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Llandaff Cathedral offers a historic and visually striking setting for film, television, and photographic projects. With centuries of history, unique architectural features, and experience hosting diverse productions, we aim to facilitate a smooth and successful filming process while respecting the Cathedral’s primary role as a place of worship and heritage site.
This page provides key information for location managers and production teams.
Past Productions
Llandaff Cathedral has experience hosting a range of national and international production companies for various filming projects. Our staff are familiar with the typical requirements of professional filming and aim to facilitate this alongside the Cathedral’s regular worship schedule and heritage responsibilities.
Here are some notable productions that have filmed at Llandaff Cathedral:
“Paris Has Fallen”
Client/Broadcaster: Amazon Prime Video / StudioCanal
“Doctor Who”
Client/Broadcaster: BBC Studios
“Young Sherlock”
Client/Broadcaster: Amazon Prime Video
“Songs of Praise”
Client/Broadcaster: BBC Studios
Location Overview
The main building showcases a blend of Norman (early medieval) and Gothic (later medieval) architecture, with notable Victorian-era restoration work. Prominent features include two different West Towers: one a 15th-century Gothic structure and the other rebuilt in the 19th century. Inside, you will find an original 12th-century Romanesque arch, the elegant 13th-century Gothic Lady Chapel, and a 13th-century octagonal Chapter House with a vaulted ceiling. A particularly striking modern element within the main nave is Sir Jacob Epstein’s aluminium sculpture, “Christ in Majesty.”
Practical & Logistical Details
Floor Plans & Dimensions
Detailed floor plans with key dimensions are available upon request. Please contact Chris at [email protected].
Pricing & Fees
Filming fees are assessed individually, reflecting your production’s scale, duration, the specific areas of the Cathedral to be used, and any potential disruption. To provide a clear framework, we use a banding system based on established industry guidelines (BECTU/Pact) as a reference. Please contact Chris at [email protected] with your project specifics for a bespoke quote. A portion of all filming fees contributes directly to the conservation and upkeep of this historic site.
As Llandaff Cathedral is an active church with a regular schedule of services, concerts, and events, all filming must be carefully planned around these existing commitments. Consequently, early discussion is crucial to secure suitable dates. While standard visiting hours are typically 8:00 am to 6:00 pm, filming outside these times can often be negotiated to accommodate production needs.
Parking & Unit Base
Limited on-site parking may be available for essential technical vehicles by prior arrangement.
The nearby Memorial Carpark (off Llandaff High Street) is a public car park.
Larger unit base requirements will need to be discussed; we can advise on potential local options.
Furthermore, should your production require local road closures, we can manage the necessary arrangements with Cardiff Council through our established agreement. Applicable council fees for such closures, which vary depending on the specific roads and the duration, can be coordinated through us as part of our service.
Power & Technical Facilities
Details of existing power supply (e.g., number and location of outlets, phases, amperage) can be provided upon enquiry.
Productions may need to arrange supplementary power (e.g., generators) for substantial lighting rigs, with prior agreement on placement and noise management.
Ancillary Spaces
Potential spaces for green rooms, wardrobe, make-up, and catering can be discussed based on availability and production needs. These may be within the Cathedral precincts or nearby.
Health & Safety / Site Regulations
All productions are required to submit a comprehensive risk assessment and valid proof of public liability insurance prior to filming, and must adhere to Llandaff Cathedral’s own health and safety guidelines. The protection of the Cathedral’s historic fabric – including its floors, walls, and artefacts – is of paramount importance. Consequently, measures such as protective floor coverings and appropriate safeguards for equipment stands (e.g., tennis balls on feet) will be mandatory. Restrictions apply to the use of smoke, haze, naked flames, and any other potentially damaging materials; any such usage must be fully detailed in your proposal and receive specific approval in advance. A strict “Leave No Trace” policy is enforced for all activities on site.
Contact for filming enquiries:
Primary Contact: Chris Preece
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: +44 2920 564 554
Address: Llandaff Cathedral, Administration Office, Prebendal House, Llandaff, Cardiff, CF5 2LA