Wye Valley
Just an hour's drive from Cardiff, the Wye Valley's ancient woodlands and limestone cliffs created the perfect backdrop for Sex Education's most memorable moments. Base yourself in historic Monmouth—famed for charming riverside pubs and colorful B&Bs—and explore the valley's timeless beauty at spots like the 12th-century Tintern Abbey and Puzzlewood, an ancient woodland home to twisted, moss-covered trees.
Wrexham
Home to one of the world's oldest international football stadiums still in use, Wrexham shot to fame as the unlikely star of Welcome to Wrexham. But if game day isn't your thing, don't fret. The Victorian St. Giles Church, the half-timbered Pen-y-Bryn merchant's house, and the industrial heritage at Minera Lead Mines are just two hours by train from Manchester and three from Cardiff and provide the perfect opportunity to do some architectural sightseeing.
Cardiff
The Welsh capital has been home to the modern Doctor Who since 2005. The city's Victorian arcades and ultramodern architecture have been the backdrop to countless sci-fi tales. You can reach the Welsh capital in just two hours from London and explore the medieval Cardiff Castle, the iconic Norwegian Church Arts Centre, and the thriving Cardiff Central Market. Take your pick from luxury waterfront hotels along Cardiff Bay or boutique guesthouses in leafy Pontcanna.
Portmeirion
This Mediterranean-style fantasy village on the North Wales coast became the surreal star of The Prisoner thanks to its brightly colored buildings and exotic Baroque-style grounds. This extraordinary Italian Riviera-style village lies four hours by car from Cardiff. Wander the whimsical piazza, explore the wild Gwyllt woodland gardens, and catch a glimpse of the art deco lighthouse.
Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park
Dramatic, wind-howled peaks and misty valleys of Eryri (Snowdonia) became the epic espionage backdrop of Quantum of Solace. Explore these untamed wilds from the charming Betws-y-Coed—an hour from Chester—where cozy mountainside inns will place you close to mighty Yr Wyddfa (Mount Snowdon), the historic Swallow Falls, and the ancient ruins of Dolbadarn Castle.
Caernarfon Castle
This mighty fortress—with its impressive polygonal towers inspired by Constantinople—dominates the tranquil Menai Strait and poses magnificently for three seasons of The Crown. Four hours from Manchester, explore the interactive Eagle Tower exhibits, walk the complete town walls, and visit the Royal Welch Fusiliers Museum before settling into your harbor-view hotel.
From 8 January 2025, all non-European visitors who do not need a visa will need an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) to travel to the UK. ETAs will then extend to eligible Europeans from 5 March 2025, who will need an ETA to travel from 2 April 2025. Find out more information here on the rollout of the ETA and eligibility.
