WHEN it comes to breathtaking scenery, rugged coastlines, and untouched natural beauty, few places can rival Pembrokeshire. Nestled in Wales, this county offers an idyllic setting that has caught the eye of filmmakers from Hollywood blockbusters to indie productions. With its sweeping beaches, historical sites, and dramatic cliffs, Pembrokeshire has become a favourite filming location for some of the most notable films in recent years. Let’s take a journey through some of the big movies that have featured Pembrokeshire as their backdrop.

“Havoc” (2024) – An action-packed affair

Set to be one of the year’s most anticipated films, “Havoc” brings the allure of Pembrokeshire to the big screen. Directed by Gareth Evans and starring Tom Hardy, the action thriller needed a dramatic and intense setting – something Pembrokeshire was more than capable of providing. Though details about the exact filming locations have been kept under wraps, it is known that Pembrokeshire’s rugged terrains were used to create an atmospheric and gripping environment for this high-octane film. As “Havoc” unfolds on screens, audiences will catch glimpses of the county’s unspoilt beauty adding depth to the storyline. There were also scenes filmed in Swansea city centre.

“The Edge of Love” (2008) – A romantic drama in the Welsh heartland

Pembrokeshire served as an atmospheric backdrop for this film, which explores the turbulent life of poet Dylan Thomas. Starring Keira Knightley and Sienna Miller, “The Edge of Love” captured the rugged charm of Pembrokeshire’s coastline, particularly around the town of New Quay. The coastal scenes provided an authentic feel to the historical narrative, transporting viewers to a time when life was as unpredictable as the weather on the Welsh coast. The town’s quaint buildings and panoramic views were seamlessly woven into the film, showcasing Pembrokeshire’s quieter, more serene side.

“Snow White and the Huntsman” (2012) – A fantasy world by the sea

Hollywood met the Welsh coastline in “Snow White and the Huntsman.” This fantasy epic, starring Kristen Stewart and Chris Hemsworth, turned Pembrokeshire’s Marloes Sands into a magical battleground. The beach’s vast, wild stretches of sand, framed by dramatic cliffs, provided a mystical landscape that perfectly complemented the movie’s dark and enchanting atmosphere. Marloes Sands, with its remote beauty, brought an otherworldly quality to the film’s intense battle scenes, creating a setting that was both awe-inspiring and haunting.

“Robin Hood” (2010) – Epic battles on Pembrokeshire’s shores

Ridley Scott’s reimagining of the legendary outlaw’s tale found its perfect medieval canvas in Pembrokeshire. Starring Russell Crowe as Robin Hood, the film’s spectacular battle scenes were filmed at Freshwater West.

With its rolling dunes and vast stretch of sand, the beach embodied the raw, untamed feel of medieval England. Freshwater West’s authenticity and natural grandeur made it a standout location in the movie, and since then, it has become a pilgrimage site for film enthusiasts who wish to relive the action in real life.

“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1” (2010) – Magic on the Pembrokeshire coast

Few film franchises have captured imaginations quite like “Harry Potter,” and Pembrokeshire had the honour of becoming part of this magical world. Freshwater West was chosen as the location for Shell Cottage, the seaside home of Bill Weasley and Fleur Delacour. This iconic location played a key role in some of the series’ most poignant scenes.

The rugged coastline, with its endless horizon and dramatic waves, brought an ethereal quality to the film’s portrayal of a place both remote and comforting, perfectly fitting the tone of the wizarding world during its darkest hours.

“Their Finest” (2016) – Capturing wartime Britain

Pembrokeshire once again provided a historical backdrop in “Their Finest,” a romantic comedy-drama set during World War II. Starring Gemma Arterton and Sam Claflin, the film needed authentic settings to reflect the wartime spirit of Britain. Pembrokeshire’s coastal villages and sweeping shorelines added a sense of nostalgia and timelessness, complementing the story’s themes of resilience and hope. The film made use of the county’s old-world charm to recreate the look and feel of 1940s Britain, showcasing Pembrokeshire’s versatility as a filming location.

Pembrokeshire – Hollywood’s favourite hidden gem

Pembrokeshire has firmly established itself as a location where the magic of film meets the grandeur of nature. Whether providing the setting for sweeping historical epics, fantasy adventures, or poignant dramas, this corner of Wales offers an endless array of landscapes that can transform into virtually any world a story requires. It’s no wonder that both Hollywood blockbusters and independent films continue to be drawn to its shores. As the credits roll on these films, Pembrokeshire stands out as a star in its own right, capturing hearts and imaginations with its timeless beauty.