the happiest places to live in Great Britain and a wonderful resort.

This port town is famous for its sandy beaches, steam trains, and stunning views of Snowdonia.

Happiness rating

A recent study by Regency Living showed that Portmadog ranked second among the happiest towns in Great Britain, scoring 7.51 points on the happiness scale. This is significantly higher than the average score of 7.33. The town outperformed places like Whitstable, Bournemouth, Torquay, and Crosby.

Beach adventures and attractions

The town has a large port and is located near popular beaches such as Black Rock Sands. These beaches offer wide sand, rocky shores, tidal pools, and plenty of marine life in the rock pools. One visitor described the beach as:

“a wonderful wide, fairly flat beach when the water goes out. We enjoyed being here, and the sand is perfect for sandcastles.”

Another review adds:

“A beautiful long stretch of coastline, perfect for family outings. Sandy dunes to explore, rock pools, walks along the coast, and visiting the Black Rock Beach Club restaurant just 200 yards from us.”

During the peak season, there is a parking charge at the beach, making it accessible for visitors.

One of the popular attractions is the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railway, recognized as one of the best in Wales. Passengers can board a steam train in Portmadog and take a journey through Snowdonia — considered one of the most beautiful rail journeys in Europe.

Climate and nature

Portmadog also has its microclimate, as the town is sheltered from cold winds by the Snowdonia mountains. The air, passing through the mountains, is warmed, creating comfortable living conditions. On the peak of the heat, June 14, 2023, the temperature in Portmadog reached 31 degrees.

Furthermore, the town is just a 10-minute drive from the famous Portmeirion, which is considered a “portico in Italian style” in Great Britain. Writer Catherine, who recently visited this place with her family, shared her impressions:

“Formed of colorful houses and vibrant gardens surrounding the bay, this charming place has two four-star hotels, one of which is located in a castle, as well as a caravan park and several self-catering cottages.”

She also added:

“When we arrived, we spent several happy hours playing on a giant chess set in the garden while my youngest child played in the shallow water nearby.”

Portmadog, with its beauty and comfort, remains an attractive place for locals and tourists. The town offers a unique combination of natural scenery and historical attractions, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and enjoyment of nature.

With comfortable living conditions and developed infrastructure, Portmadog is becoming increasingly popular for both permanent residence and tourism. With its harmony with nature and happy memories, this town undoubtedly attracts new visitors.