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North Wales Live
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- North Wales Live
The North Wales beauty spots that leave Hollywood swooning
As we commonly favour the iconic imagery of Paris, New York, and LA in cinema, a less expected location is gaining cinematic fame. With its rugged coastlines, towering mountains, and historic castles, Wales serves as an idyllic setting for many narratives, catching the eye of streaming behemoths. And North Wales has landed one of the biggest shows with the Game of Thrones prequel, House of Dragons. HBO took a new tack for their House of the Dragon series, shifting base from Northern Ireland to Warner Bros Leavesden Studios in England. However, they've captured several exterior scenes across Wales, Cornwall, Devon, and European locations such as Spain and Portugal. Northwest Wales was prominently featured in the second season, with eight locations utilised. Half of these were situated on Anglesey, including Beaumaris and Porth-y-Cŵch. Llanddwyn Beach, located near the village of Newborough, was a popular filming spot and is believed to have served as the backdrop for parts of Dragonstone. Excitingly for Welsh fans, the breathtaking landscapes of North Wales are slated to play a pivotal role in Season 3. The region's rugged mountains, dramatic coastline, and historic castles provide the ideal dramatic scenery for the fantasy series. The series delves into the history of House Targaryen, chronicling their struggle for the Iron Throne 200 years prior to the events depicted in the smash hit Game of Thrones series, which concluded in 2019. Game of Thrones has consistently been a significant catalyst for screen tourism, and Visit Wales is undoubtedly anticipating the third season of House of Dragons, will continue to attract fans to the enchanting filming locations. The well-liked Netflix Witcher series has also utilised numerous Welsh locations for filming, chiefly in Eryri National Park and along the Gower Peninsula in South Wales. Specific sites include Llyn Padarn, Zip World, Dolbadarn Castle, and the National Slate Museum in Snowdonia, as well as Nash Point and Three Cliffs Bay on the Gower Peninsula. In September 2024, film crews descended upon the village of Llanberis at the base of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) for the third series of The Witcher. The village underwent a transformation, with artificial boulders and a "fake" forest assembled in the Gwynedd village and black screens erected at Y Glyn, a popular beauty spot more commonly known as The Lagoons. Wales has also benefitted massively as a whole. A recent study shows that Netflix has poured over £200 million into the UK's economy since 2020, through its focus on Welsh film and TV projects. The streaming powerhouse has produced hit series like Sex Education, The Crown, and The Witcher in Wales, branding it a prime filming location. Anna Mallet, Netflix's VP of Production for the UK, commented: "Blessed with incredible creative talent and beautiful natural landscapes, Wales is an amazing place to make entertainment, so Netflix is delighted that our Welsh productions can continue to create such enduring cultural and economic opportunities." Netflix is set to enhance its presence with their latest project, the biggest feature film ever entirely shot in Wales. The new Tom Hardy flick, Havoc, portrays a botched transaction and the subsequent rescue mission from a dark criminal network to save a politician's alienated offspring. While the critics have branded the film as "insanely violent" and "relentlessly brutal," commendations were high for its action-packed sequences filmed across Welsh locales, reports Wales Online. In recent years, screen tourism, or 'set-jetting', has become one of the most dynamic sectors within the travel industry, with Wales well-placed to benefit from this burgeoning demand. Seren Welch, a Screen Tourism Specialist, commented on the trend's impact: "This is an area of tourism that's seen exponential growth in the last ten years." Supporting evidence comes from Expedia's 2023 trends research, which revealed that 40% of trips booked through their platform were influenced by film or television content. Streaming giants like Netflix have played a pivotal role in driving this trend. Their worldwide audience has been introduced to stunning landscapes and historical sites, fuelling curiosity and prompting visits to these filming locations. Welch pointed out Netflix's 2022 findings: "Their subscribers were 2.4 times more likely to put a destination at the top of their travel list after seeing it in a show... something a tourist board can only dream of." She further noted, "Platforms can even track destination search spikes exactly when a new show seen with Emily in Paris and Bridgerton." The link between on-screen storytelling and real-world discovery underscores the allure of enchanting filming locations, many of which are found throughout Wales. Other stories filmed in Wales include the BBC's much-loved series Gavin and Stacey, with the emotional Christmas Day finale becoming one of the most viewed scripted TV programmes of the century, attracting over 19 million viewers. Barry Island was one of the show's primary locations, and it's difficult to find a scene without it! Since 2004, the producers of the popular science-fiction drama Doctor Who have made Wales the show's home. The country has hosted multiple Time Lords, Daleks, and a myriad of other monsters. Doctor Who has become so intertwined with Wales due to its extensive filming across the country, especially in Cardiff, Newport, and other locales, that Bad Wolf Studios in Cardiff acts as the show's main studio hub. The Batman film The Dark Knight Rises also featured a breathtaking waterfall in the Brecon Beacons, for exterior shots of Batman's clandestine hideout, the Batcave. During a BAFTA Cymru event before the show's premiere on 25 May, BBC Wales head Rhuanedd Richards expressed her joy over Death Valley being set in her native Mountain Ash. Even though Death Valley is set in the Cynon Valley, the majority of the series was filmed in various locations across South Wales. For over a decade, the Casualty production team has used Cardiff as the setting for countless dramatic and heart-wrenching storylines on the BBC's long-standing medical drama. The show is primarily filmed at BBC Roath Lock Studios in Cardiff Bay, which also houses the set for the Welsh-language soap opera Pobl y Cwm. Despite Casualty being set in the fictional Holby City Hospital, elements of Welsh culture and identity are often woven into the narrative by the writers and producers. The show has successfully showcased the diversity of Wales to a national audience. And the Young Sherlock production team shot scenes at several locations in Monmouth, telling the origin story of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's iconic detective. The town centre was transformed with extras donned in Victorian attire and temporary shopfronts to create a genuine period backdrop, complete with stacks of fruit and veg outside a greengrocer's façade. Filming locations included the Shire Hall, the Punch House pub, and the Oxford Coffee Shop. An employee from the Punch House revealed that extras were dressed and made-up inside the pub.
Wales Online
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Forget Hollywood this cinematic location has quietly become a film and TV filming favourite
Forget Hollywood this cinematic location has quietly become a film and TV filming favourite While we're used to seeing iconic cities like Paris, New York and LA on the big screen, one dreamy destination has started to steal the spotlight, and it's not where you think.... With its craggy coastlines, soaring mountains and ancient castles, Wales is the perfect backdrop for numerous stories, and it's caught the attention of streaming giants. (Image: Paula Hanks-Jones ) While we're used to seeing iconic cities like Paris, New York and LA on the big screen, one dreamy destination has started to steal the spotlight, and it's not where you think. With its craggy coastlines, soaring mountains and ancient castles, Wales is the perfect backdrop for numerous stories, and it's caught the attention of streaming giants. A new report reveals that Netflix has generated over £200 million in revenue for the UK economy since 2020 through its investment in Welsh film and TV production. By producing iconic shows such as Sex Education, The Crown, and The Witcher in Wales, the streaming platform has turned the country into a major production hub. Anna Mallet, Vice President of Production, UK, Netflix, said: "Blessed with incredible creative talent and beautiful natural landscapes, Wales is an amazing place to make entertainment, so Netflix is delighted that our Welsh productions can continue to create such enduring cultural and economic opportunities.' Netflix's influence is expected to grow even further with the recent release of the biggest feature film ever shot entirely in Wales. Starring Tom Hardy, Havoc follows a deal gone wrong and the rescue of a politician's estranged son from the criminal underworld. Critics describe the film as 'insanely violent' and 'relentlessly brutal,' but they have lavished praise on its action sequences, shot in locations across Wales. In recent years, screen tourism, or set-jetting, has emerged as one of the fastest-growing trends in the travel industry, and Wales is in a prime position to capitalise on the growing demand. Article continues below Seren Welch, a Screen Tourism Specialist, explains its significance: 'This is an area of tourism that's seen exponential growth in the last ten years." The data supports this as Expedia's trends research in 2023 showed that 40% of trips booked on their platform were influenced by Film or TV content. Streaming platform giants like Netflix have further accelerated this trend. Their global reach has introduced viewers to epic landscapes and historic locations, sparking curiosity and inspiring travel to film locations. Welch highlights Netflix's 2022 findings: 'Their subscribers were 2.4 times more likely to put a destination at the top of their travel list after seeing it in a show… something a tourist board can only dream of." She elaborates, "Platforms can even track destination search spikes exactly when a new show seen with Emily in Paris and Bridgerton." This connection between storytelling and real-world exploration demonstrates the emotional pull of dreamy filming locations, and we've got them in spades here in Wales. Here's a roundup of some of the TV shows and Films shot in Wales, where you can follow in the footsteps of your favourite characters. Gavin and Stacey The cultural impact of BBC's beloved series, Gavin and Stacey, cannot be understated (Image: (Image: PA) ) The cultural impact of BBC's beloved series, Gavin and Stacey, cannot be understated. The tear-jerking Christmas Day finale has become one of the most-watched scripted TV shows of the century, viewed by over 19 million people. Fans will surely know that the seaside town of Barry has become a pilgrimage site for fans since it first hit our screens in 2007. The show's popularity has spurred countless visitors (from Wales and beyond) to follow in their footsteps, exploring the spots immortalised on screen. Many of the most memorable scenes were shot in the South Wales town, like those classic moments outside Stacey's house or the retro amusement park where the characters bonded over chips and banter. Barry Island was one of the main locations, and it's hard to find a scene without it! Stacey works at Marco's cafe, a real establishment on the seafront; Nessa works at the local arcades. The gang often hangs out on the beach near the Western Shelter by Boofy's and O'Shea's chip shops (delicious), and it's where Gav first meets Stacey off the bus after their initial meeting in London. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What's On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here Doctor Who Since 2004, the producers of the popular science-fiction drama Doctor Who have made Wales the show's home (Image: PA ) Since 2004, the producers of the popular science-fiction drama Doctor Who have made Wales the show's home. The country has hosted multiple Time Lords, Daleks, and countless other monsters. Doctor Who has filmed so extensively in Wales that the country has become synonymous with the beloved show. Many scenes were shot in and around Cardiff, Newport, and other locations. Bad Wolf Studios in Cardiff serves as the show's primary studio base. The production team has repeatedly used many Welsh locations, making them easily recognisable to fans. The National Museum of Wales, located in central Cardiff, has appeared in eleven episodes, often serving as a museum setting. They've also filmed at Tredegar House for twelve different episodes, making it the most frequently used Doctor Who filming location in the UK. Notable appearances include Series 3, Episode 8, "Human Nature," and Episode 9, "The Family of Blood," where the house stood in as the Farringham School for Boys. Now that Russell T Davies has returned as showrunner, the TARDIS shows no signs of leaving anytime soon. In 2024, the crew filmed scenes in Penarth and Cardiff city centre, where fans spotted the action unfolding. House of the Dragon Battle camp outside the walls of Harrenhal Castle (Image: HBO ) HBO decided to move away from Northern Ireland for the House of the Dragon series. The Warner Bros Leavesden Studios in England is now their new home base for production, with several exterior scenes being shot in Wales, Cornwall, Devon, and some European destinations, including Spain and Portugal. The 10-part HBO series follows House Targaryen as they battle for the coveted Iron Throne 200 years before the events of the Game of Thrones series, which concluded in 2019. Game of Thrones has long been a huge driver of screen tourism, and Visit Wales is no doubt hoping the next season will continue to draw fans to the dreamy film locations. Northwest Wales was one of the main stars of season two, when eight locations were used. Half of these were on Anglesey, including Beaumaris and Porth-y-Cŵch. Llanddwyn Beach, near Newborough village, saw a good deal of filming and is said to have provided the backdrop for parts of Dragonstone. Excitingly for fans in Wales, the stunning landscapes of North Wales are set to play a major role in Season 3. The region's rugged mountains, dramatic coastline, and historic castles provide the perfect dramatic scenery for the fantasy series. Havoc Tom Hardy in Havoc (Image: Netflix ) Havoc is the latest in a long line of major TV and film productions filmed in Wales, thanks to Welsh Government backing through Creative Wales: from HBO's House of the Dragon to Amazon's recently announced Young Sherlock and the much-acclaimed recent cinematic release Mr Burton. In this Netflix thriller, Welsh director Gareth Evans delivers blood-soaked action scenes with hyperfast editing and incredible choreography, and it was all filmed right here. While Havoc might look like a gritty slice of American carnage, it was filmed across some of Wales' most recognisable (and brilliantly disguised) locations. Cardiff's Seren Stiwdios served as the heart of the production, but the relentless action soon spilt out into the streets, quite literally. In September 2021, WalesOnline reported on how Havoc transformed Cardiff Street into a snowy American city scene while shooting for the film. Bute Street in Cardiff saw its ground covered with fake snow and hosted American cars, police cars and a fire engine parked along the road. Scenes were also shot at the historic Pierhead Building and AB Ports, where all sorts of shady dealings and shadowy meetings occur under darkness. To the west, Forest Whitaker's character gets ambushed while parked at Swansea University's Bay campus in a chill setting that turns explosive in seconds. Harry Potter Fans will know that the brave house elf Dobby was buried on this beach (Image: Wales Online ) The original Harry Potter film series was filmed in Leavesden Studios, England, and in locations across the UK, including Wales. Freshwater West Beach in Pembrokeshire, Wales, was a filming location for the "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" movies, specifically for the Shell Cottage scenes. This gorgeous beach, known for its dramatic dunes and waves, was the backdrop for the heartbreaking scenes where Dobby, the house-elf, is buried. Fans will know that the brave house elf Dobby was buried on this beach, and people flock to the National Trust beach year after year to visit the fictional elf's resting place. Dobby was a key character in the Harry Potter films in the struggle against he-who-must-not-be-named and died at the hands of Bellatrix Lestrange after rescuing Harry and pals from Malfoy Manor in the Deathly Hallows film. In the decade since the film was released, the site of Dobby's resting place has become adorned with colourfully painted stones, hundreds of socks and even flowers. The Dark Knight Rises Fans of Batman - some in fancy dress - have been making a pilgrimage to the falls to visit the location used in the Batman film (Image: © WALES NEWS SERVICE ) Batman fans likely know that the filmmakers shot scenes for the 2012 blockbuster The Dark Knight Rises at a spectacular waterfall in the Brecon Beacons. For the exterior shots of Batman's secret hideout, director Christopher Nolan chose Henrhyd Falls to represent the infamous Batcave. The final film in the trilogy features the 90-foot waterfall as the spot where Robin discovers the Batcave after Batman's apparent death and rappels right through a curtain of cascading water. Standing at 27 meters, Henrhyd Falls is the highest waterfall in South Wales. Visitors can even step behind its cascading white curtain, vanishing just like Gotham's mysterious hero. Local authorities improved access several years ago as the site drew growing numbers of film fans and tourists. Previously, fans had to scramble up a steep, tree-lined hill and wade across a river to reach the falls. Today, a short woodland trail and a footbridge guide visitors directly to the base of the waterfall—where they can step behind the water and into the Batcave's cinematic entrance. Death Valley Death Valley is set in Wales, and was filmed in locations varying from Cardiff to the Brecon Beacons (Image: BBC/BBC Studios/Simon Ridgway ) At a BAFTA Cymru event ahead of the series debut on May 25, BBC Wales director Rhuanedd Richards said she was delighted that Death Valley was set in her hometown of Mountain Ash. However, despite being set in the Cynon Valley, most of the series was filmed elsewhere across South Wales. The series repeatedly features a few key locations, including the charming cottage of John Chapel (played by Timothy Spall). This picturesque home, with its beautiful stonework and blooming flowers, sits in St Hilary in the Vale of Glamorgan. Filmmakers also shot scenes at the cafe where Timothy Spall enjoys a macchiato. They used Brød Bakery, a Danish bakery chain with shops across Cardiff, located in Penarth. The new BBC One drama Dope Girls was filmed across Wales, including Swansea Guildhall, Newport Civic Centre, and St Fagans National Museum of History. You can read more about the filming locations here. Produced by Cardiff-based Bad Wolf, which created popular shows including Doctor Who and His Dark Materials, Dope Girls has been described by some as a "spiritual successor" to Peaky Blinders. One key location used was an award-winning Welsh castle and park. Lovely Margam Park in Port Talbot is home to the reputedly haunted Margam Castle, which was used for outside and inside shots in the drama, including Dalton's nightclub and courtyard. The Witcher The Witcher, starring Henry Cavill is another one of the big series shot in Wales (Image: Netflix ) The popular Witcher series has been filmed at several locations in Wales, primarily in Eryri National Park and along the Gower Peninsula in South Wales. Specific locations include Llyn Padarn, Zip World, Dolbadarn Castle, and the National Slate Museum in Snowdonia, and Nash Point and Three Cliffs Bay on the Gower Peninsula. Film crews also descended upon the village of Llanberis at the foot of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) in September 2024 for the third series of The Witcher. The village was transformed, with fake boulders and a "fake" forest assembled in the Gwynedd village and black screens erected at Y Glyn, a popular beauty spot more commonly known as The Lagoons. You can read more here. Casualty The Casualty production team has used Cardiff as the backdrop for countless dramatic and heart-wrenching storylines (Image: BBC ) The Casualty production team has used Cardiff as the backdrop for countless dramatic and heart-wrenching storylines on the BBC's long-running medical drama for over a decade. They primarily film the show at BBC Roath Lock Studios in Cardiff Bay, which also houses the Welsh-language soap opera Pobl y Cwm set. Although Casualty is set in the fictional Holby City Hospital, the writers and producers often weave Welsh culture and identity elements into the narrative. The show has successfully brought the diversity of Wales to a national audience. Young Sherlock Young Sherlock filming in Monmouth (Image: Wales Online ) The Young Sherlock production team filmed scenes at several locations in Monmouth, telling the origin story of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's iconic detective. They transformed the town centre with extras in Victorian costumes and temporarily replaced shopfronts to create an authentic period setting, stacking pallets of fruit and veg outside a greengrocer's façade. Article continues below The crew used buildings such as Shire Hall, the Punch House pub, and the Oxford Coffee Shop. A Punch House employee said extras got into costume and had their make-up done inside the pub. The team also brought in a horse-drawn carriage near the Punch House and filmed a scene in the Beaufort Arms Court courtyard. You can read more here.
