Gavin & Stacey: The Ultimate Guide for Filming Locations in Wales!
Updated April 2024: The Ultimate Guide for Gavin & Stacey Fans.
This is the ultimate guide to filming locations in Gavin & Stacey written by a Barry Island local with insider tips and copious, but necessary, amounts of Gavin and Stacey references and quotes to follow as well as my Barry accent.
All of these locations are genuine Gavin and Stacey places to visit in South Wales, mainly in Barry but a few on the outskirts including addresses, insider Gavin and Stacey facts and scenes that took place there. You’ll find Gavin and Stacey film locations like the Dolphin Barry pub, the Gavin and Stacey church scene, Capriccios Gavin and Stacey and Gwen’s house Barry Island.
Tidy.
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Contents
Contents (jump to)
Where’s It To Then?
So where was Gavin and Stacey filmed? As a local resident from the isle of Barry, I pass Gavin and Stacey hotspots everyday and they’re well lush. I stood by, watching almost every scene being filmed on the Island and as a result, met most of the actors. Don’t mind if I do, don’t mind if I don’t.
I held Joanna Page’s chips while she shot a scene in Series 2, Episode 3 and I stood on the railings watching the characters ride on the log flume in Series 3. Unfortunately, the Log Flume is no longer with us, terrible way to go, and I wouldn’t like to see it happen to you.
You could join a TV Locations tour of Gavin & Stacey and pre-book your tickets here:
The absolute genius writing of Ruth Jones and James Corden perfectly encompass the mentality of Barry residents! As it goes, everything in the show is on point for us locals.
The show surrounds an Essex boy, Gavin and a Barry girl, Stacey who in conclusion, end up married. It summarises true British Culture. The addictiveness of the show, however, is the perfect characterisation of their families and friends: hard knock Nessa, lazy Smithy, Gwen’s omelettes, and so on.
If you, or someone you know, hasn’t watched Gavin & Stacey (wow), buy the full series and 2008 Christmas Special from Amazon here and then buy the 2019 Christmas Special here.
All Gavin and Stacey Locations
The Homes
Stacey & Gwen’s House, Bryn’s House & Doris’s House
If you want to visit Stacey and Gwen’s house, Doris’ house (later Gavin & Stacey’s house) and Bryn’s house then you need to go to the top of 47 Trinity Street Barry. We call it Trinity Hill, not to be confused with Tynny Hill (also in Barry). Barry’s full of hills.
Gavin and Stacey House Barry Postcode: CF62 7EW
Stacey’s house has lots of Gavin & Stacey pictures in the window and is owned by the lovely Glenda. You might recognise the name Glenda as they mention her twice in show and it’s paying homage to the house owner.
If you join the Gavin & Stacey Tour, you get to go inside Gwen’s House Barry which still looks the same and flooded with memorabilia. You can sing out the garden, see Stacey’s bedroom or pretend to make an Omelette in the Kitchen!
Barry Insider Tip: Trinity Street is not on Barry Island but a short drive away and in Barry town.
Pam, Mick & Gavin’s House
Gavin’s house, however, is not in the real 17 Limetree Avenue Billericay, it’s not even in Barry. So where is Pam and Micks house in Wales? It’s in neighbouring village Dinas Powys, Laburnam Way, Dinas Powys, CF64 3NE. My teacher from school’s house it was.
Dave’s Caravan
Dave, Nessa and Neil the Baby’s Caravan is found in Porthkerry Leisure Park, CF62 3ZP because it’s an actual caravan site in Rhoose, Vale of Glamorgan.
Gavin and Stacey Tour Barry Wales:
Work Places
Dave’s Coaches
You can go on a guided tour of the Gavin & Stacey filming locations and you only get to ride in the one and only Dave’s Coaches! Note: The tour does not include this full list of locations. Barry Island’s not what it used to be, but what can you do? Times change, people move on.
Did you know that there are Dave Coaches Harry Potter links? It’s because Steffan Rhodri (Dave) plays Reg in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows! See all my Harry Potter filming location guides!
Western Shelter Arcade – Barry Island Gavin and Stacey Royalty
Located on Barry Island is Nessas Slots Barry Island where Nessa works, you can have a go on the slots or win a prize. For instance, an iPod box.
There’s a dedicated booth where all the scenes were filmed and is now a shrine to Gavin & Stacey. Opposite this arcade is the wall where Gavin & Stacey share chips and the scene with Gavin, Stacey, Nessa and Smithy sit as the camera pans out on the Gavin and Stacey finale.
Purchase A Guided Gavin & Stacey Tour in Advance Here!
Marco’s Cafe
On the promenade of Barry Island where Stacey works in Gavin and Stacey, Series 3 is Marcos Cafe. It’s also the spot where Nessa and Dave work at Christmas in the tent.
Barry Insider Tip: Marco’s Cafe has a picture of some of the cast which you can have a selfie with!
Drive Through / Marks & Spencers
The drive-through where Rudy works (which is actually a Burger King) and Marks and Spencers where Stacey works in the first Christmas Special can both be found in Culverhouse Cross, Cardiff, CF5 6YZ.
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King’s Square
On Holton Road, Barry, CF which is in the heart of Barry Town is where Nessa does her statue work when Gwen and Jason visit and Nessa gives Gwen a fiver for her birthday (even though she owed it for the Chinese).
Fun fact: I once spent a summer being the official Gavin & Stacey Tour Guide on this tour of filming locations in South Wales!
Gavin and Stacey Pubs, Churches & Hotels
The Ship Hotel Barry
The Ship Pub, Barry, CF62 5SB on Ship Hill is where Gavin and Smithy have a pint in the second episode.
Copthorne Hotel
Copthorne Hotel, Culverhouse Cross, CF5 6DH is the location of the wedding fare in Series 1 (it’s located in Culverhouse Cross which is the same place that Rudy’s work and Stacey’s work was filmed as above).
The Colcot Arms
The Colcot Arms, Barry, CF62 8UJ is the pub for the Gavin and Stacey pub quiz and Gavin and Smithy’s local pub.
Read Next: Top Phrases Only Heard in South Wales
Sea View Labour Club
This is the pub where the bingo scenes were filmed (inside only). The pub is no longer with us but still standing with scaffolding! Sea View Labour Club, Dock View Rd, Barry CF63 3QQ.
*SPOILER ALERT*
Glendale Hotel
The Glendale Hotel, 10 Plymouth Rd, Penarth CF64 3DH, stands as Carluccio’s where everyone finds out that Nessa’s pregnant… and Smithy’s the father. One of my favourite episodes.
All Saints Church Hall
This is the Gavin and Stacey church for the Gavin and Stacey barn dance episode, organised by Bryn, however attended by Jean. Victoria Square, Penarth CF64 3EL.
The Tadross Hotel / Pub
This is the venue of Neil, the baby’s christening SLASH engagement of Nessa and Dave at The Tadross Hotel. We call it the Basset Pub thanks to the adjacent park we spent our childhood summers in. The 2019 Gavin & Stacey Christmas Special was also filmed here when they raise a glass for beloved Doris!
St Peter’s Church Gavin and Stacey
St Peter’s Church, Peterson-Super-Ely, Vale of Glamorgan is the main church used in Gavin and Stacey where the Priest asks everyone their favourite sandwiches, the christening of Neil the Baby and Dave and Nessa’s wedding.
The outside of the church gates is where Nessa, Stacey, Neil and the Priest share a last cigarette. Outside the Church doors there is a bench that was donated to the church by the BBC which a special message.
St Mellons’s Country Club
St Mellons’ Hotel, Castleton, St. Mellons, Cardiff CF3 2XR is the location of Dawn and Pete’s vows renewal. Lights will gui, i, i, i, uide you home.
The Dolphin Gavin and Stacey
It’s no longer the Dolphin Barry Island but now an American-style diner and Rumba bar located on Barry Island on the corner of the fairground near the Eastern Shelter Car Park. If you look at the side of the building you will see a dolphin statue.
St. Cattwgs Church
Another church in Gavin and Stacey was St. Cattwgs Church, Llanmaes, The Rectory, High St, Llantwit Major. Outside of Barry but it’s the church where Gavin and Stacey get married and Smithy forgets the directions but Bryn had his sat nav! The Gavin and Stacey wedding venue was …
Manor Parc Hotel
Where was Gavin and Stacey wedding reception filmed? This was in Manor Parc Hotel, Thornhill Road, Cardiff, CF14 9UA where most of the wedding night scenes were filmed and the Smithy and Nessa conversations outside.
Numerous clubs in Cardiff are featured in the series for the Gavin and Stacey Cardiff night out but to be fair, could be anywhere in the UK.
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Barry Insider Tip: If you want a Chicken Bhuna, Lamb Bhuna, Prawn Bhuna, Mushroom Rice, bag of Chips, Keema Naan and 9 poppadoms, go to the Raj Kinara in Fontygary Leisure Park or Rahil on Holton Road.
Miscellaneous Places in Gavin and Stacey
The Promenade
The Promenade, Barry Island. Used for multiple scenes including Gavin surprising Stacey, Nessa dressed as Santa and Dave Coaches’ bus stop. Close by is the crazy golf course where Bryn cried in the rain and told Dave about the fishing trip…
Wales Millennium Centre
Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff is the venue for concerts, gigs and shows. This is the Gavin and Stacey airport where Gavin and Stacey arrive back from their honeymoon. In other words, pretending it’s an airport.
Did you know? The scene when Smithy and Gavin get stopped on the bridge was actually filmed in a car park lot.
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St Andrew’s Major Golf Club
St Andrew’s Major golf club aka the driving range where Smithy goes when he’s upset.
Fun fact: There’s also a golf club in Barry called ‘Bryn Hill’ and if you don’t know, Bryn means Hill in Welsh 😉
Nantgarw Bowlplex
The Gavin and Stacey bowling episode before the famous KFC scene between Nessa and Smithy, is found in Cefn Coed Parc, Nantgarw, Treforest Industrial Estate, Cardiff CF15 7QX.
Red Dragon Centre
The car park for Smithy and Rudy’s American Boy scene in Gavin and Stacey is the Red Dragon Centre in Cardiff Bay. We know it, however, as the UCI and contains cinema, bowling, restaurants and a radio station!
Did You Know? Doctor Who is Also Filmed in Cardiff Bay. You Can Book a Doctor Who Tour Here!
Barry Train Station
The Gavin and Stacey train station is found on Broad Street, Barry where Stacey arrives to wait for Gwen before the Barn Dance and all of Gavin’s mates arrive here.
Penarth Pier
Stacey leaves the Bingo (in Sea View Labour Club) to hear Gavin properly and the scenic views are on Penarth Pier in Penarth, a town next to Barry. Include here on your tour because it’s a beautiful spot it is.Â
Cardiff Central Train Station
At the back of Cardiff Central train station is where Gavin picks up Stacey which was supposed to be in Essex. This location, however, has changed now as the station underwent a makeover so won’t look the same.
Gavin and Stacey Chip Shop
Boofy’s chip shop where they get chippy but the boys go to City Road in Cardiff on Gavin’s stag for end of the night food.
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Capitol Centre
The Capitol Shopping Centre in Cardiff Centre is where Smithy and his family go suit shopping and Rudy arrives on wheelies.
Llandough Hospital
Llandough Hospital is the exterior shot of Smithy and Gavin arriving for the birth of Neil, the baby. The hospital has changed so it doesn’t look the same today.
Beach Scenes
All the beaches are Gavin and Stacey Barry Island locations!
Whitmore Bay also known as Barry Island Beach Gavin and Stacey is where they all have a day at the beach, Smithy and Nessa have Irn Bru, Bryn resembles Daniel Craig and Neil the Baby builds a sandcastle!
The very last scene is the Western Shelter, outside where Nessa works. Every time I see the drone view of the island I feel all cwtchy inside.
Barry Insider Tip: Jackson’s Bay is a smaller beach away from the main promenade and is the location of the Gavin and Stacey beach episode when Gavin and Mick have a heart-to-heart. It’s a stunning part of the Island on a sunny day and in addition, a quieter spot!
Gavin & Stacey Fans
If you’re a Gavin & Stacey fan, use this guide for a laugh and some inspiration to visit! If you already have plans to travel to South Wales, feel free to send me a message and I’d be happy to help you with your Gavin and Stacey tour or any other tips for Gavin and Stacey Barry Island.
Cracking, I know.
Packing Guide for a Gavin & Stacey Visit:
- Make sure you bring an umbrella and a waterproof coat because it’s highly likely to hammer down when you visit!
- Your camera, you can’t visit filming locations of Gavin and Stacey without capturing them.
- These character face masks are a brilliant idea to take pictures outside the filming locations like Gwen to make an Omelette or Nessa down the slots!
- Spare change for two reasons: Nessa’s slots and because a lot of places to park may only take cash…
- Get some of your best Gavin & Stacey pieces (Nessa Dragon tattoo if you likes, I’m not yur to judge) or a dedicated jumper for those irreplaceable pictures outside the Barry Island Gavin and Stacey locations:
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Hotels Near Gavin and Stacey Filming Locations
If you want to visit Gavin and Stacey filming locations and stay in accommodation in Barry, I suggest four places, as follows. You can’t stay in Stacey’s house but if that ever becomes an option this blog will be first on the scene to report! 😉
- Mount Rooms Barry
Mount Rooms is a recently refurbished hotel in Barry town. It is about a 5 minute walk from Barry Train Station (where Stacey is seen meeting Gwen). If you walk out of Barry Station, turn right, turn left and walk up the hill and it’s at the top of the hill.
This hotel is very close to the Gavin and Stacey street, within a 5/10 minute walking distance. You can also walk to Barry Island from here within 15 minutes or get the train from Barry station to Barry Island station (1 stop). It is also walking distance to The Ship, the pub where Smith and Gavin have a pint. You can also go to Rhoose from Barry Station and go to Fontygary Park (albeit around 20 minute walk) where Dave lives in the caravan. Click here to see the latest prices of Mount Rooms.
2. Gail’s Guest House, Barry Island
Gail’s Guest House is conveniently located on the actual Barry Island! (It’s actually one of the only hotels in Barry Island). The accommodation is 5 minute walk from Barry Island train station and of course, near all of the Gavin and Stacey filming locations. From Barry Island, you can get to Barry via 1 train stop where you can go to the other locations too. Taxi’s are easy in Barry if you want to go elsewhere too. Find the best prices for Gail’s Guest House here.
3. The Tadross Hotel Barry
If you want to actually stay in one of the filming locations, I’d suggest Tadross Hotel because it is located in Barry whereas the other hotels are outside of Barry. Tadross Hotel is the pub in Gavin and Stacey where Neil the Baby had his christening slash Nessa and Dave’s engagement party (and where the famous ‘where’s the salad’ line happened). The nearest train station is Cadoxton or Barry Docks where you can get on a straight line to Barry and Barry Island. This place is walking distance to King’s Square where Nessa works as a statue. Click here to see the best prices for Tadross Hotel.
4. Barry Waterfront
If you’d prefer to stay in a home in Barry, Barry Waterfront offers a house stay in the new waterfront development with lots planned to come to Barry. This new housing estate is half way between Barry station and Barry Island station and has free car parking space (hard to come by in Barry). Both are 5/10 minute walks away. You can walk to many filming locations from this property as well as go for a shop in Asdas. Click to view latest prices for Barry Waterfront.
Gavin & Stacey Tour
Ready to book a guided Gavin and Stacey tour Barry Island? Excited for an immersive Gavin and Stacey experience? Want to be driven in Daves Coaches to the filming locations Gavin and Stacey instead?
Where is Gavin and Stacey Filmed in London?
None of the places that are supposed to be in England are filmed in England but the very first episode does see Daves Coaches take Stacey and Nessa to London past Big Ben, London Eye, Parliament, Trafalgar Square, Charing Cross Road and Waterloo Road.
In addition, the Gavin and Stacey Prague stag never went ahead but we did see it through Matt Lucas’s eyes! Gavin’s first stag was filmed in Gavin and Stacey nightclub in Cardiff and Gavin’s second stag in the dolphin pub Barry Island!
Gavin and Stacey Where is The Book?
Here’s a Gavin and Stacey book, Russel Brand’s My Booky Wook and fun notebooks!
Wales Blog Posts:
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- West Wales Weekend Trip
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- Aberystwyth, a West Wales Town Guide!
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came to Barry yesterday. it was lush it was. everything was as you see it on TV (only different). drove 2.5 hours each way for a day trip with my wife and 4 kids and they loved every minute. visited gwens, bryns and doris’ house along with the promenade, beach and the pillars where they sat on the finale in 2010. we sat there and ate chips too. visited nessas slots, the bassets pub and the church where nessa and dave almost married too along with gavs House. although we heard the owners weren’t keen on sigh seeing so we snapped a quick pic and off to the next. we will be back because we missed so much. Barry is beautiful and I last came there to butlins 37 years ago. we will be back. should be visited by everyone who has an interest in seaside towns, gavin and stacey or Wales. and the sun. was shining and it was 25 degrees. winner winner chicken dinner. thank you Barry. see you again. soon
Hi Brian, I loved reading about your trip so much and so glad you had so much fun! Where to did you get your chips?
We hope to see you again soon too 😀 😀
Great blog and some great info and tips included here. brilliant Shireen
Thanks Paul! 🙂
What a cool idea for a blog post Shireen! I was one of the late ones that binged Gavin & Stacey when it finished airing and loved it. I find it funny that they used the Millennium Centre as the airport – don’t think I’ll see the centre in the same way 😂
Johnny | Johnny’s Traventures
https://johnnystraventures.com
Thanks John! I watched them filming and it was so much fun. It’s so huge now and I still laugh so much when I watch it!! Sorry for ruining the airport scene for you haha! 🙂
Love this! It’s on my list to visit Barry and wish i could do it now while they’re filming the xmas special. Can’t wait to see it!
I’m so excited for the Christmas special! From the looks of things, I believe they have filmed in the usual spots (Stacey’s house, Promenade, etc) but if there are new locations I will update this post! James Corden and Ruth Jones bought ice cream for all fans who were watching filming too as a thank you! 🙂