Doctor Who Tours in Cardiff

The Time Lord may take on many forms, but one thing remains constant throughout; the use of Wales as the main filming location. Doctor Who has been filmed in southern Wales for more than 17 years, and the capital of Cardiff is littered with iconic filming locations.

Walk in the footsteps of famous Doctors like David Tennant, Matt Smith and Jodie Whittaker in these captivating Doctor Who tours in Cardiff.

Here's all you need to know about Doctor Who tours, one of the best option for sightseeing tours in Cardiff.

What are the best Doctor Who tours in Cardiff?

Doctor Who Walking Tour

This quintessential Doctor Who walking tour will take you to more than 30 of the show’s iconic filming locations. Many of these locations are also some of the must-see cultural and historic spots in Cardiff so essentially you hit two birds with one stone!

See where Danny Pinks met his untimely death in Series 8, and visit the site of Donna Noble's ill-fated wedding. Cardiff has even been transformed into 1970s New York, Paris, London and believe it or not, ancient Pompeii. You will get the inside scoop on all these filming secrets and more before seeing some of the city’s most notable landmarks.

Private Doctor Who Tour

This is the ultimate luxury experience for die-hard Whovians. Leave no stone unturned as your enthusiastic guide shows you all the filming locations around town, and lets you in on all the behind-the-scenes trivia and gossip.

You will cruise past Cardiff landmarks like the Millennium Stadium and the National Museum of Cardiff, all in the comfort of a private air-conditioned vehicle. You will also visit the fictional village of Leadworth, where Matt Smith first cut his teeth as the Doctor.

A private Doctor Who tour of Cardiff allows you to take your time to see the scenes unfold in front of you and snap some all-important photos in the filming locations.

Which places are visited on Doctor Who filming spots in Cardiff?

There are more than 30 filming locations dotted around Cardiff, from street corners to grand museums. The National Museum of Wales is one of the most impressive stops on the tour and has featured in numerous series episodes.

Another iconic location is the Wales Millennium Centre. Its dramatic exterior features a Welsh inscription that reads "Creating truth like glass from the furnace of inspiration", and is one of the most memorable settings from the show.

Roald Dahl Plass served as the Torchwood Three’s headquarters and is only one of the many iconic spots in Cardiff Bay. Senedd is also in the bay area and is the real-life home of the Welsh Parliament. There are heaps of standout locations on Cardiff’s Doctor Who tours, so hop in the Tardis to see where you land next.

How much does it cost?

Doctor Who walking tours in Cardiff cost around £15 per person for large group bookings, but there are options for smaller group bookings of around £150 for 15 people.

A private Doctor Who guided tour costs £450 per person, and includes transportation in a luxury vehicle and the privilege of having a dedicated tour guide all to yourself.

What is included?

Each tour is led by a knowledgeable Doctor Who enthusiast that knows all the behind-the-scenes intrigue associated with the show.

Private tour prices also include the entry fee to buildings where fees are charged, and some private tours will pick you up at your hotel.

Where does it start?

There are a few central locations around the city where Doctor Who tours start. Cardiff Castle is a popular starting location, while the Falkland War Memorial is also frequently used.

Your tour operator will send clear instructions on finding the starting location and they will be easy to spot with branded clothing or an easily visible sign.  

How long does it last?

Most Doctor Who walking tours in Cardiff last between 2.5 and 3 hours. Private tours that include a bit further locations last closer to 4 hours.

When is the best time for a Doctor Who tour in Cardiff?

You can enjoy Doctor Who walking tours anytime in the morning or afternoon with operators running tours all day. Try to book this tour at the beginning of your visit as a walking tour gives you the chance to see most of the city and get a good lay of the land.

Are children allowed?

Doctor Who fans come in all ages and everyone is welcome on these tours. Children under the age of 18 need to be accompanied by adults.

Travel tips

• Doctor Who tours require lots of walking so wear sensible shoes.
• These tours operate in all weather conditions so keep an eye on the forecast and take an umbrella if it looks a little cloudy.
• Take a fully charged camera or phone on this trip. You will want to recreate all the thrilling scenes from the show and it would be a pity if you run out of battery!