North Wales film and TV itinerary

This is no ordinary watersports trip: the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct is one of the tallest navigable aqueducts in the world, a UNESCO World Heritage Site surrounded by glorious countryside views. Are you brave enough to peek over the edge to the river 38 metres (126ft) below? The adventure is suitable for those of basic fitness level, and all gear is provided – you’ll just need a head for heights! If you’ve watched Wallace and Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl (2024), the aqueduct might look familiar... The Aardman Animations team were inspired by it for the film’s dramatic canal boat finale.  

Visit the football ground that’s at the heart of Welcome to Wrexham (2022–), the story of two unlikely Hollywood actors taking over a Welsh football club. Wrexham AFC play their home games here, so check to see if there’s a match on during your visit – you could be cheering from the sidelines alongside Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney!  

The go-to spot for Wrexham fans pre- and post-game, you’ll find The Turf next door to The Racecourse and kitted out with football memorabilia and club history. Naturally it’s featured in Welcome to Wrexham (2022–), where viewers were introduced to charismatic landlord Wayne Jones. Who knows, you might be lucky enough to share a pint with some other famous faces here too!  

Meet local creatives or learn a new skill at this multi-venue cultural space that brings together art, performance, shopping and food. Workshops cover a diverse range of topics, with anything from rooftop gardening to pottery taking place here, while exhibits have a focus on social and community issues. When your thoughts have been sufficiently provoked, head to the food court to try dishes from local traders.  

Travelling with kids? The budding scientists in your family will go bonkers for Xplore! Science Discovery Centre. From mind-blowing live science shows to interactive exhibits, there’s plenty to keep youngsters occupied – perfect for a rainy day.   

Speed down the rapids on the River Tryweryn, smack in the heart of the scenic Snowdonia (Eryri) National Park. Hurl around the natural rapids of this dam-controlled river which feeds high flows all year along. While here why not take a plunge into some new adventures from scrambling, sliding and swimming with its canyoning course, or check out its Orca white water adventure – for the seriously brave. Did you spot Mr Peterson (Doctor Who’s David Tennant) and Mr Poppy (Marc Wootton) taking on the rapids here in Nativity 2: Danger in the Manger (2010)? 

Once the slate capital of the world, Blaenau Ffestiniog has reinvented itself as one of Wales’ adventure hotspots. Part of the Slate Landscape of Northwest Wales UNESCO World Heritage Site, Blaenau was once dubbed ‘slate city’ thanks to its quarrying. These days, these quarries are the ultimate adventure playground, and you’re more likely to see zipliners than miners. Enjoy a zoom with a view at Zip World Llechwedd or tee off at the world’s first adventure golf in a cave. There’s even an underground trampoline park here, Bounce Below. The town makes a great base for hiking and mountain biking, with plenty of accommodation and dining options. Did you know that Blaenau Ffestiniog doubled for Cardiff in World War Z (2013)? 

Shred the trails around Blaenau Ffestiniog at this popular bike park, with the Slate Landscape of Northwest Wales UNESCO World Heritage Site as your backdrop. Choose from 14 gravity-fed trails, with options for every level of rider, and you can either bring your own bike or rent one of the top-notch Saracen Bikes. The best bit is the mountain bike uplift service, which ferries you and your bike to the top of the trails.

No need to lace up your hiking boots to experience all the ups and downs of Snowdonia (Eryri). All aboard the Ffestiniog Railway, connecting Blaenau Ffestiniog with the pretty coastal town of Porthmadog. Why not upgrade your ticket to travel in luxury in the Pullman First Class Carriages? From Porthmadog, it’s well worth taking a detour to the Italianate village of Portmeirion, just a 10-minute drive away. Filled with colourful baroque architecture, Portmeirion was the filming location of cult classic TV series The Prisoner in the 1960s. 

Discoverthe glacial landscapes of slate-studded Snowdonia (Eryri), shaped over thousands of years. At the 800-acre Padarn Country Park, you can learn about the area’s industrial heritage at the Quarry Hospital, take a ride on the Llanberis Lake Railway or relax at the lakeside Sawna Bach (‘little sauna’). The nearby Dinorwig Quarry – once the world’s second-largest slate mine – features as a backdrop in House of the Dragon, while Llyn Padarn lake is rumoured to appear on The Witcher series four. Watch this space… 

Enjoy tip-top views of Llyn Peris from Dolbadarn Castle, built by medieval Welsh ruler Llywelyn the Great. Free to visit, the castle’s crowning glory is its 50ft (15.2m)-high round tower. The cast and crew of The Witcher were spotted filming here in 2024, so look out for it in series four. You can spot Llyn Peris, meanwhile, in James Bond outing Quantum of Solace – and it’s not 007’s only trip to Snowdonia (Eryri), either. From Russia with Love and The World is Not Enough both feature the National Park’s show-stopping scenery.

Looking for an incredible hiking destination? The waterfalls and woodlands of this ancient glacier valley – spotted in House of the Dragon (2024) – are yours to explore, surrounded by Snowdonia’s (Eryri’s) mighty mountain peaks. There are trails and climbs for all abilities, including the National Trust’s 2.9-mile (4.64km) trail around Llyn Ogwen, its namesake lake. The nearby visitor centre features a snack bar, facilities and an exhibition about the local area.

Just outside the village of Betws-y-Coed, Swallow Falls – known as Rhaeadr Ewynnol in Welsh – is where the River Llugwy thunders through a natural stone cascade, a beautiful spot for picnics, walks and photography. The falls’ viewing areas are surrounded by beech and birch woodlands, with a choice of both easy-access and challenging hiking trails; it is open all year round. This dramatic landscape features in the breathtaking opening sequence of Wonder Woman 1984 (2020), starring Gal Gadot.  

Walking and wild swimming adventures await at this peaceful lake with its own campsite. If you want to summit Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa), it makes a restful overnight stop before your ascent. Bring a swimming costume or wetsuit, because you’ll want to make a splash in Llyn Gwynant. The water quality is good, but be aware that the water can be very cold. Fun fact: Llyn Gwynant Campsite became a Chinese village in Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life, back in 2003.

For those who dare, adrenaline lovers and the gently curious alike, head to the idyllic woodland setting of the Conwy Valley and take on Zip World Fforest. For forest-based adventures there’s also the Fforest Coaster, bouncing fun on Treetop Nets or zip line and adventure courses high in the trees. And if that’s only just whet your appetite, check out Europe’s highest giant swing, Skyride 2.

In the foothills of north Wales, this Victorian vision set the scene for the film adaptation of The Secret Garden (2020). The first laburnum arch and magnolias in Britain were found here in Bodnant Gardens. These pioneering gardens were filled with plants collected by global explorers and today you can find national collections, sweeping lawns and gardens with rare varieties of plants, all cared for by the National Trust and set against the stunning backdrop of the Carneddau mountains. 

Whether for a soothing spa day or an indulgent overnight stay, this health club in Snowdonia (Eryri) features outdoor hydrotherapy pools, a steam suite, Himalayan salt room and more. Its treatment menu is long and luxurious, featuring massages, facials, scrubs and rituals, as well as traditional hammam experiences. 

Standing tall for more than 700 years, this medieval fortress overlooks the pretty town of Conwy – and both are a joy to explore. It’s one of four north Wales castles to be celebrated by UNESCO for its cultural importance, and its events bring the area’s history to life.

If time allows, take a stroll (or drive) to the northernmost pass in the Snowdonia (Eryri) National Park for a sneak peek of your next destination. Just outside Conwy’s walls, the Sychnant Pass snakes through carpets of gorse and past grazing wild ponies, with plenty of hiking trails to enjoy. Stop off at the car park at the top of the pass for breathtaking views of Anglesey. Did you know Highlander’s (1986) final scenes were filmed in this area?  

At the time it was built, this was the world’s biggest suspension bridge – but it’s hard not to be wowed by it today. Drive across it, from Bangor to the Isle of Anglesey, to experience it in all its glory – as seen in 2020’s Dolittle, starring Robert Downey Jr. The nearby town that shares the bridge’s name is a feast for foodies – enjoy refined Welsh cuisine at Michelin-starred Sosban & The Old Butchers, top-notch seafood at Dylan’s and deli treats at & Caws. 

Known as the ‘Anglesey Riviera’ for its fabulous coastline and handsome promenade, this north Wales town – featured in House of the Dragon (2024) – is a joy to explore. Take a sea-breezy walk on the pier, explore the Victorian jail and courthouse, and immerse yourself in over 700 years of history at its magnificent namesake castle, which was built (but never finished) by King Edward I in the late 1200s. 

A short drive from Beaumaris, Penmon Point is a medieval treasure trove. A monastery was first established here in the 6th century, although the priory remains you can see today are largely from the 13th century. See the ornate 10th-century cross in the church and spot the ancient holy well. Refuel at the beachside Pilot House Cafe, with views over to Penmon’s distinctive black-and-white lighthouse and Puffin Island (Ynys Seiriol). You might even spot a Targaryen or two – House of the Dragon’s second series (2024) was filmed at Penmon. 

Star in your own romcom at the home of Wales’ patron saint of lovers, Santes Dwynwen. Back in the fifth century, Dwynwen became a nun and set up a convent on the island – you can see the ruins of it today. Make a pilgrimage here with that special someone, and stroll hand-in-hand along sandy Llanddwyn Beach for a date to remember. House of the Dragon was filmed here in 2023. 

Listen up – every footstep along this gorgeous sandy beach makes a distinct sound. Porthor beach – better known as Whistling Sands – is one of just two beaches in Europe where you can hear the sand squeak, caused by the shape and silica content of the grains. It’s a fascinating phenomenon and something to experience at least once in your life. If you’re a fan of The Last Kingdom, you may recognise this beach from the series. 

Glimpse a Wales of yesteryear at this quaint fishing village with its superstar pub, the Tŷ Coch Inn. Enjoy a pint in the beer garden that’s literally a step away from the beach and watch the fishers at work. Or bring your binoculars and spot the grey seals, oystercatchers and cormorants who call this corner of Wales home. In romantic thriller Half Light, starring Demi Moore, Porthdinllaen stands in for a Scottish fishing village. 

Standing proudly over Cardigan Bay, these mighty ruins look straight out of a storybook. Its history is the stuff of a war epic, too: built by Welsh medieval princes, claimed by England’s Edward I, then burned down by Wales’ Owain Glyndŵr, all by the 15th century. Discover Wales medieval past for yourself and enjoy sweeping views over the town of Criccieth and the craggy peaks of Snowdonia (Eryri). There are regular guided tours of the site which reveal the site’s secrets. 

From Anglesey scallops to Menai mussels, Welsh seafood is the star of the show at these seaside restaurants. Dylan’s Criccieth is an art deco beauty with a huge glass frontage for unbeatable views of the sea. The dishes here put local produce front and centre, with a mouth-watering menu of pasta, pizzas and burgers. If you’ve room for dessert, the homemade sticky toffee pudding is always a delight. Hungry for more? Check out its restaurants in Menai Bridge, Llandudno, Conwy and Barmouth too. 

Welcome to one of the Llŷn’s most popular beaches – and with good reason. At almost two miles (3.2km) long, there’s heaps of room to make waves. Into watersports? You can bring your car onto the beach for easy unloading of your gear. If you’re a fan of medieval movies, you might recognise this stretch of sands from First Knight (1995), starring Sean Connery and Richard Gere.