Top Films Shot in the Beautiful Landscapes of West Wales

You’ve probably watched a blockbuster movie or TV series and wondered, “wait, that place looks familiar”. Well, chances are it was, and it might be closer than you think. Over the years, Wales has been an ideal filming location for movie producers and directors.

The spectacular beaches, pristine landscapes, and majestic castles are truly irresistible, even to filmmakers. That’s why popular shows like Game of Thrones, House of Dragon and Harry Potter have a scene or two shot in this beautiful country.

The list of movies filmed in Wales is endless, so we’ll only focus on those shot in West Wales. You’ll be in for a treat as you see how various areas of West Wales have been the backdrop for some of the most iconic movie moments.

Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows | Freshwater West Beach

The fantasy world of Harry Potter found a perfect match in the magical beauty of Freshwater West Beach to create one of the most beautiful and saddest scenes in the franchise. It is here that the House Elf, Dobby, died and was buried in the film Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

Being such an iconic moment, Potterheads visiting the area usually pay tribute in remembrance of the loyal and brave elf. The design team built a Shell House for Dobby on the sandy dunes of the beach during production and later deconstructed it after the film.

Ridley’s Scott Robin Hood | Freshwater West Beach

The beauty of Freshwater West Beach never seems to end, and this time it played host to Ridley Scott’s Robin Hood film. The movie, which starred Russell Crowe, had its climax fight along the coastline. Robin Hood led his army of horsemen with pennants along the water’s edge to an epic battle that can only be described using one word—spectacular.

The marching horsemen and the panoramic background do the action-packed movie justice and are a must-visit for Robin Hood fans.

Snow White and the Huntsman | Marloes Sands

The classic fairy tale film, Snow White and the Huntsman, featured the breathtaking Marloes Sands in its intense battle scene. Top stars of the movie, Charlize Theron, Chris Hemsworth, and Kristen Stewart delivered an impeccable performance, and it was amazing to see the Marloes Sands also steal the show.

The sandy bay with its desolate dunes and stunning sea views offered the grandeur needed for the powerful clash between the foes.

Die Another Day | Penbryn Beach

If you are a fan of the James Bond films, then Die Another Day must have a special place in your heart. This is because it was the last time we saw Pierce Brosnan as the double 007 agent before Daniel Craig took over.

To make it even more special, especially for those living in West Wales, the end scene of the movie happens at Penbryn Beach. The calm and beautiful beach with soft sand and a peaceful atmosphere is the ultimate relaxation spot.

Seeing that Mr Bond is always caught in trouble somewhere, it would have been interesting if the casino scene also happened in one of the top casinos in West Wales like the Grosvenor Casino. Instead, the casino scene took place at the Blades Club, which is the Reform Club in London. Casinos are quite popular in the UK and that’s why Mr. Bond, an English fictional character, is always seen playing casino games in various films.

Die Another Day might have missed their chance with the Grosvenor Casino or any other casino in West Wales, but you don’t have to. Better yet, you can check out the top online casinos in the UK and have a feel of the games before visiting one physically. Maybe we’ll have a casino scene set in West Wales one day.

Sherlock | St Catherine’s Fort

In a beautiful display of contrast, the award-winning BBC series, Sherlock, turned the tranquil Tenby Beach into a mysterious and dangerous site opposite a maximum-security prison. St Catherine’s Fort, which was a military outpost long ago, and is now a tourist attraction, was turned into “Sherrinford”, a maximum prison.

The critically acclaimed show, which featured top names like Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman, brought so much attention to this Napoleonic fort that it later got the codename Sherrinford.