Mermaid Quay Cardiff
Cardiff · CF10
Amenities
Summary
The main retail and leisure waterfront development on Cardiff Bay, adjacent to the Senedd and Wales Millennium Centre, used as a Cardiff Bay filming backdrop across Doctor Who, Torchwood, and other Welsh productions.
About this location
Mermaid Quay is the principal waterfront promenade and restaurant strip on Cardiff Bay, running along the southern shore of the inner bay between the Senedd building and the Plas Roald Dahl leisure area. The development is largely early 2000s — bars, restaurants, and shops in low-rise brick and glass buildings with a wide public promenade facing the water and a pontoon marina with leisure craft. The open waterside setting, with views across the bay towards the Barrage, and the modern architecture without period conflict, make it a practical location for contemporary urban drama. Doctor Who and Torchwood — both produced in Cardiff — used the Bay extensively, and Mermaid Quay and the surrounding public realm featured in multiple episodes. For productions needing a recognisable South Wales urban waterfront, or a generic modern European quayside, it is a reliable option with good vehicle access. Cardiff Film Office handles filming permit applications for the Bay area, and the production infrastructure around the nearby BBC Wales Drama Village and Wolf Studios makes the Bay a well-established filming zone.
Access notes
- Parking
- On-site parking available — confirm crew-vehicle capacity with the venue.
- Loading access
- Loading access not listed. Confirm access points, door widths, and lift availability with the venue before the day.
- Public transit
- Cardiff has mainline rail and regional bus connections. Check the nearest station and allow for equipment on-foot from transit.
Ask us about this location
Quick question before you enquire upstream? We often know day-rate ranges, permit lead times, or a direct-to-owner shortcut not shown on the source page.
On the map
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FAQ
- Do I need a permit to film at Mermaid Quay Cardiff?
- Yes — filming on or around Mermaid Quay Cardiff typically requires a permit. Allow roughly 5–10 working days lead time for most UK councils. Interior shoots on private property may also need owner consent.
- Is parking available at Mermaid Quay Cardiff?
- On-site parking is available at Mermaid Quay Cardiff. Capacity varies — confirm crew-vehicle numbers with the venue before the day.
- How much does it cost to film at Mermaid Quay Cardiff?
- Mermaid Quay Cardiff sits in the ££ band. Typical UK film-location day rates range from under £200 for simple interior shoots to well over £1,000 for period properties and landmark venues. Confirm with the venue directly.
- What crew size is suitable for Mermaid Quay Cardiff?
- Mermaid Quay Cardiff can accommodate a large crew of 15+ including feature-film unit requirements, trucks, and extras.
- Has anything been filmed at Mermaid Quay Cardiff before?
- Mermaid Quay Cardiff appears on Filmshoot's UK location index because it has a documented track record or strong characteristics for film and photography. Specific production credits aren't displayed unless publicly confirmed by the venue — ask the venue directly or check ScreenSkills and IMDb Locations for verified credits.
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