From the rolling hills of the Brecon Beacons to the rugged coastlines of Pembrokeshire, Wales is full of stunning landscapes that have captured the hearts of filmmakers and audiences alike. So, whether you’re a film buff or simply looking to explore more of Wales during your studies, here are some of the top movie locations to visit.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - If you’re a fan of the Harry Potter series, you’ll definitely want to visit Freshwater West Beach in Pembrokeshire, which was the filming location for the Shell Cottage scenes in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. This stunning beach is known for its dramatic dunes and strong waves, making it the perfect spot for some epic wizarding battles. Tourists have recreated Dobbie’s grave made up of pebbles from the beach, often decorated in the memory of the brave house elf.
King Arthur: Legend of the Sword - For a dose of medieval history, head to Snowdonia National Park where scenes from the movie King Arthur: Legend of the Sword were filmed. The park’s rugged landscapes and ancient castles were the perfect setting for this epic tale of swords and sorcery.
The Dark Knight Rises - If you’re a fan of superhero movies, you might recognize Henrhyd Falls in Brecon Beacons National Park, which was featured in The Dark Knight Rises. This stunning waterfall was the backdrop for the scene where Bruce Wayne makes his way to the Batcave, and it’s not hard to see why filmmakers were drawn to its natural beauty.
Doctor Who - Wales has also been a popular filming location for the long-running British sci-fi series Doctor Who. Cardiff Bay’s iconic Millennium Centre has been featured in numerous episodes, as has the nearby National Museum Cardiff. Cardiff is also the home of Bad Wolf Studios, where Doctor Who is now made, so you should see more Welsh spots in the upcoming seasons.
His Dark Materials – The hit BBC adaptation of Philip Pullman’s book series was produced in Wales with filming locations across Wales. St Govan’s Chapel in Pembrokeshire featured as the hideout spot for Lyra and Mrs Coulter. Scenes were also filmed in Margam Park in Port Talbot, with many streets and buildings around Cardiff also featuring.
Dolittle – Robert Downey Jr’s Welsh-take on the famous doctor who can talk to animals filmed scenes near Bangor in North Wales, you can see the Menai Bridge which links the island of Anglesey to the mainland of Wales as a stunning backdrop to some of the scenes.
Willow – The 1988 fantasy film from George Lucas was filmed in Wales and returned there for the sequel series releases 34 years later. With filming taking place in 32 different locations across Wales, including Pendine Sands, Snowdonia, Holyhead, and Neath Abbey. Watch a bit of Willow, and chances are you’re seeing some breath-taking Welsh scenery.
As you can see, Wales has inspired many directors to film here. With stunning backdrops to all our universities and colleges, you can get lost in movie magic outside your studies exploring our beautiful country.
