Gavin and Stacey Filming Locations: A Guide to Barry Island

What’s occurring? You’ve just finished rewatching Gavin and Stacey and you’re wondering whether the Gavin and Stacey filming locations in Barry Island are worth the trip. The answer is yes, and you can do every single one in a day. We went at the weekend and ticked off the lot, from Stacey’s front door to Nessa’s slots, plus the one location everyone gets wrong because it isn’t where the show says it is.

So, when is the best time to go and how long for? Well, we managed to visit all the locations in one day so if you were thinking about staying the night then it’s probably not worth the money (unless you really want to). This can also depend on how far away you live from Barry, we got there around 11AM after a 2 and half hour drive so we were able to leave the same day. As for when the best time of the year, there are two clear winners here, Summer and Christmas time. Summer is best for when you want to grab an ice cream and sit down on the beach, and Christmas for when you want to feel like you’re in the Christmas specials.

If you wanted the full experience you can book a full “Dave’s Coaches” tour on GetYourGuide which will take you to all the spots inside Dave’s Coach!

The locations below are in the order we did them in, if you were to arrive by Train and planning on walking to each location, unfortunately the first stop might be a bit out of the way for you. As it’s a bit Further out than Barry Island but not as far as you might think it is.

Pam & Mick’s House (Not Actually in Essex)

Here’s the one thing most people didn’t know, Pam and Mick’s “Billericay” house is nowhere near Essex, it’s just a short drive from Barry! Which means you can tick off both sides of the family, in one afternoon.

This is either best to do first or last (If you’re driving) because it’s on the way into Barry so by doing it first, you won’t need to do a detour.

Gwen’s House, Trinity Street

The most famous street in Barry, and it’s instantly recognisable the moment you turn the corner. It’s a short walk up from the seafront and very steep so be prepared to be out of breath once you’re there.

Once we got to the house it was easily recognisable as there were already two different groups standing outside and admiring. One thing to say upfront: these are private homes with real people living in them, so it’s a look-from-the-street, grab-your-photo-and-move-on kind of visit.

And once you’re done with Gwen’s house do a 180 and you will see Bryn’s House! So, make sure you grab a photo of this one Aswell.

Marco’s Café

Stacey’s workplace in the show and a proper seaside café in real life, right on the promenade. As soon you as get close you will instantly recognise the Café, it has been updated since the show as with most of the spots on this checklist but still worth the visit. You can also grab a photo with the cast on the wall next to the ice cream, worth it for a free activity.

We went for an ice cream, panini and coffee. The panini and coffee combo came to £8 and was very nice, what was even better was the ice cream. They have lots of flavours to choose from and if you go in the summer why not grab one and imagine it’s Stacey serving you.

Nessa’s Slots

This is the actual arcade where Nessa would be spending her days sometimes with Bryn to give him some words of wisdom and practice their Duet.

The slots have been updated since her days working there but you can go to the back and imagine you’re working alongside her in her booth, which is the actual booth that they used in the 2024 Christmas special, built by the BBC. The machines they have available are some traditional 2p machines, claw machines and arcade shooter games. In some of the 2p machines you can win some Gavin and Stacey merch. We ended up winning a wrist band, pin and bottle opener. Was it worth spending double on the machines than just buying the merch? Absolutely!  

Fish and Chips

Once you are all out of 2ps you can head next door to one of the three Fish and Chip shops that are on the seafront.

The official fish and chip shop that was used in the series called Boofy’s, has unfortunately closed down at the beginning of this year. Although a new one has opened in the exact same spot. Which is now called Farnham’s. We got fish and chips, with a curry sauce (that’s how the Welsh have it!) and we ate it right on the seawall, where the final scene was shot.

Make a Day of It

The locations are the reason to come, but Barry Island is a proper seaside day out on its own, the funfair at the Pleasure Park, the beach, ice cream on the prom.

One last time mentioning it but, when visiting the houses please be respectful as people do live here, so please try not to disturb them.

Luke & Katie