Welsh Filming Locations
Wales has long had a love affair with the cinema. Whether filmmakers are looking for somewhere beautiful and otherworldly, or a location that perfectly captures the natural beauty of the British Isles, they have often visited the “Land of Song”.
In this post we’re going to look at some of the region’s most prominent filming locations and tell you where you can visit them, during your holiday in wales. There’s everything from the mountains of China, hills of India and Tibet , to the playgrounds of some of the most famous characters from myth and legend. And with so much variety in the landscape, there’s bound to be something for you to enjoy too!
So grab the popcorn, sit back, relax and enjoy this guide to Wales on film.
Pembrokeshire is not only one of the greatest attractions for those on a caravan holiday in South West Wales; it’s also been a massive boon to cinema. As one of the most stunning coastal locations in the UK, it’s been featured in several film and TV programs.
For example, when producers of the Robin Hood film were looking for a naturally beautiful location that would leap off the screen, they chose the sandy beach of Freshwater West near Castlemartin. This location provided the setting for the battle scene at the end of the film and easily demonstrated that the land was worth fighting for – even if it was supposed to be the beach at Dover!
But Freshwater West has also leant itself to more otherworldly productions. The beach provided the setting for Shell Cottage in the forthcoming film adaptation of 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows'. Described as "...a lonely and beautiful place", you can expect the same when you visit on your holiday in Wales. Although, there are slightly less wizards!
No less legendary, John Huston’s 1956 adaptation of Melville’s classic 'Moby Dick' took advantage of the Pembrokeshire coast, to craft a thrilling tale of man versus nature. Thankfully, your own tale in the region should be far less dramatic. Visit the delightful coastal town of Fishguard to experience the setting for some of the more gentle scenes in the film.
The town also featured as the setting for the 1972 filmic adaptation of Dylan Thomas’ 'Under Milk Wood'. Doubling for Llareggub, which makes more sense when you read it backwards (though we didn’t tell you that!) the film saw Richard Burton, Elizabeth Taylor and Peter O’Toole descend on the town for their own holiday in Wales!
When it comes to truly unique landscapes, Snowdonia takes some beating. Not only does it contain the highest mountain in Wales, it’s also the reason that many people choose to holiday in the region in the first place. But if you’re a movie buff on a caravan holiday in Wales, then a visit to Snowdonia is almost essential.
The wild and varied landscape of Snowdonia has an equally diverse cinematic history. The land doubled as China for Angelina Jolie’s adventures as Lara Croft in 'Tomb Raider 2', provided the backdrop for the Carry On team to journey up the Khyber and appeared as Turkey in a 007 adventure: 'From Russia with Love'. Even more far-fetched adventures in Snowdonia include the recent remake of 'Clash of the Titans'.
Other notable filming locations in Wales include 'Lawrence of Arabia', which used the sand dunes of Merthyr Mawr, and of course 'The Prisoner', which used Portmeirion’s striking looks to great effect. Though if you’re looking for accommodation in Wales that doesn’t feel quite so oppressive, we’d recommend you search one of our holiday parks.
Posted by Vale Holidays 
