Britain’s film and TV by region: north Wales
Stop 1 - Wrexham
Pontcysyllte Aqueduct
Described by UNESCO as a ‘masterpiece of creative genius’, the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct isn’t just an engineering wonder – it’s a showstopper. Suspended 38 metres above the River Dee, this 19th-century aqueduct allows canal boats (and now canoes) to float mid-air along the Llangollen Canal. Your clients can hire a canoe and experience the marvel of engineering on a high-altitude adventure. The views are as cinematic as they come, which might be why it features in the upcoming Peaky Blinders film, The Immortal Man, as a dramatic backdrop. The aqueduct is around nine miles (14km) to the south of Wrexham – a regular bus service operates from the city centre.
Offa’s Dyke Path National Trail
Offa’s Dyke Path traces the 8th-century monument that once marked the boundary between England and Wales. The trail runs for 177 miles (285km), and one particularly scenic section passes through Wrexham County, between Chirk Castle and Trevor. Chirk Castle is a magnificent 13th-century fortress built by Edward I during his campaign to conquer Wales. Now managed by the National Trust, it features lavish state rooms and award-winning gardens. This stretch of the path offers a relaxed day hike – think mossy woodland, sweeping hilltop views, and glimpses of the UNESCO-listed Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. Bus services operate between Wrexham city centre to both Chirk and Trevor.
The Racecourse Ground
First opened in 1864, the Racecourse Ground (Stok Cae Ras) is the oldest stadium in the world to still host international matches, with Wales having first played here in1877. Today, it’s the home of Wrexham AFC, a club that’s risen through the leagues to global fame thanks to Netflix’s Welcome to Wrexham. The series shines a light on the determination and local pride that defines the team and the city – charting how Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have turned the small north Wales club into an international sensation. While the stadium doesn’t currently offer stadium tours, your clients can experience live action on match days, and stock up on memorabilia at the Wrexham AFC Club Shop.
The Turf Pub
Right beside the Racecourse sits The Turf – one of the only pubs in Britain to be located inside a football stadium. With its roots dating back to 1840, this beloved local watering hole plays a starring role in Welcome to Wrexham. Expect plenty of memorabilia and a view of the pitch from the beer garden. For fans of the series or anyone craving authentic pub culture, The Turf is a top stop for a pint and a story.
Coed Llandegla Forest
Adventure seekers will have plenty to explore in Coed Llandegla – a 650-hectare woodland packed with mountain biking trails, walking routes and wildlife. Around nine miles (14km) to the west of Wrexham (and 20 minutes by car), it boasts trails with routes for all abilities. Riders can test their skills on steep descents, while walkers can take in the peaceful lakes and winding paths. There’s a bike hire shop, café and even bird hides to spot red kites.
Ty Pawb (Everyone’s House)
Blending art, culture and community under one roof, Ty Pawb is Wrexham’s standout cultural hub. The name means ‘Everyone’s House’, and true to that, it combines gallery spaces, studios, market stalls and a food court in an inclusive modern space. Exhibitions feature both local and national artists, so if your clients are interested in design, crafts or simply want to experience Welsh creativity, this is where Wrexham’s contemporary scene shines.
Getting around
Getting around: The journey from Wrexham to Snowdonia National Park (Eryri) is a scenic experience, especially by car – taking around one-and-a-half hours depending on the chosen destination. Public transport links are good too, with direct trains from Wrexham General station operating to Bangor or Llandudno Junction. For flexible exploring, a hire car is recommended.
Stop 2 - Snowdonia (Eryri)
Dinorwig Quarry and Llyn Padarn
This abandoned slate quarry near Llanberis is pure fantasy gold. Towering cliffs and eerie industrial ruins frame the dark waters of Llyn Padarn. It’s no surprise this otherworldly setting starred in House of the Dragon, The Witcher, and Clash of the Titans. While the quarry itself is private and not open to the public, visitors can still soak in its mystique from scenic trails around Padarn Country Park. Try rock climbing, kayaking or navigate high rope courses at Ropeworks Active, or book a guided kayak trip with Paradise Adventures, which operates on the lake. Add in a visit to the National Slate Museum next door to explore the region’s real-life industry and ingenuity. For a calmer, more tranquil way to connect with nature, try the Sawna Bach (the Scenic Sauna), a wood-fired nature sauna near the National Slate Museum.
Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railway
Step aboard one of the most scenic and historic train rides in Wales. The Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways offer journeys through the heart of Snowdonia (Eryri) National Park, travelling in restored steam locomotives and heritage carriages. The Ffestiniog Railway – the world’s oldest narrow-gauge railway still in operation – runs for more than 13 miles from the harbour town of Porthmadog to Blaenau Ffestiniog, climbing more than 700 feet into the mountains. The Welsh Highland Railway, meanwhile, is the longest heritage railway in the UK, stretching for 25 miles from Caernarfon to Porthmadog. The railway boasts first-class Pullman carriages, dining services, and family-friendly experiences.
Blaenau Ffestiniog
A former slate mining region turned adventure hub, Blaenau Ffestiniog is known for its dramatic landscapes – and it’s no stranger to screen attention. The town featured in World War Z, standing in for a desolate post-apocalyptic zone. But today it buzzes with energy and creativity. Your clients can explore the Llechwedd Deep Mine on guided tours that descend 500 feet underground, revealing the lives of 19th-century miners. For adrenaline-seekers, Zip World Llechwedd offers Europe’s largest underground trampoline park (Bounce Below) and zip lines which soar over disused quarries. Above ground, your clients can follow street art and sculpture trails, or hop aboard the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways for scenic steam train journeys through the mountains.
Zip World Penrhyn Quarry (Velocity 2)
Why watch the action when one can be at the heart of it? At Zip World Penrhyn Quarry, your clients can ride Velocity 2 – the world’s fastest zip line – and fly headfirst over a flooded slate quarry at speeds over 100mph (160kph). It’s pure exhilaration, wrapped in cinematic scenery. There’s also a quarry-side café where your clients can watch the drama unfold while keeping their feet on solid ground.
Bodnant Garden
A National Trust jewel near Conwy, Bodnant Garden offers 80 acres of botanical spectacle. Wander through terraced gardens, woodland glades and a striking Laburnum Arch that glows golden in late spring. Its romantic beauty caught the eye of The Secret Garden filmmakers, who used it to conjure the hidden natural world of the classic children’s story. Highlights include the rose gardens, wildflower meadows and panoramic views across to Snowdonia’s (Eryri) peaks.
Dolbadarn Castle
Perched overlooking Llyn Padarn and just a short distance from Llanberis, Dolbadarn Castle might be a ruin, but its aura is anything but faded. Built in the early 13th century by Welsh prince Llywelyn the Great, it offers sweeping views over the lake and the mountains beyond. Its atmospheric round tower featured in The Witcher, adding real-life gravitas to the show’s medieval world. It’s a short hike up from the town, but the reward is panoramic.
Llyn Gwynant
This glittering lake nestled beneath Mount Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) is as peaceful as it is powerful on screen. It starred in both Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life and King Arthur, which used it to evoke ancient locations. Your clients have the option of kayaking across its mirrored surface or hiking in the adjacent hills. With campsite options and water activity hire, it’s ideal for outdoorsy families or those craving cinematic adventure.
Getting around
Getting around: The drive from Llanberis or Blaenau Ffestiniog to Anglesey takes around 45 minutes to an hour, depending on the route and destination on the island. While there are train services connecting parts of Snowdonia (Eryri) to Bangor (on the mainland near Anglesey), public transport around the island itself can be infrequent. Hiring a car is the best way to explore Anglesey’s remote beaches, historic sites, and filming locations.
Stop 3 - Anglesey
Menai Suspension Bridge
The Menai Suspension Bridge links Anglesey to mainland Wales in sweeping 19th-century style. Designed by Thomas Telford and completed in 1826, it was one of the first major suspension bridges in the world. Its cinematic looks caught the eye of filmmakers for The Voyage of Dr Doolittle (2018). Today, it’s a photographer’s dream, best admired from the Belgian Promenade or aboard a Menai Strait boat tour. For a more exhilarating perspective, Seawake offers high-speed RIB rides beneath the bridge and out into the open waters. Around it, your clients will find quaint cafés, scenic walking routes, and access to Anglesey’s southern coast.
Beaumaris Castle
A fortress of near-perfect symmetry, Beaumaris Castle is often hailed as the best example of technical castle design in Britain. Built by Edward I in the 13th century as part of his ‘iron ring’ of strongholds, the UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to an array of family-friendly trails and medieval festivals. Although never completed, with its concentric walls, moat and imposing towers, it’s easy to picture knights clashing swords or dragons circling overhead, especially since the nearby town featured in House of the Dragon. With family-friendly trails and medieval festivals, this is a blockbuster stop for history buffs and fantasy fans.
Anglesey Circuit – Trac Môn, Ty Croes
Anglesey Circuit, or Trac Môn, is a 2.1-mile racing track in Ty Croes, offering a variety of motorsport experiences for racing cars and motorbikes. The circuit features multiple configurations, each designed to challenge drivers with a mix of fast sections, technical corners, and elevation changes. The track is known for its dramatic coastal views overlooking the Irish Sea and the mountains of Snowdonia (Eryri). The Performance Driving Centre offers single-seater experiences on the Club Circuit, while other providers offer supercar driving experiences and Track Days when the track is open to all levels of experience.
Penmon
Point
Windswept and cinematic, Penmon Point is located on Anglesey’s eastern tip. With views across to Puffin Island and the Trwyn Du lighthouse, the area starred in House of the Dragon. The tidal causeway and rugged coastline give it a raw, ancient feel, and make it a prime location for moody coastal shots and wild-sea selfies. Visit the nearby 12th-century Penmon Priory, walk the beach, or grab a coffee from the beachside café. Just check tide times before heading out to explore.
Anglesey Coast Path
Circling the island for 130 miles, the Isle of Anglesey Coastal Path is one of the UK’s most varied long-distance routes. Expect everything from limestone cliffs and marshes to working harbours and windswept beaches. The route is split into 12 manageable sections, with clear signposts for walkers. Wildlife spotters can look out for seals and even dolphins, while history buffs pass forts, medieval churches and old copper mines. Whether your clients are tackling the whole circuit or dipping in for a coastal stroll, the path provides walkers with a front-row seat to Anglesey’s natural beauty.
Beaumaris
Beaumaris may be a peaceful seaside town today, but it’s steeped in history and silver-screen appeal. Its pastel townhouses and medieval streets doubled as the coastline of Westeros in House of the Dragon, adding to its fantasy mystique. Walk the seafront, browse indie shops and galleries, or enjoy locally sourced seafood with views of the Menai Strait.
Halen Môn Wild Seaweed Baths
On Anglesey’s southern coast, Halen Môn offers a unique retreat with its Wild Seaweed Baths. Your clients can immerse themselves in warm, mineral-rich waters infused with sustainably harvested seaweed, all while enjoying panoramic views of the Menai Strait and Snowdonia (Eryri). Each bath takes place in a private, upcycled whisky barrel, filled with water derived from Halen Môn’s sea salt production process.
Getting around
Getting around: The drive from Anglesey to the Llyn Peninsula takes about one to one-and-a-half hours, crossing the Menai Strait via the Menai Suspension Bridge. Renting a car is the easiest way to explore the peninsula’s hidden beaches, ancient castles, and coastline. Bus routes serve the key towns, but having a car gives your clients the freedom to explore at their leisure.
Stop 4 - Llyn Peninsula
Ynys Enlli (Bardsey Island)
Just off the Llŷn Peninsula, Ynys Enlli – also known as Bardsey Island – is a tiny island with a rich history and natural significance. In 2023, it became Europe’s first International Dark Sky Sanctuary, due to its exceptional darkness and minimal light pollution, making it a prime location for stargazing. The island is also a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a National Landscape. Historically, Enlli has been a significant pilgrimage site since the early Middle Ages, as it is said that 20,000 saints are buried on the island. Boat trips operate to Ynys Enlli, giving your clients the chance to explore traces of Iron Age settlements and the ruins of a 13th-century abbey.
Criccieth Castle
This 13th-century fortress looms above the sea, guarding north and west Wales. Built by Llywelyn the Great and later taken by Edward I, Criccieth Castle is rich with real-world history and medieval drama. Its dramatic coastal location and well-preserved towers evoke the atmosphere of a medieval epic. Your clients can join guided tours to delve deeper into the castle’s past, or time their visit to coincide with ‘Some Tunes and Tales’ evenings – intimate events that bring Welsh myths and legends to life through storytelling and folk music. After exploring the ramparts, your clients can unwind in the town below, with its Victorian seafront, antique shops, and ice cream parlours.
Whistling Sands (Porthor)
Known for its squeaky sound underfoot – a result of rounded quartz grains – Whistling Sands (Porthor) isn’t just a geological marvel, it’s a cinematic gem. This beach starred in The Last Kingdom, lending its remote atmosphere to King Alfred’s 9th-century England. Located near Aberdaron, Porthor is part of the National Trust’s coastal treasures, complete with turquoise waters ideal for bodyboarding. A small café and car park make it accessible, but the best views are reserved for those who hike in via the Wales Coast Path – a 870-mile route along the Welsh coastline. The section around Porthor offers far-reaching sea views and wildflower-strewn cliffs, as well as opportunities to spy on seabirds and an array of other wildlife.
Porthdinllaen
Only accessible by foot (or golf buggy from the neighbouring Nefyn Golf Course), this 18th-century fishing village is a coastal gem, offering sweeping views across the Irish Sea. The calm waters are ideal for paddleboarding, while the Ty Coch Inn sits right on the beach and offers an array of refreshments. Porthdinllaen’s unspoiled beauty even caught the eye of Hollywood – it served as a haunting backdrop in Half Light, starring Demi Moore. Managed by the National Trust, the area also offers excellent walking routes and opportunities to spot grey seals and seabirds along the headland.
Dylan’s Restaurants (Criccieth)
Housed in a striking Art Deco building right on the seafront, Dylan’s Criccieth serves up local Welsh flavours with panoramic views. With sister restaurants in Menai Bridge and Llandudno, seafood is the star of the show – think Menai mussels, seafood chowder and Anglesey seared scallops. The setting, developed by renowned architect Clough William Ellis in the 1930s, feels like something out of a stylish seaside drama – especially at sunset.
Traeth Morfa Bychan
This vast expanse of golden beach is one of the few UK beaches you can legally drive on – and it made the most of that feature in First Knight, the 1995 medieval romance starring Sean Connery and Richard Gere. With views towards Harlech Castle and the mountains of Snowdonia (Eryri), it’s a striking meeting point of coast and countryside. Whether your clients want to paddle, picnic or ride horses along the beach, Traeth Morfa Bychan (also known as Black Rock Sands) delivers wide-open cinematic drama.
