Filming in the vale
In recent years the Vale has regularly been used for the filming of several top TV shows and films. If you're looking for a location for your production, we're sure you will find what you are looking for in the Vale.
We are a county of contrasts; miles of dramatic coastline backed by rolling countryside, small quaint Welsh villages, bustling market towns and large civic centres brimming with character and personality.
We have beautiful historic facades with equally as amazing interiors, busy retail areas with quality independent shops. A picturesque street scene both residential and retail and some areas that have proven perfect for the grittier of scenes.
With Cardiff on our doorstep, and excellent transport links (road, rail and air) the Vale makes for a great destination to use as a base for filming.
Privately Owned Properties
Of course the Vale is also home to some unique and interesting privately owned properties. This includes beautiful country manors, churches, castles, farms and many many more. Take a look through just some that welcome filming.
For Information - Please see the Vale of Glamorgan Filming Licence and the Filming Terms & Conditions above.
Filming Enquiries and Requests
We're delighted that you are considering the Vale of Glamorgan for your filming requirements. If we can help you in finding that perfect location, please get in touch. We co-ordinate approvals for all Council owned property, including our Highways. If your enquiry involves property or landscape that needs approval from a 3rd party, we will advise accordingly and pass on your request, or you can see our 'Privately Owned Properties' which includes contact details for some venues.
Follow this link for further details on how to submit your filming request. This includes a handy checklist of all you need to supply in submitting your request and details of filming with a drone in the UK.
You won't be the first to choose the Vale as the perfect destination for your film/tv production, here are just a few others:
Llantwit Major & the Glamorgan Heritage Coast
Poldark
While most will associate Poldark with the beautiful coast and countryside of Cornwall, few might be aware that some scenes were also filmed on the glorious Glamorgan Heritage Coast in the Vale of Glamorgan. In Season 3, cast and crew re-located to shoot scenes at Dunraven Bay in the village of Southerndown, and those that know our coastline well will recognise the familiar backdrop of the cliffs. A popular location for filming, there have been many productions that have chosen this spot, including Dr Who and TV series Merlin, and Sherlock.
Cowbridge & The Rural Vale
His Dark Materials
Fantasy Drama His Dark Materials is a television series based on the trilogy of novels by Philip Pullman. Produced by Bad Wolf and New Line Productions, for BBC One and HBO, the show follows the orphan Lyra as she searches for a missing friend and discovers a kidnapping plot related to an invisible cosmic substance called Dust. We were delighted to welcome the film crew to the Vale. Rhoose Point, the most southerly point on mainland wales, where the Wales Coast Path follows the shoreline, was used for the filming of a scene for Season 3.
Barry & Barry Island
Gavin and Stacey
Much loved TV sitcom Gavin & Stacey was filmed in and around Barry with much of the filming taking place on iconic Barry Island showcasing the beach and amusement arcades. The show, created by James Corden and Ruth Jones, revolves around the romantic relationship between Gavin from Essex and Stacey from Barry. The use of Barry Island adds to the show's authenticity and charm and visitors from around the world still make the journey to Barry Island to visitor iconic locations made famous by this very much loved, award-winning programme
Penarth
Sex Education
Viewers will recognise some familiar scenes in Penarth from the hit Netflix series Sex Education. The Netflix hit comedy-drama Sex Education follows Otis, Eric, Maeve, and their motley crew of friends and family as they navigate through the tricky topic mentioned in the show's title - 'sex education'. Viewers will recognise some locations in Penarth where the Paget Rooms was used for the school hall scenes and Penarth Pier and esplanade features in later episodes.
Penarth
Doctor Who
The Vale has been the backdrop for much of the filming of Dr Who over the years. Viewers will have seen the Tardis pop up on the coastline at the Knap in Barry, against the stunning backdrop of Dunraven Bay on the Glamorgan Heritage Coast and at St.Donats Castle, which has also been home to the filming of Wolf Hall, Keeping Faith and Decline and Fall. Keep watching for more iconic locations from the Vale in the new season.
Make a Filming Request
If you already know what you want for your production, that's great. Simply complete the enquiry form below and we'll respond as soon as possible. By providing as much detail as you can in the first instance, we will be able to respond sooner with details as to the approval, costs, etc.
Please read the filming checklist to see what will be required to complete a booking.
Make a Filming RequestFilming ChecklistPlease read the filming checklist to see what will be required to complete a booking.
If you'd like a little more inspiration, take a look through our Filming pages and hopefully you will find what you are looking for. If not, get in touch and we'll help you find that perfect location.
film@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk
film@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk
