Welcome to the Latest Travel Trend: Set-Jetting!
Published on 17 Mar 2025 by Amy GreenwoodFancy walking in the footsteps of Hollywood stars or visiting the real-life Dragonstone? Welcome to the world of set-jetting! The growing trend of visiting locations made famous by films and TV shows, set-jetting is a great way to explore. Taking you to real-life filming locations, where you can relive your favourite scenes and let your imagination run wild!
With its jaw-dropping landscapes, medieval castles, and mystical coastlines, it’s no wonder Wales is popular with filmmakers. With everything from blockbuster movies to hit TV series and cult classics shot here. There’s no shortage of fabulous locations to visit.
If you’re a fan of HBO’s epic Game of Thrones prequel, House of the Dragon, you’ll be excited to know that much of season two was filmed in North Wales. The Llyn Peninsula, Eryri and Anglesey transformed into key locations in Westeros. Trefor Quarry became Princess Rhaenyra’s stronghold of Dragonstone, while the haunting remains of Dinorwig Quarry, at the edge of Eryri National Park, stood in for Harrenhal. On Anglesey, you can explore filming locations including Penmon, Beaumaris, Porth y Cwch, and the open sands of Llanddwyn, which doubled as the Dragonstone shoreline.
Anglesey is also set to feature in upcoming film, Madfabulous, which charts the tragic life of Henry Cyril Paget, the eccentric Marquess of Anglesey. For fans of historical drama, a visit to the real-life family seat, and key filming location, of Plas Newydd is a must.
Inland, Eryri’s rugged peaks and glacial lakes have taken centre stage in many Hollywood productions. If you’ve ever been mesmerised by sweeping shots of misty mountains in fantasy epics, there’s a good chance Eryri played a role!
The James Bond franchise has made good use of these dramatic landscapes over the years. With the classic From Russia with Love, as well as The World is Not Enough and Quantum of Solace all filming in the National Park.
The area’s atmospheric landscapes have also proved popular as a backdrop for Arthurian legends. King Arthur: Legend of the Sword was filmed near Nant Gwynant. With the dramatic mountain peak of Tryfan as the location for the mythical Camelot, and Llynnau Mymbyr as the setting for King Arthur’s encounter with the Lady of the Lake. First Knight filmed in the hills around Blaenau Ffestiniog, the Mawddach estuary, Black Rock Sands, Llanfair slate caverns, and Llyn Trawsfynydd.
Last year, Eryri featured on the small screen in the hit ITV mini-series Mr Bates vs The Post Office. Early scenes showed Mr Bates’ Llandudno Post Office. While later scenes showcased some of Wales’ most striking landscapes. With sweeping shots of Nant Ffrancon valley and the picturesque village of Beddgelert, including the riverside restaurant, Bistro Hebog.
Beyond Eryri, there’s plenty more to explore… The Last Kingdom brought the Llyn Peninsula’s Porthor (Whistling Sands) to life as the coastal setting for Uhtred’s Bebbanburg; cult classic The Prisoner was famously filmed at the quirky Italianate village of Portmeirion, while The Crown recreated Prince Charles’ investiture at Caernarfon Castle.
The breathtaking Bodnant Gardens, featured in Sky’s adaptation of the children’s classic The Secret Garden, offers visitors the chance to explore the wonders of the gardens, woodlands and riverside walks – just like a young Mary Lennox. Meanwhile, fans of Wallace & Gromit will instantly recognise the impressive Pontcysyllte Aqueduct from the latest movie, Vengeance Most Fowl. Here, visitors can hop aboard a canal boat and glide across the towering aqueduct, taking in panoramic views of the countryside below.
So, if you fancy walking in the footsteps of Mr Bates, stepping into Westeros, or whiling away the afternoon in The Secret Garden, Wales has a location vacation waiting for you!
