The Welsh landscape has provided a backdrop for several blockbuster productions over the years. Hollywood stars have graced the land, award-winning TV shows have been shot in various locations across the country, and a superhero even set up home in the Brecon Beacons.
Discover who this hero is, and uncover what other TV shows and movies have been filmed in Wales below.
TV Shows Filmed in Wales
1. Gavin and Stacey
Gavin and Stacey is a romantic sitcom written by, and starring, Ruth Jones and James Corden. It explores the story of a young couple, Gavin from Billericay, Essex (Mathew Horne) and Stacey from Barry, South Wales (Joanna Page), who are trying to make a turbulent long-distance relationship work.
The show ran for three seasons and there was a much-needed Christmas special in 2019. Filming for the show took place in Barry itself, with Barry Island Pleasure Park and Trinity Street, Barry taking centre stage!
More than a decade after season 3 ended, the Gavin and Stacey tours onboard Dave's Coaches are still one of the top things to do in Barry Island.
By the way, if you're still baffled about the Owain Highes joke, I've explored exactly what it means here. And before you ask.....
2. Y Gwyll/Hinterland
Y Gwyll/Hinterland is a dark Welsh police crime drama set in Aberystwyth. The show stars Richard Harrington as DCI Tom Mathias and Mali Harries as DI Mared Rhys. Together with their team, they must solve various mysteries in the Ceredigion area.
The series was so successful that it was dubbed in English and shown on BBC.
Most of the filming was done around Aberystwyth itself and in the surrounding rural areas. Other popular locations that pop up throughout the seasons include Glaspwll, Cwm Ty Nant, Ponterwyd Mountain Road and Ystumtuen.
3. His Dark Materials
Based on novels written by Phillip Pullman, His Dark Materials follows the story of a young orphan named Lyra (Dafne Keen). Lyra lives in a world governed by the Magisterium, and where people's souls live outside of their person. People's souls actually take the form of an animal in the world, and these creatures follow their humans around like pets. As the plot moves on through the seasons, Lyra discovers a secret that could change the entire world she lives in.
Bad Wolf, one of the production companies behind this incredible show, has a headquarters in Cardiff, so naturally several locations around Wales were used in the series. These include interior shots being done in the Bad Wolf Studio in Cardiff, Trollesund port was actually built in Crickhowell, and the Welsh Assembly Foyer was used as the Magisterium building.
4. Doctor Who
One of the things Wales has been known for over the past decade is the filming location for the BBC reboot of Doctor Who. The science-fiction show is about an extra-terrestrial being, also known as the Time Lord, travelling around in his TARDIS and getting into all kinds of mischief.
Popular filming spots for Doctor Who are in Cardiff, namely the National Museum, Cardiff Castle and Dyffryn Gardens. But the Doctor has been known to film in Caerphilly Castle, Llanelli, Rhossili and St Fagans.
5. Torchwood
Torchwood is a spin-off series of Doctor Who, and features John Barrowman as the lead, alongside Ystradgynlais-born Eve Myles. For much of the show Captain Jack Harkness and his team are defending our planet from world-destroying aliens!
The team’s headquarters throughout season one and two was actually located and filmed in Roald Dahl Plass in Cardiff Bay.
6. Sherlock
This murder mystery TV show, that’s based on the work of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, sees Sherlock Holmes (Benedict Cumberbatch) and Dr Watson (Martin Freeman) cracking cases in modern day Britain.
Several scenes for the BBC show were filmed in Cardiff Bay, at the National Museum Cardiff, Cardiff Castle and Newport.
7. Keeping Faith
Keeping Faith was originally broadcast on S4C under the title ‘Un Bore Mercher’ before it was broadcasted on BBC. The thriller sees Faith (Eve Myles) trying to discover what has happened to her husband who appears to have vanished. There are plenty of twists and turns throughout the seasons to keep you guessing what's really going on.
A lot of filming for the show was done in Carmarthenshire, particularly in the heart of Carmarthen. And one particularly notable location is Faith’s home, which overlooks Laugharne estuary and castle. Laugharne, of course, is commonly associated with the poet Dylan Thomas as this was his home for many years.
8. The Pembrokeshire Murders
Starring Welsh Hollywood star Luke Evans as Detective Superintendent Steve Wilkins, The Pembrokeshire Murders explores the story of how John Cooper, portrayed by Llanelli-born Keith Allen, was finally prosecuted for crimes he committed along the Welsh Coastal Path in the 80s.
The stunning Pembrokeshire coastline provided the backdrop for the TV show!
9. The Prisoner
[image-missing src="https://walesguidebook.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Portmeirion_edited-1024x576.jpg"]
In this classic 60s hit a British Intelligence Officer is captured and is sent to live in an idyllic, Mediterranean-like village. But little does he know that he’s actually incarcerated in a heavily monitored prison! The 17 episode show stars Patrick McGoohan as Number Six, a man trying to escape the village.
Portmeirion, the Italian style village in North Wales, was the filming location for the exterior shots of The Prisoner. You can easily visit the location, and to this day they still hold conventions to honour the TV series.
Movies Filmed in Wales
1. Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows
Dobby's Grave at Freshwater West
The wizarding world of Harry Potter is a collection of films that are based on J.K. Rowling’s books. The story centres on a young boy named Harry who goes to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Throughout the story he battles against his enemy Lord Voldemort. Voldemort is, of course, a dark wizard who's been out to get Harry since he was an infant.
In Deathly Hallows, Shell Cottage, a safe house for members of the Order of the Phoenix and Bill and Fleur Weasley’s home, was set on Freshwater West beach. Sadly, the site is also where poor Dobby was buried. His grave was up on one of the sand dunes near the cottage and can still be visited today where fans leave tributes to the house elf.
2. Pride
Set in 1984, a group of gay and lesbian activists set out to help struggling miners who’ve been impacted by the British Miner’s Strike of 1984. The story is based on true events and depicts the alliance between the Lesbians and Gays Support The Minor’s Group and the National Union of Mineworkers.
Swansea-born Menna Trussler, Bill Nighy, Imelda Staunton and Dominic West are all part of this comedy drama.
Some filming took place in Welsh villages, like Onllwyn and Banwen.
3. The Dark Knight Rises
[image-missing src="https://walesguidebook.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Henrhyd_falls_9152_edited.jpg"]
The action-packed film sees Batman, played by Welsh actor Christian Bale, break down and rebuild himself to fight back against Bane (Tom Hardy), who's threatening to destroy Gotham City.
Interestingly, Henrhyd Falls in the Brecon Beacons was used as the entrance to the Bat Cave in the film. Who'd have thought that Batman would live in Wales!
4. Captain America: The First Avenger
Steve Rogers is desperate to join the war effort in 1941, but after being turned down for military duty he enrols onto an experimental project. By the end of the experiment, Steve (Chris Evans) has turned into a muscular, tall, super-soldier. With his new physique, he goes off to fight in World War II and to stop HYDRA from wreaking havoc on the world.
Most of the war-based scenes you see in the film were shot at the Ministry of Defence training camp in Caerwent.
5. Die Another Day
This mega action packed 007 film starts with Bond behind bars in North Korea. Eventually he gets released, but he quickly realises that he’s been betrayed by a fellow agent. As the story unfolds he discovers that North Korea is going to use a massive laser weapon to destroy the South. So, in typical Bond style, he sets out to stop this from happening!
The love scene between Halle Berry and Pierce Brosnan was filmed in a shack, created just for the occasion, at Penbryn Beach in Ceredigion.
6. Robin Hood
In this adrenaline-fuelled hit Robin Hood (Russell Crowe) must save Nottingham from an all powerful sheriff who keeps on raising taxes and financially crippling the villagers. In the process he falls in love with Lady Marion (Cate Blanchet) and eventually has to save England.
In 2009, 600 people and over 100 horses turned up on Freshwater West beach to film an epic scene for Ridley Scott’s 2010 Robin Hood film.
7. HAVOC
HAVOC is an action-thriller that stars Tom Hardy as Detective Walker who's a on a rescue mission. Whilst trying to find a politician's estranged son, Walker comes into contact with a web of underworld criminals. The film is written and directed by Gareth Evans from Hirwaun, South Wales.
Prominent filming locations for the Netflix hit include Swansea's Guildhall, Barry and Cardiff Bay.
Netflix Series Filmed in Wales
1. Sex Education
Sex Education is a coming of age comedy-drama that disposes of the countless taboos surrounding teenage sex. Otis (Asa Butterfield) is the story’s main protagonist, and he starts handing out sex advice to students at Moordale Secondary School.
Unfortunately for fans, Moordale is not a real place and is a collection of filming locations from across Wales. Some of the key locations include Llandogo, Penarth, the Wye Valley and Tintern. Shots for Moordale Secondary School were actually filmed in the old University of South Wales campus in Newport.
2. The Witcher
Fantasy series The Witcher is about a genetically engineered monster hunter named Geralt of Rivia, who is trying to protect a Princess called Ciri from pursuers. Henry Cavill plays Geralt throughout the Netflix shows.
Scenes for the third season of the popular Netflix show were filmed on the Three Cliffs Bay beach. Cavill himself was even spotted on set!
3. The Crown
Prince of Wales Investiture Slate at Caernarfon Castle
The Crown is a historical drama that depicts the life of Queen Elizabeth II throughout the years. Welsh actor Jonathan Pryce plays Prince Phillip later in life, and Welsh-born Mark Lewis Jones portrays Dr Tedi Millward, the Prince’s lecturer at Aberystwyth university.
Several crucial scenes from the series were filmed in Wales, including the episode detailing the 1966 Aberfan disaster which were filmed in Cwmaman, scenes when Prince Charles studied at Aberystwyth university were filmed in Aberystwyth, and Caernarfon Castle was used for Prince Charles’ 1969 investiture ceremony.
Related Questions
Which BBC Series Are Set in Wales?
There are many BBC series’ set in Wales, some well-known titles include Doctor Who, Torchwood, Gavin and Stacey, Merlin and Sherlock.
What is Filmed at BBC Wales?
Shows and films that have been filmed at BBC Wales include, Pobol Y Cwm, Casualty, Doctor Who and Under Milk Wood
What is Filmed in Cardiff?
Many locations in Cardiff have been used for various filming purposes. Some shows and movies filmed here include Doctor Who, Sherlock, Torchwood and His Dark Materials.
Was Any of Harry Potter Filmed in Wales?
Yes, part of Harry Potter was filmed in Wales. Freshwater West beach in Pembrokeshire was the location of Shell Cottage and also where Dobby’s grave was erected.
Published: 8 August 2022 · Last updated: 28 June 2023