Wales, renowned for its stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage, has long been a favoured backdrop for many iconic TV and film productions. From the rugged coastline to majestic castles, the diverse scenery has brought to life numerous beloved stories on screen - some of which many may not have even realised.
We’ve put together some of the famous locations used across the country in favoured TV and Film perfect for you to visit.
TV locations across Wales
1. Caernarfon Castle
This majestic medieval fortress has been used as a filming location for several TV productions due to its striking architecture and historical ambiance. Most notably, it appeared in the Netflix TV series "The Crown”. If you fancy a day exploring this historical movie location and taking a step back in time, hop on the T2 or T22 Traws Bus to take you right into the heart of Caernarfon.
2. Barry Island
The beloved seaside resort is best known for its appearance in the hit sitcom "Gavin & Stacey". The series explores the humorous and heartwarming relationships between two families from Wales and Essex. It frequently features Barry’s vibrant waterfront, arcades and beach, adding to the show's charm and local character. Visit this iconic filming location by train and add to the adventure of your blockbuster themed day out by heading straight to the Barry Island station in as little as 30 minutes from Cardiff. From there the beach is only a short walk where you can enjoy the sights, indulge in some fish and chips or hit the arcade.
3. Wrexham Stadium
Also known as the Racecourse Ground, it’s the oldest international football stadium still in use. It gained TV fame through the docuseries "Welcome to Wrexham," which follows Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney as they purchase and manage Wrexham A.F.C., highlighting the stadium's pivotal role in the local community and the team's journey. For those planning a football themed adventure, kick off your day by jumping on the T3, T3C, T12 Traws Bus routes, or hop on the train to Wrexham General railway station, taking you straight to the action.
4. Penrhyn Castle
As a neo-Norman castle, Penrhyn has served as a dramatic and picturesque location for various TV series. These included the fantasy-adventure epic, "Game of Thrones". Make a day out of your visit to Penrhyn Castle by hopping on the train to Bangor (Gwynedd) railway station, or visiting via the T10 Traws Bus route.
5. Portmeirion
Portmeirion is in Gwynedd, but its charming architecture is like something out of the Italian Riviera. It became widely recognised through the 1960s cult TV series "The Prisoner," in which it served as the surreal and mysterious setting known as "The Village". The show's distinct aesthetic and Portmeirion's whimsical design are still celebrated by fans today. Explore all that this village has to offer by grabbing the train to Minffordd station or the T2 and T22 Traws Bus route to the Minffordd stop. A 20-minute walk down to the coast will lead you to Portmeirion and an adventure awaits.
Film locations across Wales
6. Tredegar House
This grand 17th-century mansion in Newport served as an elegant backdrop for various film and TV productions. It featured in the film “Journey’s End”. If you’re planning to visit this historical location, take the stress out of your journey by grabbing the train straight to Newport station.
7. Llyn Gwynant
A serene lake in Snowdonia used for filming due to its breathtaking natural beauty. It was a key location in the film "Lara Croft: Tomb Raider – The Cradle of Life," where the lake's tranquil waters and surrounding mountains enhanced the movie's adventurous and mystical atmosphere. For those wanting to experience the beauty of Llyn Gwynant, Porthmadog station is just over a 20-minute drive from the landmark.
8. Marloes Sands
A beautiful and expansive beach in Pembrokeshire was a key filming location for "Snow White and the Huntsman", starring Kristen Stewart and Chris Hemsworth. Its dramatic cliffs and sweeping sands provided an epic and fairytale-like setting for the film’s dark fantasy scenes. If you're planning to visit Marloes Sands, hop on the bus to Marloes local cricket ground - just a scenic 45-minute walk away, perfect for warming up before you hit the beach.
9. Henrhyd Falls
The tallest waterfall in South Wales is best known for its appearance in "The Dark Knight Rises." It served as the entrance to the Batcave in Christopher Nolan’s Batman film, with its powerful cascade and secluded location adding a dramatic and mysterious element to the iconic setting.
10. Bodnant Garden
This renowned National Trust property in Conwy featured in various film and TV productions. Its beautifully landscaped gardens, filled with exotic plants and picturesque features, appeared in the film "The Secret Garden" - enhancing the magical and enchanting atmosphere of the story. Plan your visit and hop on the train to Llandudno Junction, just under a 15-minute drive away from Bodnant Garden where you can get lost in the natural beauty of the setting.
11. Bannau Brycheiniog National Park
With its mountain peaks, rolling hills, moorlands and waterfalls, the park has long been a popular filming location. It featured in the epic fantasy film "King Arthur”. The rugged terrain and dramatic vistas provided a fitting backdrop for the mythological adventures and battles. The T4, T6 and T14 Traws Bus takes you to the edge of Bannau Brycheiniog, where you can hike and explore the beauty of this National Park at your own pace.
12. Swallow Falls
A scenic waterfall near Betws-y-Coed in North Wales, Swallow Falls has attracted filmmakers with its natural beauty. It appeared in Wonder Woman 1984. Hop aboard the T10 Traws Bus, taking you straight to this iconic location for your own action packed day out.
13. Pembroke Castle
This impressive medieval fortress in Pembrokeshire has been used as a filming location for its historical significance and grandeur. It featured in the film "Me Before You," where its majestic structure and scenic surroundings added depth to the romantic drama’s picturesque settings. Even better yet, the Milford Haven station is just over a 20-minute drive away from this movie location.
14. Menai Bridge
A historic suspension bridge connecting the Isle of Anglesey with mainland Wales, it featured in several films. Its iconic design and dramatic backdrop featured in the film "Dolittle”, starring Robert Downey Jr. If you’re planning to visit this much-loved location, catch the T2 Traws Bus, taking you to several nearby stops in Bangor.
15. Snowdonia National Park
Snowdonia’s rugged mountains have been a prime filming location. They featured prominently in Macbeth. Several Traws Bus routes pass by Snowdonia, including the T2, T3, T3C, T10, T22, making your journey to this stunning destination even easier.
These are the top tv and film locations that you can visit with ease across Wales. You can reach a lot of them by car or by foot if you live in the area, but there are also plenty of train routes you can use to get there with Transport for Wales. Buy your tickets online today and receive no booking fees.
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