…live the location
Cardiff Bay
Created by Russell T Davies as a spin-off for the revived Doctor Who series. Torchwood takes on a darker edge exploring adult themes. While the series is fictionally based around London, film sets are mostly filmed in Cardiff, South Wales with later episodes including filming locations in the United States.
Touchwood film locations give you a chance to explore some great areas around Wales' capital city.
Mermaid Quay | Cardiff | United Kingdom
Based in Cardiff's beautiful waterfront location Mermaid Quay, Ianto's Shrine celebrates the character Ianto Jones who met his fictional death in series three. The shrine contains messages and gifts from some of Ianto's most hard core fans; in fact someone once hung a whole suit on it though this has long gone. The shrine covers the filming location for the exterior of the Hub Door and while it is barely visible due to the quantity of fan messages attached to the shrine the back of the door can still be seen if you take a sneaky peak through the wooden wall on the boardwalk incline to the side of the shrine.
While this location is probably for the hard core Torchwood and Ianto fan it is a great location to visit where you can take advantage of some of the shops, coffee shops, restaurants and bars in Mermaid Quay and the shrine is just a short walk from the Doctor Who Experience.
The Shrine is publicly accessible at all times, there is no entry fee. On very rare occasions the boardwalk can be temporarily taped off during times of high water but it still viewable from the upper walkway.
The Waterguard Restaurant and Bar, Mermaid Quay | Cardiff Bay | United Kingdom
In the dramatic episode Adam, Series 2, Jack Harkness returns to his childhood home in Boeshane Village set in the 51st Century. Filming was difficult as there was a very narrow field of view they could shoot around the building. Any further left or right and the full view of the bay and it's tourists would easily fall in shot.
The Waterguard Restuarant and Bar was used for the exterior shots of Jack's home. The bar, which is an independant brewery, has a long stretch of grass and benches which is great for a drink on long hot summer days and evenings. It is a mixure of an old stone built docks building with post-modern extension and interior. It is open all year round though is usually busier during summer months.
There is pay and display parking right outside though this is sometimes restricted or closed during the food festival weekend. The nearest railway station is Cardiff Bay, about ten minutes walk and regular buses run from Cardiff Central station and the city centre.
Opening times can be found on The Waterguard TripAdvisor page.
The Water Tower, Rhod Dahl Plass, Mermaid Quay | Cardiff Bay | United Kingdom
The tall mirror water tower that sits at the north end of Rhod Dahl Plass marks the entrance to the Torchwood Institute. Standing at 70 feet with water running down it's surface the tower is a great attraction in the large open space in front of the impressive Wales Millennium Centre.
The water tower is at Mermaid Quay in Cardiff Bay. The water tends to be switched off during winter months but is usually running through the summer and is open to the public at all times. Cool your hands or get a fresh spray of water on a hot day at the foot of the tower. Find the correct stone and may be you'll find the entrance to the hub.
There is pay and display parking near the Norwegian Church or a multistory carpark about 2 minutes walk from the location. The nearest station is Cardiff Bay just a few minutes walk and buses run from the city centre regulary.
The tower is in a public area and there is no fee.
Norwegian Church Arts Centre, Mermaid Quay | Cardiff Bay | United Kingdom
In the episode To the Last Man in Series 2, Tosh and Tommy are in a scene filmed on Harbour Drive in Mermaid Quay. In this scene we see the iconic white and black norwegian church. Originally part of the old Cardiff Dock it was moved a short distance to it's current position after the restoration of the area that is now Mermaid Quay.
The Norwegian Church is officially an arts centre. As well as being available for hire as an events venue for Weddings and Parties it also houses Café Norsk and upstairs is home to the F22 Photography exhibition each year.
The Norwegian Church is open to the public all year round with extended opening hours during summer months. It can, on occasion, be closed for private functions so please check ahead. Pay and Display parking is available outside. The nearest railway station is Cardiff Bay with regular buses running from the city centre.
Opening times can be found on the official Norwegian Church Arts Centre web site.
* This location may be subject to seasonal or restricted opening dates. Please check their official website for opening dates.
Hollywood Bowl, Red Dragon Centre | Cardiff Bay | United Kingdom
In the episode Day One of the first series Gwen and her boyfriend Rhys, go bowling. If you're visiting the many Torchwood locations in Mermaid Quay then it's worth the short walk to the bowling centre.
The scene was filmed at Hollywood Bowl which resides in the Red Dragon Centre (formerly the UCI) just a short walk north from the waterfront. If you decide to go bowling and if you're very lucky you may just be able to book lane seven. The centre also boasts bars, restaurants, cafes and a multiscreen cinema all under cover should the weather turn.
Hollywood Bowl is just a short walk from Cardiff Bay railway station and the Bay Bus that runs from the city centre. Opening times are available on the official website;