There are very few countries that can rival the sheer diversity of filming locations found across North, Mid and South Wales. Despite its relatively compact size, it offers an astonishing range of landscapes, from towering mountains and dramatic coastlines to medieval castles, ancient forests, vast slate quarries, cascading waterfalls, peaceful lakes and remote wilderness.
Over the past 30 years, I have been fortunate enough to scout locations throughout much of the UK, and North Wales has always remained one of my favourite places to work. Every visit uncovers somewhere new. It is a country that constantly surprises me, where within a relatively short drive you can move from rugged mountain peaks to sweeping beaches, dense woodland, historic castles and landscapes that feel almost untouched by time.
Most recently, I spent considerable time scouting throughout North Wales for House of the Dragon – Season 2. It was a privilege to revisit some of the country’s most spectacular scenery and explore new areas that perfectly captured the scale and drama required for the world of Westeros. The dramatic mountains of Eryri (Snowdonia), the breathtaking coastline of Anglesey and the immense slate landscapes of Dinorwig Quarry demonstrate exactly why Wales continues to attract major international film and television productions.
Mountains & Wild Landscapes
The mountain landscapes of Eryri National Park are among the most spectacular in Britain. Towering peaks, winding mountain roads, deep valleys and exposed ridgelines create breathtaking scenery that can represent almost anywhere in the world.
For filmmakers, this versatility is invaluable. Whether the story requires a medieval kingdom, remote wilderness, Scandinavian landscapes or somewhere entirely fictional, the mountains of North Wales provide an extraordinary natural canvas with very little alteration required.
Beyond Eryri, the Cambrian Mountains, Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) and countless lesser-known valleys offer equally impressive locations, many of which remain remarkably quiet and untouched.
Slate Quarries
Few filming locations possess the scale and atmosphere of the great slate quarries of North Wales.
The enormous terraces, dramatic rock faces and industrial heritage of locations such as Dinorwig create landscapes that feel almost otherworldly. Depending on the production, they can convincingly portray medieval fortresses, abandoned industrial worlds, remote mountain kingdoms, post-apocalyptic environments or even alien planets.
Their scale is difficult to appreciate until you stand within them. As a Location Manager, they offer endless creative possibilities and continue to attract productions from around the world.
Castles
North Wales alone contains some of Britain’s most spectacular medieval castles, while Wales as a whole offers one of Europe’s greatest concentrations of historic fortifications.
Often described as having more castles per square mile than anywhere else in Europe, Wales offers an extraordinary variety of medieval fortresses, Norman strongholds and romantic ruins. Whether overlooking dramatic coastlines, guarding mountain passes or dominating historic towns, these castles provide authentic period architecture on an impressive scale.
From the magnificent walls of Caernarfon Castle and Conwy Castle to the spectacular settings of Harlech Castle, Caerphilly Castle, Pembroke Castle and the fairytale appearance of Castell Coch, filmmakers are spoilt for choice.
For historical dramas, fantasy productions and period features, few places offer such an incredible concentration of authentic medieval locations.
Coastline & Beaches
The Welsh coastline stretches for more than 1,600 miles and offers an astonishing variety of landscapes.
Towering sea cliffs, hidden coves, expansive sandy beaches, dramatic headlands and windswept coastal paths provide locations that can feel wild, remote and untouched. The coastline of Anglesey in North Wales, the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park and the Gower Peninsula each possess their own unique character, allowing productions to create vastly different visual styles without ever leaving Wales.
Whether doubling for Scandinavia, Britain’s rugged coastline or entirely fictional worlds, the coast consistently delivers spectacular scenery.
Forests & Woodland
Wales is also home to beautiful ancient woodland and dense forests, many of which possess a magical atmosphere.
Towering trees, moss-covered rocks, winding woodland tracks and hidden clearings create natural locations ideal for fantasy, historical dramas and adventure films. During the early morning or late afternoon, shafts of sunlight filtering through the canopy produce some truly breathtaking cinematography.
Many forests retain an untouched quality that has become increasingly difficult to find elsewhere in Britain.
Waterfalls & Lakes
Few countries possess as many beautiful waterfalls and mountain lakes within such easy reach.
Hidden waterfalls tumble through ancient woodland, while peaceful lakes reflect the surrounding mountains to create stunning natural compositions. Whether searching for dramatic action sequences, romantic landscapes or peaceful moments of reflection, these locations provide exceptional photographic opportunities throughout the year.
Combined with Wales’ constantly changing weather and atmospheric light, they can produce truly memorable cinematic images.
Why Productions Choose Wales
Beyond its remarkable scenery, Wales has firmly established itself as one of the UK’s leading production destinations.
Experienced local crews, excellent transport links, film-friendly authorities and a growing production infrastructure make filming both practical and efficient. Perhaps most importantly, the sheer variety of locations allows productions to achieve multiple completely different looks without travelling long distances.
A single day’s schedule could begin beside a mountain lake, move to an ancient forest, continue within a medieval castle and finish overlooking dramatic sea cliffs.
That flexibility is invaluable when managing both time and production budgets.
A Location Manager’s Perspective
After three decades working in the film industry, Wales continues to be one of the places I most enjoy scouting.
There is always another valley to explore, another hidden waterfall, another stretch of coastline or another breathtaking viewpoint waiting around the next corner. Few countries continue to surprise me in quite the same way.
Whether a production is searching for towering mountains, medieval castles, dramatic coastlines, ancient forests, slate quarries, waterfalls or untouched wilderness, Wales offers an extraordinary range of filming locations that few places anywhere in Europe can match.
For filmmakers looking for visual scale, authenticity and incredible diversity, Whether scouting the mountains of North Wales, the castles of the north and south, the Pembrokeshire coast or the forests of Mid Wales, Wales remains one of Europe’s finest filming destinations.
