Although the series was first broadcast over a decade ago, fans still travel to Wales to check out some of the most famous filming locations from across the series and Christmas specials. Most of the series - including many of the scenes that are meant to be in England - were actually filmed in and around the town of Y Barri (Barry).

We've pulled together a list of some of the must-visit stops for Gavin & Stacey fans looking for where it all took place. Get ready for a crackin' time.

Vanessa Jenkins (RUTH JONES); Stacey Shipman (JOANNA PAGE); Gavin Shipman (MATHEW HORNE); Smithy (JAMES CORDEN).

Vanessa Jenkins (RUTH JONES); Stacey Shipman (JOANNA PAGE); Gavin Shipman (MATHEW HORNE); Smithy (JAMES CORDEN)

Gwen and Stacey's house

Trinity Street, Y Barri

Halfway up this steep hill of terraces, you'll find the house that Stacey and her mum live in. You won't struggle to spot it, either, as the current owners have put photos from the show in the downstairs windows. Next door is Doris' house, where Gavin and Stacey and their children lived in the 2019 Christmas special.

Uncle Bryn's house 

Trinity Street, Y Barri

Opposite Stacey's house is that of Uncle Bryn, and his big computer for surfing the world wide web (or should that be 'whisky with water'?) Apparently, the family that lived there while the second series was filmed have a script from an unaired episode, one where they reveal what happened on THAT fishing trip.

View down Trinity Street in Barry.
Exterior of a red brick terraced house in Barry.

Trinity Street, Y Barri, South Wales

Pam and Mick's house

Laburnum Way, Dinas Powys

In the show, Gavin's parents live one country away from Stacey's family. In reality, the filming locations are more like one train stop away from each other! The house is on a quiet road in the sprawling village of Dinas Powys, so when there's filming taking place – like that for the 2019 Christmas special – all of the locals know exactly what's going on. 

Exterior of modern looking bungalow.

Laburnum Way, Dinas Powys, South Wales standing in for Billericay

Nessa's Slots

Island Leisure Amusement Arcade, Ynys y Barri

Gather your coppers and take a trip to the arcade where Nessa worked the slots. Everything about it is just like in the show – the flashing machines, the background noise of kids playing on games and the good British seaside vibes. The A-board outside it says, 'Nessa's Slots – Come and see what's occurrin' ', so many people do.

Nessa's Slots sandwich board.
exterior of amusement arcade.
interior of amusement arcade.

Nessa's Slots, Ynys y Barri, South Wales

Smithy's local, the Colcot Arms

The Colcot Arms,  Colcot Road, Y Barri

Remember Smithy's drunken quiz night in the second episode? Despite being set in Billericay, it was actually filmed at the Colcot Arms in Y Barri. The real pub quizzes that go on in there are somewhat tamer! Find out more on the Colcot Arms Facebook page.

Sign and exterior of the Colcot Arms, Barry.
Exterior of the Colcot Arms, Barry.

The Colcot Arms, Y Barri, South Wales

Gavin & Stacey's wedding reception

Manor Parc Country Hotel, Thornhill, Caerdydd (Cardiff)

After the main couple's wedding, which was filmed in St Cattwg's Church in Llanmaes, everyone flocks to the wedding reception. Most of the scenes were filmed in the Cedar room, while some of the outdoor spaces were used for the awkward conversations that took place between Nessa and Smithy and Bryn and Jason. The front looks slightly different now, as it has been refurbished with a new porch, but it's still recognisable.

 'Nessa' from Gavin and Stacey turning on Christmas lights.

Actress Ruth Jones, dressed as ‘Nessa’ from BBC Production Gavin and Stacey turning on the Christmas Lights, King Square, Y Barri, 23 November 2019

Sonia's hen do

The Parkgate Hotel in Caerdydd

The Telegraph Suite of The Parkgate Hotel in the city centre played host to Sonia's hen do. The elegant hotel, which won the AA Hotel of the Year for Wales award in September 2024, has all the facilities for a city centre break, including a spa offering luxury treatments. 

Smithy & Sonia's wedding venue

Court Colman Manor, Pen-y-bont ar Ogwr (Bridgend)

The elegant Grade II listed Court Colman Manor was the venue for Smithy and Sonia's wedding in the finale. The beautiful country house hotel offers award-winning cuisine and luxurious accommodation.

Further Information

Visit the Vale has more details about Gavin & Stacey filming locations, including a self-guided Gavin & Stacey Trail, plus plenty of useful info for visiting Y Barri and the surrounding area. 

Fancy a guided tour? The Gavin and Stacey Tour [OFFICIAL] takes you on a three hour tour around the key locations, on board the original Dave’s Coaches bus. Tidy.

Discover plenty more things to do in Y Barri and Ynys y Barri and use our accommodation search to find somewhere to stay, or the attractions search to discover what else you can do in the area.

For behind the scenes info and clips, head to the BBC's Gavin & Stacey web pages.

Barry Island beach and promenade.

Ynys y Barri, South Wales

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