From Pembrokeshire to Snowdonia, Nathan Roach highlights some of Wales’ top filming locations to visit this year.
Dunraven Bay
Known as Southerndown beach to the locals, this beach is known for its breathtaking views, the odd fossil hidden beneath its stones, and the busy clicker-clatter of studio hands, having previously welcomed Doctor Who, Sherlock, and the voice of protest himself, Bob Dylan for Hearts of Fire, to its shores.
Info: www.valeofglamorgan.gov.uk
Brecon Beacons
The picturesque mountain range is a must-see for any fan of the great outdoors, but you might just want to keep some silver on you if you go exploring this wooded wildness. An American Werewolf in London may have been shot in the area over 35 years ago, but who knows what you might see out in the mountains. There are even rumours from the locals that they’ve seen dinosaurs about, filming for Jurassic World 2.
Info: www.breconbeacons.org
Freshwater
Sitting in Pembrokeshire, this lovely corner of Wales makes for a fantastic day out for the family. While the adults can enjoy the fresh sea air, the kids can explore the shoreline and its cinematic landmarks. The east of the beach is the resting place of everyone’s favourite house-elf from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 & 2, whereas the west was once host to the bloody battles of Robin Hood and Snow White & The Huntsman.
Info: www.visitpembrokeshire.com
Cardiff
Torchwood, Doctor Who, and Sherlock fans from all over the world know that Cardiff has played a vital role in the never-ending conflict between good and evil. Alien invasions have been just one of many monstrous events to hit the renowned Welsh capital. One climatic cinematic exit that not many know about however, involved the ravenous infection of Juan Carlos Fresnadillo’s 28 Weeks Later. Originally meant to be filmed in Wembley stadium, the end scene of the zombie sequel was actually moved to Cardiff Millennium stadium (due to final major reconstruction delays in the previous arena).
Info: www.visitcardiff.com
Swansea
A quote from David Hughes’s Magic of Place reading ‘Ambition is Critical’ is seen on a daily basis by train commuters, carved outside the seaside city’s station doors, is considered one of Swansea’s most prized possessions, and is just one of the areas made well-known in the celebrated film Twin Town. Whisked away by the hilarious (but dark) plot line, the film boldly flaunts its land with a proud, warped patriotism. Mayhill, Bonymaen rugby club, the Gower Peninsular’s Langland Bay and the strength of a real male choir are all on show in the Welsh classic.
Info: www.visitswanseabay.com
Merthyr Mawr Sand Dunes
Looking for somewhere to walk on a sunny day? Just a few of miles outside of Bridgend lie the largest dunes in Britain, which were used in the filming of David Lean’s 1962 masterpiece Lawrence of Arabia. You won’t need the pastel robes that Peter O’Toole wore to tromp over the sand dunes, but it might be worth bringing a coat in case the winds pick up.
Candleston Castle, Merthyr Mawr, Bridgend. Info: 016 5678 6639
Snowdonia National Park
Over 3500 feet in height and pure ecstasy for hikers, climbers and ramblers alike, the National Park offers endless views, over 100 shimmering lakes to enjoy, and the epic settings of King Arthur, Lara Croft and James Bond’s adventures.
Info: www.eryri-npa.gov.uk
Caerphilly Castle
As medieval fortresses go, Caerphilly castle has had professional make-believers run through its courtyards for as long as it’s been open to the public, with a thick mix of children and actors gallivanting inside its stone walls. Hollywood heartthrobs Johnny Depp and Robert Downey Jr. are two such heavyweights in the field, Depp stepping back through time into the 13th century for the filming of The Libertine, and Downey Jr. to the time of King Charles II in Restoration.
Info: Caerphilly Castle. Info: 029 2088 3143 / www.cadw.gov.wales