Popular filming locations
Explore some of our most popular filming locations. These churches and cathedrals are frequently requested by filmmakers and offer a wide range of styles, settings, and atmospheres from remote rural chapels to majestic cathedrals.
We have organised our popular filming locations by area on this page:
Each site provides a unique glimpse into Wales’s rich heritage and offers a distinctive backdrop for productions of all kinds.
North Wales
St Melangell, Pennant Melangell
This is a Tier 1 location.
Nestled in a secluded valley, St Melangell Church is one of Wales’s most atmospheric and historic sites. Surrounded by tranquil countryside, it offers a peaceful and timeless setting perfect for period or reflective scenes.
Past filming at this location includes: The Story of Welsh Art - Wildflame Productions, Experiencing Sacred - National Churches Trust, Cynefin - Rondo Media, Dechrau Canu Dechrau Canmol - Rondo Media, Heno - Tinopolis.
St Hywyn, Aberdaron
This is a Tier 1 location.
Situated at the tip of the Llŷn Peninsula, St Hywyn overlooks the sea and provides a dramatic coastal backdrop.
Past filming at this location includes: Evie - Full Circle Productions, Countryfile - BBC, RS Thomas Festival - Crefft Media, Bys Rownd Pen Llŷn - Llŷr Titus, Pilgrimage (Series 6) - CTVC Ltd, Dechrau Canu Dechrau Canmol - Rondo Media, Great Coastal Railway Journeys - Fremantle Media/Naked West/BBC.
St Tysilio, Menai Bridge
This is a Tier 1 location.
Located on Church Island in the Menai Strait, St Tysilio is only accessible by a short walk across a tidal causeway. This picturesque site combines natural charm with a sense of quiet isolation.
Past filming at this location includes: Experiencing Sacred - National Churches Trust, Aled Jones at 50 - Avanti Media, Songs of Praise - Avanti Media, Antiques Road Trip - STV Ltd, Rownd a Rownd - Rondo Media, Songs of Praise - Avanti Media, Am Dro - Cardiff Productions Ltd.
St Cwyfan, Llangwyfan
This is a Tier 1 location.
Known as the “little church in the sea”, St Cwyfan stands on a tidal island off the Anglesey coast. Its remarkable location and surrounding seascape make it one of the most distinctive and cinematic churches in Wales.
Past filming at this location includes: Experiencing Sacred - National Churches Trust, Dechrau Canu Dechrau Canmol - Rondo Media, Wonders of the Celtic Deep - One Tribe TV, Am Dro - Cardiff Productions Ltd, Ynys Alys - Cwmni'r Frân Wen, Weatherman Walking - BBC, Colli Cymru I’r Môr - Wildflame Productions.
St Asaph Cathedral
This is a Tier 2 location.
One of Britain’s smallest cathedrals, St Asaph offers an intimate yet elegant interior, rich in light and detail, perfect for close-up or character-focused filming.
Past filming at this location includes: Dechrau Canu Dechrau Canmol - Rondo Media, Canu Gyda Fy Arwr - Cwmni Da, Newyddion S4C - BBC Cymru, ITV Wales News - ITV Wales, 24 Awr Newidiodd Hanes Cymru - Cynefin Films, Heno - Tinopolis, RE: QUEST -Youth for Christ.
Bangor Cathedral
This is a Tier 2 location.
With origins dating back to the 6th century, Bangor Cathedral combines medieval architecture with modern accessibility. Its peaceful gardens and historic nave provide versatile filming spaces.
Past filming at this location includes: Carolau o’r Gadeirlan - Gwawr Owen, Cynefin - Rondo Media, Miwsig Fy Mywyd - Rondo Media, Morning Worship - Avanti Media, Aled Jones at 50 - Avanti Media, Dechrau Canu Dechrau Canmol - Rondo Media, Heno - Tinopolis, ITV Wales News - ITV Wales, Canu Gyda Fy Arwr - Cwmni Da.
Mid Wales
Brecon Cathedral
This is a Tier 2 location.
Overlooking the town of Brecon, this cathedral offers a blend of medieval charm and scenic surroundings within the Brecon Beacons. Its cloisters and churchyard provide flexible outdoor and interior filming opportunities.
Past filming at this location includes: Peace Mala (Interfaith Liturgy for World Peace) - Colour Black Productions, Bryn Terfel Met Stars Live in Concert - Boom Cymru, Musica - Euronews TV, Flock (Short Film) -Flock Film Ltd, Am Dro - Cardiff Productions, Welsh Lives - ITV Cymru Wales, Coast & Country - ITV Cymru Wales, Nadolig Aloud - Orchard Media & Events.
West Wales
Holy Cross, Y Mwnt
This is a Tier 1 location.
Overlooking Cardigan Bay, the small whitewashed Holy Cross Church at Mwnt offers striking coastal views and a simple, unspoiled beauty. It’s a favourite choice for productions seeking a quintessential Welsh seaside setting.
Past filming at this location includes: Merched Greenham - Tinopolis, Cynefin - Rondo Media, Showcase Scotland - Orchard Media and Events, Dechrau Canu Dechrau Canmol - Rondo Media, The Crucifix - Equalize Entertainment Ltd, Songs of Praise - Afanti Media.
St Davids Cathedral
This is a Tier 2 location.
Set in Britain’s smallest city, St Davids Cathedral is an architectural masterpiece surrounded by dramatic Pembrokeshire landscapes.
Past filming at this location includes: Morning Worship - Avanti Media, Songs of Praise - Avanti Media, Eurovision Choir 2019 - Rondo Media, Cynefin - Rondo Media, Ancient Connections: Creative Camino - When It Rains Creative, BBC Wales Today - BBC Wales News, Dechrau Canu Dechrau Canmol - Rondo Media, Naked West - Coastal Railways with Michael Portillo, Dathlu - Captain Jac Ltd, St Davids Day - BBC, Bwrdd Twristiaeth Hansh Tyddewi - Boom Cymru, Through The Seasons - Mother Goose Films, CADW Open Doors 2022 - BBC, Coast & Country - ITV Cymru Wales, ITV Wales News - ITV Wales, Weatherman Walking - BBC Studios.
South Wales
Llandaff Cathedral
This is a Tier 2 location.
Located in the heart of Cardiff, Llandaff Cathedral blends historic Gothic architecture with contemporary artistic features. Its accessibility and visual depth make it a favourite for both film and television.
Past filming at this location includes: Heno - Tinopolis, Dechrau Canu Dechrau Canmol - Rondo Media, Springtide Wales - BBC Studios Wales, Pwy Sut Pam - Cwmni Da, Gareth Malone's 100 Singers - Somersault Studio Ltd.
St Teilo, Merthyr Mawr
This is a Tier 1 location.
Tucked away within the historic Merthyr Mawr estate, St Teilo’s is surrounded by woodland and countryside, offering a secluded and atmospheric rural setting ideal for period and heritage productions.
Past filming at this location includes: Young Sherlock - Motive Pictures (YS) Limited.
St Mary, Marshfield
This is a Tier 1 location.
Situated within a traditional village setting, St Mary’s features classic stone architecture and a peaceful churchyard, providing a versatile backdrop that works well for both contemporary and historical scenes.
Past filming at this location includes: Casualty - BBC, The Sixth Commandment - Wild Mercury (Moreton Ltd).
St Hilary, Cowbridge
This is a Tier 1 location.
St Hilary’s is a church rich in character, retaining a number of medieval features and colourful stained glass. Its atmospheric interior and traditional setting create a striking location for filming.
Past filming at this location includes: Industry - Bad Wolf (IND) Ltd, 35 Diwrnod - Boom Cymru, Doctor Who - BBC Studios.