If you love a cosy crime drama, then you may already have watched the BBC's crime comedy drama Death Valley, where murder and mischief combine – and Timothy Spall and Gwyneth Keyworth star as an unlikely crime-solving duo.
When working a case, detective sergeant Janie Mallowan discovers that her hero, actor John Chapel (who became famous for playing a primetime TV detective), lives nearby – and has a knack for unravelling clues himself. The pair quickly team up after realising that they make an unexpectedly good team.
Death Valley is set in South Wales with a supporting cast including Steffan Rhodri (aka Dave's Coaches from Gavin & Stacey) and Melanie Walters (also G&S alumni) – but where is it filmed?
Where is Death Valley filmed?
Death Valley is mainly filmed around South Wales. John Chapel's cottage is in the village of St Hilarys, and the church scenes in episode 3 were filmed in Llantwit Major – both in the Vale of Glamorgan.
Penarth
Locals with a sweet tooth will likely recognise Brød, the Danish bakery and coffee shop, in Penarth as the local cafe that John and Janie frequent – often discussing the cases over a macchiato. Other locations used for filming in the seaside town include the pier (which was also used in the latest series of Doctor Who) and Beach Road.
Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons)
In episode two, the pair work on a murder investigation after a woman is found dead on a Welsh mountain trail. Filming took place in the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park – particularly near Blaen y Glyn waterfall within Talybont Forest. The Old Ford Inn in Llanhamlach provided exterior shots of the pub where the group gathered.
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Cardiff
Staff at Wales Online spotted some recognisable locations in the scenes that feature old episodes of Caesar, the detective series that made John Chapel famous. The series is set in the 1950s, so it made sense for the crew to take advantage of the buildings in St Fagans National Museum of History.
In episode 5, a murder-mystery party at a country estate goes wrong. Filming for this took place at the Grade II-listed Victorian Gothic Insole Court, in Llandaff. (Entry is free if you want to visit it yourself, although donations are encouraged.)
Discover where more of your favourite TV series and films were filmed
- Where is Beyond Paradise filmed? A guide to the filming locations of the spin-off detective series
- Where is The Thursday Murder Club filmed? All the filming locations from the cosy crime movie
- Where was Gavin & Stacey filmed?
- Where is Out There filmed? A guide to the gritty Welsh-made drama series
Top image: Timothy Spall as John Chapel and Gwyneth Keyworth as Janie Mallowan. Credit: BBC/BBC Studios/Simon Ridgway
