Uncover 15 Iconic UK Filming Locations
From British classics to Hollywood blockbusters, the UK has appeared many times in film and TV over the years…...
by Steph Boal / Film and TV
If like me, you can’t wait until the 2024 Christmas special of Gavin and Stacey, then you can get your fix by checking out some of the hit show’s filming locations.
Gracing our screens in 2007, Gavin and Stacey soon became a fan-favourite and has had the nation hooked with its many Christmas specials. Its popularity has warranted another special in 2024, which has been dubbed the final instalment.
So if you’ve ever found yourself wondering where was Gavin and Stacey filmed then don’t fret as our guide to Gavin and Stacey filming locations covers some of the most iconic locations both in and outside of Barry. From the iconic promenade to the countless trips across the Severn Bridge, our guide covers it all.
Read on to uncover these Gavin and Stacey locations…
Nestled on the outskirts of Cardiff in the Vale of Glamorgan, Barry is a popular seaside resort. One that has only become more popular thanks to its use in the hit TV show, Gavin and Stacey.
Home to one of the best beaches in South Wales and many of the most iconic Gavin and Stacey filming locations, Barry oozes traditional seaside charm and is recognised as one of the best destinations for UK family holidays. With a direct train to and from Cardiff, Barry is easily accessible to fans looking to explore the locations of their favourite TV show.
Arguably one of the most famous Gavin and Stacey filming locations, Gwen, Bryn and Doris’s house features heavily throughout all of the show’s series.
You can find this iconic row of terrace houses on Trinity Street in Barry. The owners of Gwen’s house have been known to chat with fans of the show, and Bryn and Doris’s house is just a few metres away.
Featuring in the first episode of Gavin and Stacey as Stacey’s place of work. Marco’s Cafè lies on the seafront overlooking the beach and promenade. You can even head to this Gavin and Stacey filming location on your next trip to grab a spot of coffee!
Fans of the show will recall that Nessa works at an arcade in Barry. One of my favourite scenes featuring Nessa’s Slots is when Nessa and Bryn are discussing whether the Penny Falls are rigged and then begin a wonderful rendition of ‘Something Stupid’.
You can visit this Gavin and Stacey filming location today, better known as Island Leisure Amusement Arcade, and try your hand at a variety of amusements; what will you win? Be sure to pick up a souvenir to remember your trip here too.
A popular attraction in its own right, the Barry Island Pleasure Park features in series 3 episode 5 where the characters descend on the seafront for a day of fun. It might be more memorable as the episode where Smithy gets stuck in the rubber ring.
Enjoy the iconic log flume, take a spin on the Waltzers or Dodgems and marvel at the views across the sea from the Giant Wheel!
The Dolphin or as it is actually known, Basset Bar is the pub that the gang visit in the 2019 Christmas Special on Christmas Eve. You may also remember Bryn and Nessa performing a spectacular rendition of The Pogues “Fairytale of New York”.
Keep your eyes peeled for the nine Christmas puddings that they left in The Dolphin in its episode!
Rounding off the Gavin and Stacey filming locations in Barry is a location from one of my favourite episodes, series 1 episode 2. Otherwise known as the episode when Smithy hosts a drunken quiz where all the answers are Gary Lineker.
Although this iconic scene is set in Billericay, it was actually filmed at The Colcot Arms in Barry. And if you’re looking for a pub quiz then you’re in luck as they even host their own.
This modern-day love story famously spans two countries, with Gavin and Stacey meeting on the phone initially. Despite Stacey living in Barry, Wales and Gavin Billericay, Essex the show is actually filmed primarily in Wales, even the Essex scenes!
The majority of the Gavin and Stacey filming locations are still easily accessible from Barry, so you can visit them all on your next trip to this seaside hotspot.
Contrary to popular belief Pam and Mick’s House is not actually in Essex. Fans of the show can find the house on Laburnum Way in Dinas Powys; you’re sure to recognise the white-washed front of the driveway where Stacey deliberated over her belongings and ultimately decided to bin the foot spa, rather than take it to Second Hand City.
Fans will remember one of the main plot points of the show was where Gavin and Stacey would ultimately tie the knot. Despite settling on Barry, much to Pam’s dismay, the church where they actually wed was St Cattwg’s Church in Llanmaes. However, their wedding reception was held at Manor Parc Country Hotel, in their Cedar room.
This iconic Gavin and Stacey filming location is where everyone finds out about Pete and Dawn’s marital shenanigans and that Nessa is pregnant and “Smithy’s the father!”.
Although set in Essex, this Italian restaurant was actually filmed at the Glendale Hotel in Penarth.
Arguably one of the most memorable episodes in the whole TV show is series 2 episode 5 where Bryn throws Gwen a surprise barn dance birthday party. This episode gave us Bryn and Nessa’s unforgettable duet of ‘Islands in the Stream’ and Gwen’s mysterious hatred of Jean.
Although in the show we’re led to believe this is Barry, these fun-filled, barn dance scenes were actually filmed at All Saints Church Hall in Penarth. Rumour has it you can still hear the echoes of Bryn shouting surprise.
One of the most recognisable Gavin and Stacey filming locations has to be the Severn Bridge which is now known as The Prince of Wales Bridge.
Most notably, Smithy and Gavin run into a spot of trouble at the toll booth when they don’t have enough change to get back into Wales for the birth of Neil the baby. We see the gang cross the bridge multiple times throughout the series on the many trips from Barry to Billericay.
In series 2 episode 1, armed with her welcome home sign made with the big pen, Pam and Mick pick up Gavin and Stacey from their honeymoon.
Despite looking like an airport, these scenes were actually filmed in the Wales Millennium Centre in the heart of Cardiff. The centre is no stranger to being a TV set as it has frequently been seen in TV shows like Doctor Who and Torchwood.
If these Gavin and Stacey filming locations have got you excited to explore the setting of your favourite show then book a stay at one of these Barry holiday cottages! You can also check out our South Wales travel guide for more ideas on what to do on your trip.
by Steph Boal / Film and TV
Hi, I'm Steph and I joined the Sykes team in 2022. I grew up in the North East of England so unsurprisingly I love exploring the w...
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