Creative Wales has pulled back the curtain on the stunning South Wales locations set to feature in Amazon Prime’s highly anticipated new series, ‘Young Sherlock.’ The production, directed by Guy Ritchie and starring Hero Fiennes Tiffin as the prodigious detective, promises to transport viewers back to the Victorian era, using the rich historical tapestry of Wales as its backdrop.
A Journey Through ‘Young Sherlock’s’ Wales
The announcement highlights several key locations, each chosen for its unique ability to evoke the atmosphere of 19th-century Britain. These sites offer a glimpse into the world that the young detective will inhabit and provide a new travel map for fans and history buffs alike.
Margam Park, Neath Port Talbot
With its fairytale-like Gothic Revival mansion, Margam Castle, and sprawling parklands, this location serves as a quintessential backdrop for a mystery. The estate’s dramatic architecture and atmospheric gardens are perfect for capturing the grandeur and intrigue of the Victorian upper class.
Ewenny Priory, Vale of Glamorgan
As one of the best-preserved medieval priories in Wales, Ewenny Priory offers a sense of timeless history. Its fortified stone walls and ancient church will undoubtedly add a layer of solemnity and suspense to the series, providing a stark contrast to the more opulent settings.
St Fagans National Museum of History, Cardiff
This world-renowned open-air museum is a filmmaker’s dream. With over forty original buildings from different historical periods re-erected on its grounds, St Fagans provides an authentic, ready-made Victorian village. It allows the production to capture the essence of daily life from the era with unparalleled accuracy.
Abergavenny, Monmouthshire
Known as the “Gateway to Wales,” this historic market town provides the perfect setting for bustling street scenes. Its well-preserved town center and surrounding landscapes offer a versatile location for capturing the public and private moments of Sherlock’s early life.
The Rise of ‘Cymruwood’: Why Wales is a Filmmaker’s Dream
The selection of Wales for such a high-profile production is no coincidence. It is part of a deliberate and successful strategy, spearheaded by the Welsh Government’s creative agency, Creative Wales, to establish the nation as a premier destination for film and television.
Wales, often dubbed ‘Cymruwood,’ has become a magnet for major productions, including HBO’s His Dark Materials, Netflix’s Sex Education, and the BBC’s iconic Doctor Who. The country offers a potent combination of diverse landscapes—from rugged coastlines and ancient castles to modern cityscapes—along with world-class studio facilities and skilled local crews.
This boom is delivering significant economic benefits. The film and TV production sector has seen exponential growth, with production spending in Wales reaching a record £334 million in 2022. This investment supports thousands of local jobs and businesses, from hospitality to technical services, solidifying the creative industries as a cornerstone of the Welsh economy.
The ‘Set-Jetting’ Effect: Future Impact on Welsh Tourism
The global release of ‘Young Sherlock’ is poised to have a profound and lasting impact on Welsh tourism, a phenomenon known as “film-induced tourism” or “set-jetting.” When audiences worldwide become captivated by the series, many will be inspired to visit the real-life locations they saw on screen.
We’ve seen this effect with productions like Game of Thrones, which transformed tourism in Northern Ireland, and The Lord of the Rings in New Zealand. ‘Young Sherlock’ could very well do the same for South Wales. The series will act as a global advertisement, showcasing the region’s romantic castles, historic towns, and dramatic scenery to millions of potential visitors.
This influx of tourists is expected to provide a significant boost to local economies, benefiting hotels, restaurants, tour operators, and shops in and around the featured locations. More importantly, it will help cement Wales’s international reputation not just as a land of myth and song, but as a dynamic, must-visit travel destination with a rich and visible history. For travelers, ‘Young Sherlock’ offers a new set of clues to discovering the timeless magic of Wales.
