With the Gavin & Stacey cast heading back to Barry Island to film their last ever episode, we’ve picked a handful of “tidy” filming locations from the BBC series that groups can consider on their next visit to south Wales.
Fans of the sitcom were delighted to hear that the show would be returning to television screens for a final time this Christmas. James Corden and co-writer Ruth Jones have been spotted on Barry Island as they finish off the much-loved comedy which first aired more than 15 years ago. Those heading to south Wales may want to consider these top spots for a quick snap:
Gwen & Stacey’s House
Halfway up this hill of terraces on Trinity Street in Barry is where you’ll find the house that Stacey and her mum live in. The street was regularly shut off during filming, and the street has become synonyms with the show. Don’t forget to look out for Doris’ house next door too.
Uncle Bryn’s house
A few metres from Stacey’s house on Trinity Street is that of Uncle Bryn and his big computer for surfing the world wide web. 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.
Pam and Mick’s house
In the show, Gavin’s parents live all the way down in Essex, when in reality, Gavin and Stacey’s houses are incredibly close together. The house is on a quiet road (Laburnum Way) in the village of Dinas and has hosted several classic scenes, including when Stacey moves her lorry-full of items into the house. Did you know that during filming, as the lorry pulled away from the driveway, it scraped the side of a local car by accident causing minor damage!
Smithy’s local, the Colcot Arms
Remember Smithy’s drunken quiz night in the second episode? Despite being set in Billericay, it was actually filmed at the Colcot Arms in Barry. The real pub quizzes that go on in there are somewhat tamer! Groups must book dining in advance.
Marco’s Cafe
This bright blue coffee shop featured in the very first episode of Gavin & Stacey. Come series three, Stacey has a job there. During filming, the owner actually taught James Corden how to make a decent coffee. He even served the customers on one occasion.
Nessa’s Slots
Have you been collecting your 2ps? Well, be sure to use them all up at the arcade where Nessa worked the slots. Everything about it is just like in the series and there is a sign outside that even says: ‘Nessa’s Slots – Come and see what’s occurrin’. Island Leisure Amusement Arcade is a top spot for fans of the show and you can even see the change booth where Uncle Bryn and Nessa practised their rendition of Somethin’ Stupid.
St Cattwg Church
Do you remember when Gavin and Stacey get married? Or, when Neil the Baby is christened? Fans of the show can head to St Cattwg Church in Llanmaes to the west of Barry to see where these famous scenes were crafted. Of course, it’s also the site of Uncle Bryn’s famous version of Something Inside So Strong.
For more inspiration about what Wales has to offer groups, head to www.visitwales.com.
