The research, conducted by OLBG, analysed IMDb and Rotten Tomatoes scores for shows filmed in each area, alongside search data and hotel costs, revealing which towns and cities are drawing fans from screen to street.
Penarth’s inclusion reflects its growing appeal to production crews and audiences alike. From BBC dramas to sci-fi favourites, the town’s scenic streets and iconic pier have become a regular backdrop for some of Britain’s most popular shows.
📍 Death Valley Brings Star Power to Glebe Street
One of the most high-profile productions filmed in Penarth recently is BBC’s Death Valley, starring Timothy Spall and Gwyneth Keyworth. The comedy-drama, set in Wales, follows an eccentric retired actor and a disarming detective sergeant as they solve crimes in picturesque towns and villages.
Filming took place in summer 2024 at Brod Bakery on Glebe Street and Penarth Pier, with Spall spotted around town during breaks. The show premiered in May 2025 and has already drawn attention for its quirky tone and strong performances.
BBC’s Casualty has been a frequent visitor to Penarth, using its streets and homes for dramatic scenes from riot sequences on Bradenham Place to ambulance arrivals near Cosmeston Lakes. The town’s versatility has made it a go-to location for Holby City stand-ins, with residents often catching glimpses of night shoots and emergency vehicles parked outside familiar spots.
🕰️ Doctor Who Lands on the Esplanade
In January 2024, Penarth Pier was transformed into a 1960s-style cinema for Doctor Who, complete with American flags and vintage Cadillacs. The TARDIS itself was spotted on the Esplanade, sparking excitement among fans and passersby.
🎞️ Submarine
Penarth also played a role in Richard Ayoade’s acclaimed coming-of-age film Submarine (2010), which starred Craig Roberts and Sally Hawkins. Though filmed across South Wales, Penarth’s former Windsor Cinema was used for key scenes, adding to the film’s nostalgic, coastal aesthetic. With its moody visuals and cult following, Submarine helped cement Penarth’s appeal to indie filmmakers seeking atmosphere and character.
🎥 Lights, Camera… Controversy?
While many celebrate Penarth’s screen presence, not everyone is thrilled. Some local businesses have voiced frustration over filming disruptions, citing lost trade and limited parking during shoots. Windsor Fruit Store and Lily Pad Florists were among those affected during Death Valley filming, with calls for better compensation and notice from production teams.
The Vale Council maintained that filming boosts tourism and local revenue, but the debate continues raising questions about how Penarth balances its charm as a filming location with the needs of its year-round community.
🌟 What’s Next?
With Penarth now firmly on the radar of TV scouts and fans alike, its ranking in the OLGB study is likely to climb. Whether it’s a gritty drama, a sci-fi epic, or a seaside comedy, the town’s blend of character and coastline continues to offer producers the perfect setting and viewers a reason to visit.
