Through Wales without a Tardis

Ah, Wales. The country with the most impressive and baffling language. It was even used in the Bosnian conflict, where a Welsh regiment used the language for as a way to “encrypt” communication.

Road signs in Cambrian are not for the faint of heart. The town of “Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch” (no joke) has the second longest location name in the world. Sometimes it is shortened to “Llanfairpwllgwyngyll” (wow, so much easier).

Chase that horizon.

Cardiff is the capital of Wales, but perhaps better known in some circles as the home of the Doctor. The city features the world’s only Doctor Who Exhibition, situated in the Bay. Locations such as Millennium Centre and Eddie’s Diner are featured in several episodes of BBC’s Doctor Who.

Millennium Centre at Roald Dahl Plass in Cardiff.

The city is also featured heavily in the “Sherlock” series, as well as the “Torchwood” series (the motley crew had their headquarters here).

Dunraven Bay, featured in several seasons of Doctor Who.

Since Dr Who was filmed in Wales, the surrounding area is full of familiar locations for the fans. The heartbreaking “Bad Wolf” bay is described in the series as located off Bergen in Norway, but in reality it’s Dunraven in Southerndown, just a thirty minutes drive to the west of Cardiff.

Caerphilly castle.

Another interesting place close to Cardiff is Caerphilly, where the highlight is the old castle. You may walk around freely on the premises, if you manage to get past the dragon at the entrance.

Into the unknown.

Traveling through the Wales countryside is like being on the set of a classic British crime show, where most of the white Tudor buildings seems to house a dark pub which smells of stale ale and even staler french fries. It’s cozy and repulsive at the same time. The locals are surprisingly friendly, even though they seem a bit surprised to have visitors.

After a while, I surrender to the relaxed old-fashion sense and enjoy the rugged atmosphere. There’s so much to see that you would need a Tardis to see it all.