…live the location
Cardiff Bay
Peter Capaldi returns as the Doctor for the second time and Jenna Coleman in her final appearance as Clara. As with most of the Doctor Who series in the 2005 revival, most of the filming is based around Cardiff City Centre, Cardiff Bay and Mermaid Quay as well as around South Wales and London. Many of the locations are still highly active with Doctor Who fans, especially around Mermaid Quay with The Doctor Who Experience and walking guided tours.
Porth Teigr | Cardiff Bay | United Kingdom
The Doctor Who Experience closed permanently in Summer 2017.
The Doctor Who Experience was set in a purpose built building run by the BBC and just around the corner from the BBC Studios (also home to the set of Casualty). The location celebrated fifty years of Doctor Who with the interactive experience and the exhibition hall containing sets and props from the show. Walking tours were available of various locations around Cardiff Bay and also a tour of the Tardis film set. Official merchandise was available in the shop.
Pay and display car parking is available near the Norwegian Church, this can be close during large events. Alternative parking can be found on the north side of the Mermaid Quay complex in the multistory carpark. The nearest train station is Cardiff Bay which runs from Cardiff Queen Street. Regular Cardiff Bay buses run from the city centre at Cardiff Central Station.
The building is now being used for other events.
Hills Street and Westgate Street | Cardiff City Centre | United Kingdom
During the episode Face The Raven, The Doctor, Clara and Rigsy search for a street that is hidden from view by creating distraction. Filming was carried out in Cardiff City Centre during a busy week day. In Hills Street between St Davids 2 shopping centre and St Davids Hall Jenna Coleman films various takes counting her steps down Hill Street with many extras dotted about while Pete Capaldi spent time signing autographs and talking to the fans. Another scene was filmed around Westgate Street and the Arcades.
There are plenty of shops, bars and cafes around the city centre as well as the older photogenic arcades that can be found between The Hayes and St Mary Street where you're likely to recognise many scenes from the series.
Hills Street and Westgate Street are public areas open all hours. Hills Street is pedestrian access only. Both areas are a short walk from Cardiff Central Station and various bus stops.
Mermaid Quay | Cardiff Bay | United Kingdom
In the final episode of Series 9, 'Hell Bent', The Doctor meets an waitress identical to Clara in a Nevada American Diner. Neither Clara or The Doctor recognise each other.
The scene was filmed at Eddies Diner in Mermaid Quay, Cardiff Bay. The cafe was closed for filming with a large background image of a desert scene hung facing into the cafe as a backdrop to give the cafe the impression of being set in the Nevada Desert in America using a large sunlight studio lamp. During this time the surrounding cafes and resturants remained open and fan's camped out in Starbucks outside tables watching, with a camera in hand, for a glimpse of The Doctor or Clara.
Mermaid Quay is a great place to visit for Doctor Who fans who can also visit The Doctor Who Experience in walking distance and may be stop for lunch at the diner which is open all year round.
Opening times, a menu and information for Eddies Diner can be found on their website;
Roath Lock Studios, Porth Teigr Way | Cardiff Bay | United Kingdom
Doctor Who studio based filming takes place at the BBC Roath Lock Studios. While it isn't generally open to the public at the door tours are available through the Doctor Who Experience Centre just a short walk away.
The studios which are also home to television dramas such as Casualty, Upstairs Downstairs, Welsh soap Pobol y Cwm and previously Torchwood, includes the set of the tardis.
For information and bookings contact the Doctor Who Experience Centre. Tours are seasonal so check in advance for dates and we advise that you check that a tour of the BBC studios is included as tours may change.
http://www.doctorwho.tv/events/doctor-who-experience/about/walking-tours/
The Doctor Who Experience and the BBC Studios can be found just a short walk south of Mermaid Quay. The nearest railway station is Cardiff Bay while buses from the city centre run to bus stops directly outside both the Doctor Who Experience and the BBC Roath Lock Studios. Pay and Display parking is available outside the Norwegian Church Arts Centre.
* This location may be subject to seasonal or restricted opening dates. Please check their official website for opening dates.
