follow in the footsteps of Gavin and Stacey
“What’s occurrin?” Plenty, if you’re a fan of the hit TV series Gavin & Stacey! The Vale of Glamorgan, home to iconic filming locations from the much-loved show, invites you to explore Barry Island and beyond. From Marco’s Café to Nessa’s Slots, step into the world of your favourite characters and relive their unforgettable moments.
But there’s more to the Vale of Glamorgan than Gavin & Stacey. This stunning part of South Wales is packed with natural beauty, rich history, and plenty of adventures waiting to be discovered.
Keep scrolling to find out more about ‘what’s occurin’.
Follow in the footsteps of Gavin, Stacey, Nessa, and Smithy with the Gavin & Stacey Trail. This self-guided tour takes you to all the top filming locations, including:
- Trinity Street, Barry - the street on which Gwen and Stacey lived with Doris next door and Uncle Bryn across the road.
- Barry Island – home to Nessa’s Slots Arcade, Dave’s Coaches, Marco’s Café, not forgetting the amusement park, beach and beach huts
Whether you’re a die-hard fan or new to the show, the Gavin & Stacey Trail is “tidy, innit?”
Check out the trail and plan your visit today!
Why not venture to some new locations featured in the latest Christmas special?
- Hood Road Tunnel – where Stacey and Nessa meet Gavin and Smithy after Smithy's stag do. Enjoy the glow of colorful, ever-changing lights! Location
- The Goodsheds – right across from the tunnel, you’ll find the Goodsheds—Barry’s ultimate destination for street food and indie shops. Location
- Academy – the outside shot of Sonia's hen do was filmed outside Academy Coffee, right next to Front Room—James Corden’s go-to spot for pizza during filming! Location
- Colcot Arms – Smithy’s stag do kicked off at the Colcot Arms, Location
- Dock Office Interchange – Nessa hops on the coach to Southampton at the new Dock Office Interchange. Location
Make your Gavin & Stacey adventure even more special by discovering these fresh locations. They’re “lush,” and waiting for you to explore!
Barry and Barry Island locations
Island Leisure Amusement Arcade, Western Shelter, Barry Island - Nessa’s ‘Slots’ arcade, where she worked in the first series. Nessa and Bryn practiced their duet to the Frank and Nancy Sinatra song 'Somethin Stupid' here. Location
Boofy’s Chip Shop, Western Shelter, Barry Island - Gavin and Stacey's chippy of choice. Location
Marco’s Cafe, Barry Island - featured in the opening credits, and where Stacey works in the third series. There’s even a sign here where you can take a selfie. Location
The Square, Barry Island - This is where Dave’s Coaches departed to take Stacey to London to meet Gavin for the first time. Brit Movie Tours operate a Gavin and Stacey tour on Dave's Coaches, why not book yourself a seat. Nessa and Dave Coaches Santa's grotto was based here on the prom. Location
Filming also took place at these Barry locations ……
Trinity Street, Barry, This is the street on which Gwen and Stacey lived with Doris next door and Uncle Bryn across the road. They say the best omelettes in Wales can be found here! Location
The Colcot Arms is the pub where Smithy was quiz master. Location
King Square, Barry, outside of the Library and Town Hall - Nessa’s human statue took Gwen and Jason by surprise. Location
The Tadross Hotel, 271 Holton Road, Barry - this was used for the Christening party of Neil, the baby, in the third series. Location
Outside Barry, filming took place in...
The Glendale Hotel, Plymouth Road, Penarth - the Italian restaurant 'Luigi's', which was the scene of the dramatic meal in series two when Nessa revealed that she was pregnant ... and the father was Smithy! And also Dawn and Pete had their disastrous ‘date’ night. Location
All Saint’s Church Hall, Victoria Road, Penarth - the setting for Gwen’s Barn Dance 'surprise' birthday bash. Location
St Cattwg's Church, Llanmaes, the venue for Gavin and Stacey's wedding. Location
And finally …….
St Peter’s Church, Peterston-Super-Ely used as the venue for Nessa and Dave’s wedding that never was, and Neil, the baby's, Christening Service. Location
But the scenes for Gavin's VERY Essex-looking house are actually shot on location in Dinas Powys.
If you haven't been for a while or if it's your first time, Barry Island is definitely worth a visit. Take a look here
Strict - Copwrite BBC TV Productions Ltd - Tom Jackson. With thanks to the BBC for use of these photos.
.jpg)
