Cardiff Castle
Begin at Cardiff Castle, once a Roman fort that gave the city its name — “Fort on the River Taff.” Over the centuries, it evolved from a Norman stronghold to a Victorian Gothic fantasy under the Marquises of Bute. A favorite filming site for Doctor Who, Torchwood, and The Sarah Jane Adventures, it’s the perfect place to explore both real and imagined history.
Womanby Street
See how this unassuming street transformed into wartime London for “The Empty Child” and “The Doctor Dances,” and later reappeared as Pete’s World in “Rise of the Cybermen.” Your guide reveals how filmmakers repurpose Cardiff’s streets for entirely different worlds.
Tiny Rebel Cardiff
Outside the Urban Tap House, discover how Cardiff often doubles for London. Seen in “Face the Raven,” this area also overlooks the Principality Stadium, featured in the series one classic “Dalek.”
St Mary Street
Walk through one of Doctor Who’s earliest filming locations — the department store “Hendrick’s” from “Rose.” The same storefront reappears in “Closing Time,” showing how Cardiff’s heart keeps reinventing itself for new adventures.
Wharton Street
This lively spot hosted scenes from “The Runaway Bride” and “Face the Raven.” Hear the story of Peter Capaldi wandering off-set to play guitar in a nearby shop — a spontaneous moment of Doctor magic.
St John The Baptist Church
One of Cardiff’s oldest buildings, this church appeared in “The Runaway Bride.” Learn how the organist helped record the wedding march — and why the production team was later banned from filming here again!
Queen’s Arcade
Step into the scene of the Auton invasion from “Rose.” Discover how the team worked with local management to turn a Cardiff shopping center into a London battleground.
The Friary
Used in “Dark Water” and “Death in Heaven,” this location doubled for London’s St Paul’s area. Learn how strict filming rules led the crew to recreate the city right here in Cardiff.
Cathays Park & National Museum
Cathays Park, built from the same stone as St Paul’s Cathedral, has appeared in numerous episodes. Nearby, the National Museum Cardiff houses world-class art and Doctor Who history — including the gallery where “Gallifrey Falls No More” was displayed in The Day of the Doctor.
Cardiff Bay
Explore Cardiff Bay, home to the Torchwood Hub, Ianto’s Shrine, and countless Doctor Who scenes. Visit the Wales Millennium Centre, seen in “New Earth” and “Vincent and the Doctor,” and the Senedd, featured as Lazarus Labs.
Roald Dahl Plass
See the Water Tower — the iconic entrance to the Torchwood base — and hear tales of filming chaos, fandom, and hidden cameos.
Castell Coch & Caerphilly Castle
Finish your tour at two fairytale fortresses beloved by the show’s crew. Castell Coch dazzles as Osterhagen Station and Natty Longshoe’s Comical Castle, while Caerphilly Castle’s medieval halls have hosted Daleks, Cybermen, and even Robin Hood.
