Wales is home to a veritable smorgasbord of landscapes to sink your teeth into, whether you crave rugged coastlines and craggy peaks or rolling countryside framed with ancient woodlands. These varied scenes have made Wales a favourite for film and television makers for decades, with the country’s sandy beaches, vast mountain passes, and historic sites appearing in everything from long-running favourites to one-off blockbuster hits.
Whether you’re looking to pay your respects at a certain house elf’s grave or you want to follow in the footsteps of Doctor Who, these filming locations in Wales are a great way to add some silver screen magic to your stay…
Doctor Who
Key locations: Bad Wolf Studios, Millennium Centre, Cardiff Castle, St Donat’s Castle, Llandaff Village, Portland House, Tredegar House, Southerndown Beach, Dyffryn Gardens, Margam Country Park
Filmed: 2005 - 2025
Starring: David Tennant, Jodie Whittaker, Matt Smith
Perhaps one of the most famous TV shows to film in Wales, Doctor Who has made its home amongst the country’s beautiful landscapes and cityscapes. A lot of the filming took place in Cardiff, with Cardiff Bay and the striking Millennium Centre taking the spotlight, before becoming the official headquarters and famous backdrop for the show’s spin-off series Torchwood. Other beloved Doctor Who filming locations across Wales include Southerndown Beach (better known as Bad Wolf Bay and the heartbreaking farewell between Rose and The Doctor), Tredegar House, Llandaff Village, Caerphilly Castle, and Margam Country Park… to name but a few!
If we only had a short time to absorb as much Doctor Who sightseeing as possible, Cardiff is the place to go. Visit the Millennium Centre for a selfie, The National Museum of Wales for history and scene-spotting, and Cardiff Castle, which featured in many scenes of Doctor Who. Not to mention the many shops that boast excellent memorabilia.
Gavin and Stacey
Key locations: Barry
Filmed: 2007 - 2024
Starring: Mathew Horne, Joanna Page, Ruth Jones
It wouldn’t be a round-up of famous filming locations in Wales without mentioning everyone’s favourite duo, Smithy and Bhunas. Nope, sorry, Smithy and West Ham United. No, that’s not right, either…Oh yes, Gavin and Stacey has had us hooked throughout, whether it’s iconic curry orders, Gwen’s omelettes, or cliffhanger proposals, and it’s all filmed exactly where it’s set, Barry. Nestled in the Vale of Glamorgan, the charming waterfront town of Barry became a character all its own in the beloved comedy series. Whether it’s Stacey and Uncle Barry’s houses on Trinity Street, The Calcot Arms, or Barry Island, many of the show’s scenes are shot right here in South Wales. For an extra special visit, head to St Cattwg’s Church in Llanmaes, where Gavin and Stacey tied the knot, or Dinas Powys to see Gavin’s supposedly ‘Essex’ house.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 and 2
Key locations: Freshwater West Beach
Filmed: 2009 - 2010
Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint
There are many incredible Harry Potter filming locations across the UK, but none have been visited as much as Freshwater West Beach in Wales. This beautiful beach stole our breath - and our hearts - in The Deathly Hallows when it became home to Shell Cottage and the final resting place of Dobby the free house elf. Although the cottage was taken down after filming, you can still stop by the famous destination to pay your respects to the brave house elf.
Another blockbuster to film here, Ridley Scott’s epic reimagining of Robin Hood filmed an exciting battle along the shore, making the most of the sweeping sands and dramatic backdrop. You might not see Russel Crowe during your visit, but the drama and spectacle of the beach remains, making it a must when exploring Pembrokeshire’s stunning coast.
The Other Bennet Sister
Key locations: Dryffryn House and Gardens, St Fagans National Museum of History, Penpont House, Llancaiach Fawr Manor, Brecon Beacons
Filmed: 2025
Starring: Ella Bruccoleri, Ruth Jones, Donal Finn
With Bridgerton taking over Netflix and Downton Abbey’s incredible conclusion taking over the cinemas in 2025, it’s clear that we are in the era of Period pieces… and we’re obsessed. Filling a gap while we wait for the new Pride and Prejudice remake, the BBC’s reimagining of Jane Austen’s beloved book has us utterly transfixed, partly for the plot and partly for the Welsh landscapes that fill the backgrounds. Oh yes, The Other Bennet Sister was filmed almost entirely in Wales, with famous historic houses and natural landmarks setting the scene perfectly. Managed by the National Trust, Dyffryn Gardens set the scene for some poetical readings, with the charming Pompeian Garden providing a serene setting. Penpont House in the Brecon Beacons was snapped up to play the role of Meryton Village, while the Black Mountains and surrounding lakes stepped in for the Lake District, portraying Lake Windermere and Scafell Pike.
Mr Bates vs The Post Office
Key locations: Llandudno Pier, Craig-y-Don, Nant Ffancon Valley, Beddgelert
Filmed: 2023
Starring: Toby Jones, Monical Dolan, Julie Hesmondhalgh
A gripping drama that delves into the true story behind the Post Office scandal and how it affected Alan and Suzanne Bates. Throughout the series, North Wales plays an astonishing role, as it provides many beautiful backdrops that can’t help but steal the scenes they’re in. Possibly the most famous location of the series, Mr Bates' house found its home in Nant Ffrancon Valley in Eryri National Park. The magnificent mountains behind offer a dramatic supporting role, with the couple making the most of their glorious location to enjoy breathtaking walks. The pretty town of Llandudno also takes a starring role, with the long beach and historic pier adding plenty of authenticity to the shots.
His Dark Materials
Key locations: Bad Wolf Studios, Usk Reservoir, Llyn y Fan Fach, St Govan’s Chapel, Wentwood Forest, Dunraven Bay, Plasturton Gardens, Blaenavon Ironworks, Atlantic College
Filmed: 2019 - 2022
Starring: Dafne Keen, Ruth Wilson, James McAvoy
Although the series is set in Oxford, Wales steals the show with many of the scenes being filmed in various locations across the already rather fantastical country. One of the most storybook buildings in the UK, St Govan’s Chapel in Pembrokeshire was a favourite filming location in season three of the BBC’s His Dark Materials. Seemingly hewn from the cliffs that surround it, this 6th-century hermitage is one of the stand-out landmarks when exploring the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, and we can’t believe it hasn’t featured in more things. Atlantic College in the Vale of Glamorgan is another ancient landmark to feature in the show, while Dunraven Bay added some coastal flair to its scenes.
Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life
Key locations: Llyn Gwynant, Pen-y-Pass, Dinorwig Quarry
Filmed: 2002 - 2003
Starring: Angelina Jolie, Gerard Butler, Noah Taylor
With Eryri National Park on offer, it’s of little surprise that everyone’s favourite action hero found her way to Wales. Shot in 2003 with Angelina Jolie at the helm, The Cradle of Life filmed some of its China-set scenes by the banks of Llyn Gwynant, where a model Chinese village was created. Borrowing extras from local towns and villages, along with some feathered friends and a starstruck mule, you’d be hard-pressed to spot the location as Wales. Sprawling shots of the National Park and towering mountain passes were also sprinkled throughout the film, crafting the perfect backdrop for Lara’s adventures.
King Arthur: Legend of the Sword
Key locations: Nant Gwynant, Llyn Gwynant, Vivian Quarry, Tryfan, Capel Curig, River Llugwy, Tredegar House
Filmed: 2015
Starring: Charlie Hunnam, Jude Law, Astrid Berges-Frisbey, Eric Bana
Another adventure to whisk you away to the wilds of Eryri National Park, Guy Ritchie’s epic King Arthur reimagining takes you on a tour of North Wales’ striking landscapes. One of the film’s pivotal scenes, which involves King Arthur (played by Charlie Hunnam) hurling his sword Excalibur into a lake, was filmed at the mesmerising Nant Gwynant in Caernarfon. A glacial valley backed by towering mountains, it’s easy to imagine an ethereal woman hiding beneath the mirrored waters. It’s also a truly spectacular spot for a walk, so we recommend visiting whether you’re hunting for legendary swords or views. The mountainous peak of Tryfan was used as the home of the kingdom of Camelot, while Vivian Quarry became the backdrop to a rather impressive stunt involving an 80-foot jump. For more relaxed scene-spotting, head to Tredegar House, where the stables were used as the general’s office, or venture into the magical woodlands surrounding the River Wye for dappled adventures along the water’s edge.
A Discovery of Witches
Key locations: Bad Wolf Studios, Carew Castle, Caerphilly Castle, Aberglasney Gardens, Llyn y Fan Fach, Insole Court, Tretower Court, Cardiff Indoor Market, Gower Peninsula, Newport
Filmed: 2017 - 2021
Starring: Teresa Palmer, Matthew Goode, Adelle Leonce
Magic, intrigue, and a whole lot of Wales, A Discovery of Witches really does have it all. The series first dropped onto our screens in 2018, bewitching us from the start thanks to the incredible backdrops that brought the pages of Deborah Harkness’ beloved book to life. Many of the film’s interiors were created at Bad Wolf Studios in Cardiff Bay, including the incredible Bodleian Library, which took over 5km of books to fill the newly dusty shelves, while the blooming beautiful gardens at Aberglasney (which also make an appearance in Da Vinci’s Demons) set the scene for the de Clermont family home. Making the most of Pembrokeshire’s fantastical castles, Carew lent its grand ruins as a stand-in for La Pierre - the perfect setting for a vampire’s lair. The natural beauty surrounding Llyn y Fan Fach in the Brecon Beacons stood in for the Scottish Highlands, and Cardiff’s bustling indoor market played the role of Oxford’s famous food market perfectly. And if it’s coastal set-jetting opportunities you’re after, a visit to the impressive Gower Peninsula is a must, as both Oxwich and Rhossili Bay feature in the second season.
House of the Dragon
Key locations: Dinorwig Quarry, Yr Eifl Quarry, Llanddwyn Beach, Penmon Point, Ogwen Valley, Newborough Forest, Aberglaslyn Gorge, Castell Penrhyn, Beaumaris Beach
Filmed: 2023 - 2025
Starring: Olivia Cooke, Emma D’Arcy, Rys Ifans
The nail-biting prequel to Game of Thrones, House of the Dragon promises more dragons, more drama, and more Wales, with North Wales and its rugged landscapes taking centre stage. The Targaryen family home of Dragonstone was shot in the rocky landscapes of Yr Eifl Quarry, while Dinorwig Quarry (a very popular filming location in Wales) was used as Harranhal Castle. The Isle of Anglesey lent its coastal charms to several scenes throughout the series, including the sandy shores of Llanddwyn and Beaumaris Beach, and Porth y Cwch. A magical spot that was made for appearances in fantasy epics, Penmachno Roman Bridge in Conwy lent its moss-strewn boulders and fairytale arches to the newest season. There are some lovely walks nearby, making it a great spot for eagle-eyed fans to explore. Ogwen Valley, which sits in the northern reaches of the Eryri National Park, was featured in Season 3 as well, lending its undulating landscapes to the show.
Other film and television series filmed in Wales
The Dark Knight Rises - The Batcave hid behind the oh-so-dramatic Henrhyd Falls in the Brecon Beacons.
Snow White and the Huntsman - Marloes Sands set the scene for an epic cavalry charge.
The Prisoner - Made the most of Portmeirion’s faux Italian setting.
The Pembrokeshire Murders - Pembrokeshire’s captivating coastline made the perfect backdrop for the nail-biting drama, including Fishguard, Little Haven, and Freshwater East.
Wonder Woman 1984 - Swallow Falls became famous during the film’s opening scenes.
Clash of the Titans - Dinorwig Quarry’s otherworldly setting was perfect for Ancient Greece.
Ready to plan the ultimate set-jetting stay? Explore our beautiful holiday cottages in Wales and turn your favourite movies into memories.
