Cardiff Bay
Begin your journey at Cardiff Bay, home to some of the most iconic filming locations from Doctor Who and Torchwood. Explore the waterfront where many memorable moments were filmed, including new locations featured in recent series.
Wales Millennium Centre
One of Cardiff’s most striking landmarks, the Wales Millennium Centre is a hub of music, theatre, and art — and a recurring backdrop in Doctor Who. Seen in episodes like New Earth, The Sounds of Drums, The Girl Who Waited, and Vincent and the Doctor, this modern masterpiece is also home to the BBC National Orchestra and Chorus of Wales, both contributors to the show’s legendary soundtrack.
Ianto’s Shrine
Visit Ianto’s Shrine, a fan-created memorial dedicated to one of Torchwood’s most beloved characters. Here, you’ll discover how Doctor Who, Torchwood, and their spin-offs transformed Cardiff into a global centre for sci-fi storytelling, forever changing the city’s cultural identity.
The Senedd
Explore the striking home of Welsh democracy — a building that’s appeared in Doctor Who under various guises. Your guide will reveal how film crews adapted this government space for episodes and how Doctor Who succeeded where James Bond’s Spectre could not.
Roald Dahl Plass
Named after Cardiff’s most famous literary son, Roald Dahl Plass is a wide public square instantly recognisable to fans as the site of the Torchwood Hub entrance, marked by the iconic Water Tower fountain. Nearby, your guide can recommend local restaurants, including one featured in the episode Boom Town.
Portland House and The Coal Exchange
Step into Cardiff’s historic docklands and learn how these grand old buildings were transformed into key Doctor Who locations. Portland House appeared in the fan-favourite episode Blink, while The Coal Exchange featured in Rise of the Cybermen and The Lie of the Land. Hear how the production team managed filming in such lively, public spaces.
St Fagans National Museum of History
A highlight of the day, St Fagans brings Welsh history to life through its collection of reconstructed buildings. Several of these featured in Doctor Who episodes, including The Timeless Children and Ascension of the Cybermen. Enjoy a break here for lunch, surrounded by centuries of history and television magic.
Llandaff Cathedral
One of Wales’s oldest and most beautiful religious sites, Llandaff Cathedral is steeped in history and Doctor Who lore. Scenes from Vincent and the Doctor, The Eleventh Hour, and Family of Blood were filmed here. Nearby, explore the childhood haunts of Roald Dahl, including his school and the sweet shop that inspired his beloved stories.
National Museum Cardiff
End your tour at the National Museum, a treasure trove of art and history seen in episodes like The Day of the Doctor. Discover how the museum’s elegant galleries became stand-ins for alien worlds, and view masterpieces by Impressionist artists who inspired the creative vision of the show’s designers.
