Top 15 films and TV series with Wales filming locations

Days out

Posted by Kate W on 5th January 2022

Lone Tree at Llyn Padarn, Llanberis, Snowdonia

Wales has long been one of the UK’s most popular filming locations, from Hollywood blockbusters to award-winning and cult television series. The Harry Potter cast have wandered (or rather, escaped to) the sands in Pembrokeshire and the TARDIS has found itself in Cardiff more than once, even though Cardiff could probably fit inside the TARDIS!

Some of Wales’ more dramatic landscapes, such as Snowdonia/Eryri, have been used to portray exotic locations including China and Kazakhstan in popular franchises like James Bond and computer-game-character-turned-action-star, Lara Croft.

We’ve listed our top 15 films and TV series with filming locations in Wales to help you plan your visit. And when you've decided on which Wales filming locations you'd like to see up close and personal, find your perfect home away from home right here.

Wales cottages


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Henrhyd Falls in the Brecon Beacons

The Dark Knight Rises, Brecon Beacons

Who would have thought that the Bat Cave in The Dark Knight Rises was in the Brecon Beacons in Wales? Fans can visit Henrhyd Falls in the Brecon Beacons National Park, which was used as the cover for the Batcave in the blockbuster starring Christian Bale. This is possibly one of the most successful film sets in Wales, with Christopher Nolan's epic noir raking in over $1 billion worldwide. Here are some other well-known waterfalls in Wales.

Don't miss: Walking behind the waterfall and listening to the water roaring overhead. 

Good to know: There's a National Trust car park and a beautiful circular walk through woodland you can follow that's 3.5 miles long. If you just want to see Henrhyd Falls, it's around half a mile from the car park. 

Stay nearby: Heol Giedd, Cwmgiedd | Sleeps 4 + 2 dogs

Brecon Beacons cottages


Caerwent

Captain America, Monmouthshire

During the filming of Captain America: The First Avenger back in 2010, the Ministry of Defence army training dept in Caerwent, Monmouthshire, was used for most of the war scenes for Chris Evans’ World War II hero. The filming of this Marvel epic also coincided with Newport hosting the Ryder Cup, which saw superstars Samuel L Jackson and Tommy Lee Jones in attendance. Check out our guide to Marvel MCU filming locations in the UK for more. 

Don't miss: As you wander around Caerwent, look out for the ruins of the old Romano-British temple. 

Good to know: There's a pub and farm shop in Caerwent, while Caldicot is the nearest town just a couple of miles south offering additional amenities. 

Stay nearby: Ton Barn - The Cottage, Usk | Sleeps 4 + 2 dogs

Monmouthshire cottages


Swallow Falls

Wonder Woman 1984, Snowdonia/Eryri

North Wales, at the spectacular Swallow Falls near Betws-y-Coed. The scene shows a young Diana Prince, before she became Wonder Woman, running through her childhood home of Themyscira, home of the Amazons. During the scene, you can clearly see the beautiful waterfalls as the camera pans up.

Don't miss: At Swallow Falls, follow the steps down to a platform close to the river edge to get up close to the majesty of the falls.

Good to know: Swallow Falls is 2 miles west of Betws-y-Coed where there are plenty of places for a post-walk lunch.

Stay nearby: Sarn Cottage, Penmachno | Sleeps 5 + 3 dogs

Snowdonia cottages


Sunrise in Snowdonia National Park, looking towards Pen y Pass

Tomb Raider: Lara Croft and the Cradle of Life, Snowdonia/Eryri

Another one of the many action films shot in Wales, Snowdonia played a starring role in this epic sequel. Main filming locations included Pen Y Pass, Ffynnon Llugwy and the Alexandra Slate Quarry near Carmel, where a 100ft drop down a cliff was filmed. A motorbike race was filmed at Pen Y Pass, which posed as the Great Wall of China (with a little help from CGI).

Don't miss: As the film crew were denied permission to film in China where the movie was set, so a mock Chinese village was created on the banks of the enchanting Llyn Gwynant, near Beddgelert - the village is gone but the stunning lake is still a beautiful place to visit. 

Good to know: Many of the filming locations are remote so come prepared with food and other walking essentials including a torch, hard copy map and raincoat depending on the time of year. 

Stay nearby: Bryn Llinos, Beddgelert | Sleeps 5 


Dinorwig Quarry, Llanberis

Willow, Llanberis, Snowdonia/Eryri

Just over a decade after the release of his revered Star Wars debut, George Lucas, in 1988, created a cult classic in the form of Willow. Following Warwick Davis’ eponymous hero and Val Kilmer’s iconic and loveable mercenary, Madmartigan, parts of this timeless movie were filmed in a disused slate quarry called Dinorwig Quarry, near Llanberis. 

It was used as the backdrop to Queen Bavmorda’s Nockmaar Castle, using the foot of Mount Snowdon to add to the gravitas. Disney+ has created a reboot with Warwick Davis back in the titular role.

Don't miss: A Llanberis Lake Railway and Snowdon Mountain Railway - the latter takes you up to the Hafod Eryri Visitor Centre.

Good to know: Llanberis is set between two lakes and is packed with attractions and places to eat so you won't have to leave the town during your holiday. 

Stay nearby: Jentrea Cottage, Llanberis | Sleeps 6 + 1 dog

Llanberis cottages


Snowdon Sunrise, Snowdonia National Park

The World Is Not Enough, Snowdonia/Eryri

One of the most famous movies filmed in Wales, the limelight was on Snowdonia National Park (and Pierce Brosnan) for this 1999 Bond film. Snowdonia’s majestic landscape was used to represent Kazakhstan in the film and Cwm Dyli was the exterior of the oil pipeline in the film. A visit to Snowdonia is one of our top ten things to do in Wales even before you've shaken up your first Vesper Martini, so be sure to visit this stirring landscape.

Don't miss: Maes Pacrio Golygfaol Yr Wyddfa is a scenic point near Cwm Dyli Hydro Electric Power Station where you can soak in the magnificent Snowdonia landscape. 

Good to know: The power station is in truly rural Snowdonia so come prepared with a picnic and any other supplies you might need for walking in this stunning location.

Stay nearby: Canol, Conwy, North Wales | Sleeps 4 + 2 dogs

Bond fans should also check out these James Bond filming locations across the UK.


Neath Abbey ruins

Merlin, Brecon Beacons and other locations

Spanning five seasons, Merlin had lots of scope to include some magical scenery in its portfolio. And what with the show dealing with sorcery and mystical forces, what better landscape to choose than the Welsh countryside, which is steeped in history and mystery?

Neath Abbey ruins were used as the castle of the ancient kings where King Arthur rediscovered the Round Table. The highest village in Wales, Trefil, was used for its seclusion and lack of background noise. Standing 1,342ft above sea level, its attractive scenery is also very adaptable, lending itself to myriad possibilities when it comes to scene-setting in TV and film.

Other notable locations used in Merlin include the Brecon Beacons National Park, Llanwonno Forest, Castell Coch, Caerphilly and Chepstow Castle.

Don't miss: We reckon Neath Abbey is the number one filming location from Merlin - while there, don't miss the two magical waterfalls, one of which once powered the abbey's forge. 

Good to know: Neath is a large market town with the city of Swansea just next door, so you'll be set for amenities with lovely places to shop in and dine out. 

Stay nearby: Ivy Cottage At Margam Country Park, Margam | Sleeps 5 + 1 dog


Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff

Doctor Who, Cardiff

There are many Doctor Who filming locations in Wales - the country welcomed David Tennant and Billie Piper for various episodes of Doctor Who, including New Earth and The Sound of the Drums, which were filmed partly at Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff. Other episodes were filmed at the otherworldly Southerndown Beach.

Don't miss: Cardiff has loads of fantastic places to visit where Doctor Who filming took place, but our favourite might be the beautiful Cardiff Castle which has stood in for the TARDIS library in 'Journey to the Centre of the TARDIS'. 

Good to know: Cardiff Castle has over 2,000 years of history for you to uncover and is a fantastic day out for everyone whether you're a Doctor Who fan or a tag-a-long! And Cardiff city is bursting with plenty of other great attractions for a fantastic city break in Wales. 

Stay nearby: Wye At Ty Gwyn, Usk | Sleeps 2 + 1 dog

Cardiff cottages


Portmeirion, the scene of The Prisoner

The Prisoner, Portmeirion

Good things come to those who wait, and that is certainly the case with the colourful Italian Riviera-style village of Portmeirion in North Wales. Starting in 1926, it took architect Sir Clough Williams-Ellis 50 years to complete it and thank goodness he did, as many successful TV shows have been filmed here including Doctor Who, Top Gear and Cold Feet.

Perhaps the most famous TV show to feature the Italianate architecture was The Prisoner, filmed here in 1966 and 1967. A huge hit in the UK, USA, France and Australia, The Prisoner was one of the most influential shows of the 60s and this little Welsh village with its Mediterranean feel provided the perfect backdrop for the seemingly dreamlike detention centre. There’s even an annual convention in honour of the show, held by Six of One: The Prisoner Appreciation Society.

Don't miss: The Prisoner TV Show Shop sells memorabilia of the show, and you'll recognise the building as the set for Number 6's house. 

Good to know: Portmeirion has lovely cafes and places to pick up food and, if you visit in summer, there's a train that will take you through parts of The Gwyllt, a very special woodland set over the town that's also known as The Wilderness. 

Stay nearby: Bryn Llinos, Beddgelert | Sleeps 5

Portmeirion cottages


Cardiff Bay in Cardiff, Wales

Torchwood, Cardiff

This sci-fi series was entirely based in the South Wales city of Cardiff. The makers of the series emphasised the city’s urban qualities and used various locations. The team’s headquarters in the first two series was beneath Roald Dahl Plas in Cardiff Bay. Other locations include Canal Park, Merthyr Road in Whitchurch and the Waterguard Pub.

Don't miss: Cardiff Bay's Mermaid Quay, which is where Torchwood HQ was officially located until it was blown up in the episode 'Children of Earth'. 

Good to know: If you're on holiday in Cardiff, you needn't travel far as the high street, and the Torchwood filming locations we've mentioned, are all in and around the city centre and Cardiff Docks - it's a great excuse to leave the car behind and explore on foot. 

Stay nearby: Pen Dinas Cardiff Apartment, Cardiff | Sleeps 5


Barry Island Beach in the Vale of Glamorgan, South Wales

Gavin and Stacey, South Wales

Of all the TV shows filmed in Wales, this is probably the most quotable and fun. If you're looking for Gavin and Stacey filming locations, look no further than Barry Island - much of the filming for the popular series took place in this seaside resort in the Vale of Glamorgan. There are many locations to visit including The Colcot Arms (home of Smithy’s quiz night), Island Leisure Amusement Arcade (where Nessa works) and Whitmore Bay (Barry Island Beach).

Don't miss: Head to Marco's Cafe on Barry Island, first featured on the very first episode of Gavin and Stacey, and enjoy a coffee between sightseeing and playing in the arcades. 

Good to know: Barry Island was once an island before the docks were constructed. You won't be short of amenities at this fun family-friendly destination, full of nostalgic amusements, a beach and fairground rides. 

Stay nearby: Uwch-y-llyn, Cardiff | Sleeps 4 

The Colcot Arms features in our guide to TV and film pubs you can actually drink in - find out which other famous watering holes you can visit.

South Wales cottages


Rhondda Welsh Valleys, Wales

Stella, South Wales

Comedy/drama series Stella is mainly filmed in the fictional village of Pontyberry in the South Wales Valleys, which is actually Ferndale, Rhondda. One of the most iconic Stella filming locations is Elm Street, the road on which Stella, played by Ruth Jones, lives.

Don't miss: Check what's going on at Ferndale’s The Morlais Hall which often hosts choir concerts and was regularly used for filming throughout the show's run, including for a wedding scene in series three.

Good to know: Head to the high street for amenities and there are two lovely parks and a lake in town to enjoy too - it's an easy place to unwind. 

Stay nearby: Sunnyside Lodge, Aberdare | Sleeps 2


Pontsticill Reservoir near Merthyr Tydfil

The Pact, Merthyr Tydfil and Pontypool

A crime thriller that often left audiences breathless and featured numerous breathtaking locations; it probably should have come with a health warning! But in all seriousness, the remarkable landscapes shown throughout this 2021 series were not mere supporting acts to this gripping tale of unexplained death and the crushing pressure of keeping a secret.

The Evans Brewery, where many of the characters work was, in fact, the Rhymney Brewery in Pontypool, and two separate woods around Merthyr Tydfil were also used, one near the Pontsticill Reservoir.

Don't miss: If you're a keen walker or lover of the outdoors, we'd highly recommend a visit to Pontsticill Reservoir where you can follow a circular walking trail around its banks. 

Good to know: An entire sunken village sits beneath the waters of Ponticill as the area was evacuated and flooded to create the reservoir. It's also fairly remote, so bring along lunch to fuel you while you explore this spectacular area - although Merthyr Tydfill sits 7 miles south if you need to pick up snacks.

Stay nearby: Rectory Retreat, Mamhilad | Sleeps 2 + 1 dog


Freshwater West beach in Pembrokeshire, Wales

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Parts 1 and 2, Pembrokeshire

One of the most well-recognised Harry Potter filming locations in Wales, Freshwater West in Pembrokeshire played a huge role in both of these films. In Part 1, Harry, Ron and Hermione escape to the beach from Malfoy Manor to Shell Cottage. This was built on the beach's northern end but has since been taken down. Freshwater West appears again in Part 2. If you have little ones and they are Potterheads, this could be a great day out for the kids in Wales.

A very popular Wales filming location, Freshwater West appeared again in the 2010 adaptation of Robin Hood, starring Russell Crowe. The beach on the Pembrokeshire coast was used to depict the French invasion of southern England.

Don't miss: If you've seen the films, you'll be able to find the exact spot from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 - a pile of stones marks the location you're looking for.  

Good to know: The currents here are strong so it's recommended that the strongest swimmers and surfers tackle the waves at this beach. It's fairly remote, with the nearest town 8 miles east. 

Stay nearby: Broad Haven Cottage, Bosherston | Sleeps 4 + 2 dogs 

With so many films in the franchise, there are plenty of epic filming locations to visit. Read our blog about more Harry Potter filming locations here.

Pembrokeshire cottages


Marloes Sands in Pembrokeshire, Wales

Snow White and the Huntsman, Pembrokeshire

Pembrokeshire is one of the most popular film locations in Wales; Marloes Sands was used in Snow White and the Huntsman, starring Kristen Stewart. Scenes filmed at the beach include Kristen and 80 others riding on horseback through the water.

Don't miss: The castle was superimposed and the horses have all returned to their stables, so we'd recommend simply catching the sunset here. Like many of the beaches along this coast, it's the perfect direction to watch the sun go down, and the tall towering cliffs make it even more magical. 

Good to know: This is another fairly remote beach, but it does have a beach cafe and more food and drink can be found just 1.5 miles away in the village of Marloes. 

Stay nearby: Marloes Court Farm, Marloes | Sleeps 6 

Marloes cottages


Discover Wales from the movies

With so many movies filmed in Wales, you can see the places you've fallen in love with on the screen in the flesh with a stay in one of our holiday cottages in Wales. If you're looking to discover the filming locations for a specific film or TV show or you just want a break in unforgettable Wales, check out our cottages below.

Wales cottages

Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing, please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.