Private Doctor Who Tour of Cardiff and South Wales

If you’re a dedicated Doctor Who fan, this Private Doctor Who Tour of Cardiff and South Wales offers an immersive experience through the city’s most memorable filming spots. Priced at $529.61 per person and lasting approximately 8 hours, this tour takes you from Cardiff’s historic landmarks to famous locations in the surrounding area, all while uncovering behind-the-scenes secrets and filming stories. The tour includes pickup, group discounts, and mobile tickets, making it a convenient and private way to explore Cardiff’s Whovian universe.

Designed for fans and curious visitors alike, this tour offers a well-balanced mix of sightseeing, history, and pop culture. The stops at Cardiff Bay, the Wales Millennium Centre, and Llandaff Cathedral combine striking scenery with cinematic significance. While the tour covers a lot of ground, it’s especially suited for those who appreciate detailed storytelling and a personal experience with a knowledgeable guide.

Key Points

• Full-day private tour lasting around 8 hours in Cardiff, Wales
• Visit famous filming locations like Cardiff Bay, Roald Dahl Plass, and Llandaff Cathedral
• Explore Cardiff’s landmarks such as the National Museum and Cardiff Castle with insights into their use in Doctor Who and other productions
• Includes stops at Ianto’s Shrine, Senedd, and the Water Tower at Roald Dahl Plass
• Admission to all stops is free, with some locations used in multiple episodes and series, including Torchwood and the 50th Anniversary special
• A guided experience led by an expert, with lunch break at St Fagan’s Museum and recommendations for nearby eateries

Exploring Cardiff Bay: The Heart of Whovian Filming

The tour begins at Cardiff Bay, where you visit Doctor Who and Torchwood locations from Series 12, along with spots from earlier episodes. In just 30 minutes, you’ll see sites used for filming and learn how these areas played key roles in the series. The Cardiff Bay area is known for its modern skyline and the iconic Water Tower at Roald Dahl Plass, recognized worldwide as the entrance to the Torchwood Hub.

The guide explains how filming in these vibrant locations was managed and shares some behind-the-scenes secrets. This stop provides a great introduction to the city’s connection with Doctor Who, setting the tone for the day’s exploration.

The Wales Millennium Centre: A Filming Icon

The Wales Millennium Centre is a highlight of the tour, with 15 minutes allocated for exploration. This striking building is not only a cultural hub but also a recurring location in the series. It appears in episodes such as “New Earth”, “The Sounds of Drums”, “The Girl Who Waited”, and “Vincent and the Doctor”.

Home to BBC Wales’ musical ensembles, its distinctive architecture makes it a recognizable setting in the Whovian universe. The guide shares insights into its role in numerous episodes, adding depth to its visual impact. Visitors can appreciate its significance both as an art space and as a popular filming site.

Ianto’s Shrine: A Fan-Made Memorial

A short 10-minute visit to Ianto’s Shrine offers a look at the heartfelt tributes left by fans to honor Ianto Jones, a beloved character from Torchwood. Here, you will see many artefacts and memorabilia that fans have left behind.

This stop also highlights how Doctor Who, Torchwood, The Sarah Jane Adventures, and Class have transformed Cardiff into a city of fandom. It’s a touching tribute that connects fans’ passion to the city’s screen history.

Discovering the Welsh Government at the Senedd

The Senedd, or the National Assembly for Wales, is visited for 20 minutes. The tour includes a security check before exploring how this government building has been used as a filming location for Doctor Who. The guide also shares how the James Bond film ‘Spectre’ was refused filming access here.

This stop combines political history with pop culture, demonstrating the versatile use of Cardiff’s architecture in filming. It’s a fascinating contrast between governance and entertainment, enriching the overall experience.

Roald Dahl Plass and Cardiff Bay’s Water Tower

At Roald Dahl Plass, visitors admire the Water Tower, designed by Nicholas Hare Architects and sculpted by William Pye. This area is famed for serving as the Torchwood Hub entrance and a scenic backdrop for numerous episodes.

After exploring the plaza, the guide suggests nearby eateries, including an Italian restaurant used in filming “Boomtown”. This provides an opportunity for a meal or snack before continuing the tour, making the experience both scenic and leisurely.

Portland House: The “Blink” Police Station

The tour stops for 10 minutes at Portland House, the former Cardiff Dock site that served as the police station in the “Blink” episode of Doctor Who. This iconic location is recognized for its distinctive architecture and its role in the episode where Sally Sparrow reports her friend Kathy Nightingale missing.

This spot offers a tangible link to one of the series’ most acclaimed stories and enhances understanding of how filming was integrated into Cardiff’s urban landscape.

The Old Coal Exchange: Filming in Public Spaces

Next, the Exchange Hotel — originally the Coal Exchange — is visited for 15 minutes. This historic building was the site of the first 1 Million Pound deal in 1904 and has been featured in episodes like “Rise of the Cybermen” and “The Lie of the Land”.

The guide explains how the Doctor Who team manages to film in such busy, public locations without attracting crowds. The surrounding area is rich with filming sites, including the Butetown Tunnel, used in episodes like “The Planet of the Dead” and “Spyfall”.

A Visit to Wales’ Most Popular Museum: St Fagans

The tour includes a one-hour visit to St Fagans National Museum of History. This open-air museum showcases reconstructed historic Welsh buildings, some of which appear in Doctor Who episodes like “Ascension of the Cybermen” and “The Timeless Children”.

A lunch break is available here, with options to enjoy food at the museum’s cafe or bring a packed lunch. The relaxed atmosphere and varied structures make it a perfect spot to rest while soaking in more Whovian filming history.

Llandaff Cathedral and Roald Dahl’s Childhood

The journey continues to Llandaff, a charming area famous for its Cathedral, which was heavily damaged in WWII. The guide points out where scenes from “Vincent and the Doctor”, “The Eleventh Hour”, and “Family of Blood” were shot.

Nearby, the Cathedral School and sites linked to Roald Dahl’s childhood are noted, as the author grew up in this area. The cathedral itself offers a peaceful setting that’s been a filming backdrop for various episodes.

The Art and Filming at the National Museum Cardiff

The tour concludes at the National Museum Cardiff, where 1 hour and 20 minutes are spent exploring. The museum hosts a notable collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art, but it is also a key filming location for Doctor Who.

The guide highlights areas such as the room where Gallifrey Falls was displayed during the 50th Anniversary episode, “The Day of the Doctor”. The museum is closed on Mondays, so bookings for that day are affected, but on open days, it’s a chance to see both art and filming history in one visit.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour Most?

This private Doctor Who tour is ideal for fans eager to see their favorite filming locations from Doctor Who, Torchwood, and related series. The knowledgeable guide ensures that the stories behind each site are engaging and informative.

The 8-hour schedule includes a mix of outdoor sightseeing, historic sites, and creative filming spots, suitable for those comfortable with walking and outdoor exploration. The inclusion of lunch at St Fagan’s and recommendations for nearby eateries make it a comfortable, full-day experience.

Travelers seeking a personalized, behind-the-scenes look at Cardiff’s role in sci-fi television will find this tour both enjoyable and enriching. It’s especially well-suited for dedicated Whovians and those interested in Cardiff’s film history.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
While the data doesn’t specify age restrictions, the full-day nature and outdoor stops suggest it’s best for older children or teens who are fans of Doctor Who.

Are all locations included in the price?
Yes, all stops listed, including Cardiff Bay, Roald Dahl Plass, Llandaff Cathedral, and the National Museum, are included with free admission. Lunch and refreshments are not included.

How many people are in this private tour?
The tour is exclusive to your group, making it a personalized experience, with the flexibility to arrange a private group for your own party.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start, with a full refund.

Is transportation provided between stops?
The data indicates that the tour involves driving between locations, including through the Butetown Tunnel. The full details on transport are not specified, but the tour is designed to cover multiple sites efficiently.

This Private Doctor Who Tour of Cardiff and South Wales offers a comprehensive and fascinating journey through the filming locations that have brought Doctor Who and Torchwood to life on Welsh soil. With insightful narration, scenic stops, and a flexible itinerary, it’s a must for fans eager to connect the series with Cardiff’s vibrant cityscape.