The Gavin and Stacey Phenomenon

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The long awaited Gavin and Stacey Christmas Special will be watched by millions of fans this year. Gavin and Stacey first graced our screens back in May 2007 and we have enjoyed three brilliant series since.

The programme is based on a beautiful love story between a charming young man from Essex and our very own Stacey from Barry. And, of course, their family and friends join in the fun along the way.

One of the main areas of filming was, of course, Barry Island. To set the records straight Barry Island is no longer an Island and is not owned by somebody called Barry!

Visitors from around the world now visit Barry in search of the iconic locations where the series was filmed so we’ve put together a list of locations that were used in previous episodes.

Here are some of the more prominent filming locations...

Barry and Barry Island locations

Island Leisure Amusement Arcade, Western Shelter, Barry Island - Nessa’s ‘Slots’ arcade, where she worked in the first series. Nessa and Bryn practiced their duet to the Frank and Nancy Sinatra song 'Somethin Stupid' here.

Boofy’s Chip Shop, Western Shelter, Barry Island - Gavin and Stacey's chippy of choice.

Marco’s Cafe, Barry Island - featured in the opening credits, and where Stacey works in the third series. There’s even a sign here where you can take a selfie.

The Square, Barry Island - This is where Dave’s Coaches departed to take Stacey to London to meet Gavin for the first time. Brit Movie Tours operate a Gavin and Stacey tour on Dave's Coaches, why not book yourself a seat. Nessa and Dave Coaches Santa's grotto was based here on the prom.

Just outside of Barry Island, filming took place at……

Trinity Street, Barry, This is the street on which Gwen and Stacey lived with Doris next door and Uncle Bryn across the road. They say the best omelettes in Wales can be found here!

The Colcot Arms is the pub where Smithy was quiz master.

King Square, Barry, outside of the Library and Town Hall - Nessa’s human statue took Gwen and Jason by surprise.

The Tadross Hotel, 271 Holton Road, Barry - this was used for the Christening party of Neil, the baby, in the third series.

Outside of Barry, filming took place in Penarth

The Glendale Hotel, Plymouth Road, Penarth - the Italian restaurant 'Luigi's', which was the scene of the dramatic meal in series two when Nessa revealed that she was pregnant ... and the father was Smithy! And also Dawn and Pete had their disastrous ‘date’ night.

All Saint’s Church Hall, Victoria Road, Penarth - the setting for Gwen’s Barn Dance 'surprise' birthday bash.

St Cattwg's Church, Llanmaes, the venue for Gavin and Stacey's wedding.

And finally …….

St Peter’s Church, Peterston-Super-Ely used as the venue for Nessa and Dave’s wedding that never was, and Neil, the baby's, Christening Service.

But the scenes for Gavin's VERY Essex-looking house are actually shot on location in Dinas Powys,

Stay a while

If you're visiting for a couple of days, check out our accommodation in the beautiful Vale of Glamorgan.

How to find us

We're the furthest-most point in Wales, to the West of Cardiff, overlooking the Bristol Channel. Find out how to reach us here.

Barry and Barry Island

If you haven't been for a while or if it's your first time, Barry Island is definitely worth a visit. Take a look here

'Oh, what's occurin?'

Well, loads actually. We have a calendar of great events throughout the year. Take a look here.