Wales is a beautiful and fascinating country. So much so that it is often used as a backdrop for movies and TV series. If you're staying in one of our many Welsh holiday cottages, there are plenty of places across the region that you have seen on screen but would never know.
Here are just a few.
Clash of the Titans
The reimagining of the classic movie Clash of the Titans was partly filmed in Harriet Hole in Dinorwic Slate Quarry. The quarry is quite famous, having also featured in Willow and Street Fighter. It is also home to the National Slate Museum, so is worth a day out if you're staying near Snowdonia.
Die Another Day
Wales features prominently in this James Bond film that stars Pierce Brosnan. Penbryn Beach in Ceredigion is turned into North Korea for this film. Not only has it been immortalised in film, it's also a beautiful beach. It's popular with stargazers as it receives almost no light pollution.
Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows
Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows is one of the most popular of the iconic movie series and was filmed partly in Wales. The main protagonists hide in a recreation of Shell Cottage which is in Freshwater West, Pembrokeshire. The real cottage is made entirely from seashells.
Freshwater West is also featured in Robin Hood, Snow White and the Huntsman and the Lion in Winter. During the filming of Robin Hood, Russell Crowe liked the beach so much he camped there for a few nights instead of going back to his hotel.
Merlin
The BBC TV series Merlin did a lot of shooting in Wales. Many of the scenes were shot across the country, including Cosmeston Medieval Village, the Brecon Beacons National Park, Castell Coch and Caerphilly, Chepstow castle and Raglan castle. We have holiday cottages near all of those!
Doctor Who
No discussion about Wales on film would be complete without mentioning Doctor Who. Being based in Cardiff, the show shot many scenes within the Roath Lock studios. You can't get inside the studios but you can visit the nearby Doctor Who experience. It's a worthwhile visit if you're a fan of the show.
Gavin and Stacey
Another Welsh classic is Gavin and Stacey, a comedy that put Barry firmly on the map. So much so that the locals have seen a multiplying of tourists since the show was first shown. They even run coach tours to show visitors where the scenes were shot.