Walesโ stunning landscapes have long been favoured backdrops for many TV and film productions. Our rugged coastlines and majestic castles have brought to life some of our favourite scenes, from The Crown to Robin Hood.
Weโve put together a list of just a few that have featured on the big screen. Theyโre well worth a 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 Crownโ.
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 Barryโs vibrant waterfront, arcades and beach, adding to the show's charm and local character.
3. Wrexham Stadium
Also known as the Racecourse Ground, itโs 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.
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".
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.
6. Dunraven Bay (Southerndown Beach)
Located near Southerndown in South Wales, the bay is known for its dramatic cliffs and sandy beach. This beauty spot featured in some otherworldly scenes from the long-running science fiction series "Doctor Who."
Film locations in Wales
7. Penbryn beach
A secluded and picturesque beach in Ceredigion, it gained cinematic recognition as a filming location for the James Bond film "Die Another Day." Its pristine sands and dramatic coastal scenery provided the backdrop for thrilling scenes involving Pierce Brosnan as Bond.
8. Freshwater West
This stunning beach in Pembrokeshire can be seen in several high-profile films. It notably appeared in "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows โ Part 2" as the site of Shell Cottage, and in "Robin Hood," starring Russell Crowe, where its rugged coastline lent authenticity to medieval battle scenes.
9. 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 โJourneyโs Endโ.
10. 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 โ The Cradle of Life," where the lake's tranquil waters and surrounding mountains enhanced the movie's adventurous and mystical atmosphere.
11. 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 filmโs dark fantasy scenes.
12. 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 Nolanโs Batman film, with its powerful cascade and secluded location adding a dramatic and mysterious element to the iconic setting.
13. 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" โ enhancing the magical and enchanting atmosphere of the story.
14. 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 Arthurโ. The rugged terrain and dramatic vistas provided a fitting backdrop for the mythological adventures and battles.
15. 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.
16. Ynys Llanddwyn Sand Dunes
An island off the coast of Anglesey, its sand dunes have appeared in various productions. These included the action fantasy film, "Clash of the Titans".
17. 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 dramaโs picturesque settings.
18. 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 "Dolittleโ, starring Robert Downey Jr.
19. Snowdonia National Park
Snowdoniaโs rugged mountains have been a prime filming location. They featured prominently in Macbeth.
20. Merthyr Mawr Sand Dunes
This extensive dune system in South Wales appeared in several film productions. They were seen in the classic "Lawrence of Arabia," standing in for the Arabian desert.
Donโt worry about finding a parking space. You can reach many of these iconic film destinations by train or bus, by bike or on foot.
Plan your journey and buy your train tickets online today. We donโt charge booking fees.
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