Are you curious about the Doctor Who Season 2 filming locations? This article delves into the history of the classic sci-fi show, revealing the locations where the adventure of the Fifteenth Doctor took place. At NetFilming, we love finding out where all your favorite programs are filmed. Doctor Who Season 2, which is known as Series 15, released on Disney+ on April 12, 2025 and brought with it some epic time-traveling stories. The season is produced by Bad Wolf and BBC in association with Disney Branded Television and is fronted by showrunner Russell T. Davies. Directors like Peter Hoar and Amanda Brotchie guide the action, while Ncuti Gatwa stars as the Doctor, joined by Varada Sethu and Millie Gibson. Keep reading for the filming locations, cast, and more about this cherished series!
What is Doctor Who Season 2 About?
Season 2 of Doctor Who picks up with the Fifteenth Doctor (Ncuti Gatwa), who travels through time and space on the TARDIS, a time-traveling spaceship. The series gets off to a fresh start with a new companion, Belinda Chandra, played by nurse Varada Sethu, while Millie Gibson reprises her role as Ruby Sunday. Together, they take on thrilling challenges, from fighting off alien villains to cracking codes and traveling back in time and into the future. One episode, set in an American beach city of the 1950s, features a cartoon character turned monstrous creature. The season delves into topics such as friendship, bravery and the Doctor’s insatiable curiosity; surprises, such as the mystery of Ruby’s family, have kept the audience gripped. The show has eight episodes, with a mix of action, humor and heart , making it a must-watch for fans and newcomers. By mixing historical, futuristic and emotional settings, it covers all the bases for everyone.”
Doctor Who Season 2 Filming Locations
The filming of Doctor Who Season 2 took place primarily in Wales, a hub for the series since its 2005 revival. Below, we detail the key locations, their roles in the show and insights from the cast and crew.
Penarth, Wales
The town of Penarth, a charming coastal town close to Cardiff, became a 1950s American beach city in Episode 2, “Lux.” The Victorian-era Penarth Pier and seafront had been covered in vintage cars and American flags to set a retro tone. Ncuti Gatwa said, “The coastline in Penarth was like stepping back into a time machine, fitting for our 1950s adventure.” The set was strewn with rubble for action scenes, adding to the episode’s intensity.
Trivia: Penarth has featured in many popular TV drama series, including Sherlock.
Pant Quarry, Bridgend, Wales
Pant Quarry in Bridgend served as a rugged, alien-like landscape for Episode 3, “The Well.” For certain situations, the rocky landscape served as a bleak environment. Alex Pillai, the director, added, “Pant Quarry’s untouched, raw look provided us with the perfect canvas with which to create an otherworldly setting.”
Trivia: This Pant Quarry was also used in many TV shows like Merlin and Torchwood.
Liberty Steel, Newport, Wales
The industrial setting of Liberty Steel in Newport was used for Episode 3, likely depicting a futuristic or mechanical environment. Varada Sethu said, “Filming at Liberty Steel felt like being inside a sci-fi machine—it was epic!” The metallic structures in the site added to the tone of the episode.
Trivia: Liberty Steel has appeared in His Dark Materials, showcasing its ability to represent dystopian worlds.
Newminster Road, Cardiff, Wales
Newminster Road in Cardiff hosted urban scenes for Episode 7, with residential properties used for filming over three days. Russell T. Davies commented, “Cardiff’s streets, like Newminster, are so versatile—they can be anywhere in time or space.” The location grounded the episode in a relatable setting.
Trivia: Cardiff’s streets are frequent Doctor Who backdrops, also seen in Gavin & Stacey for everyday UK scenes.
Jolly Sailor Pub, Porthcawl, Wales
The Jolly Sailor Pub in Newton, Porthcawl, was used for interior scenes in Episode 4, offering a cozy, community feel. Millie Gibson remarked, “The pub had such a warm vibe, it made our scenes feel so real.”
Trivia: This pub has welcomed crews from Poldark, adding to its charm as a filming location.
Bad Wolf Studios, Cardiff, Wales
Bad Wolf Studios in Cardiff was the heart of production, hosting studio sets like Ruby’s flat and UNIT’s base. The team used advanced LED screens to create alien worlds. Producer Jane Tranter said, “Bad Wolf Studios lets us build entire universes in one place.”
Trivia: The studio is a hub for His Dark Materials and A Discovery of Witches, highlighting its role in high-end TV production.
When Did the Filming of ‘Doctor Who Season 2‘ Take Place?
Filming for Doctor Who Season 2 began in mid-2023 and wrapped in May 2024. Additional reshoots for the finale occurred in early 2025, ensuring the season’s high-quality visuals.
Doctor Who Season 2 Cast Details
- Ncuti Gatwa: The Fifteenth Doctor, leading the TARDIS adventures.
- Varada Sethu: Belinda Chandra, a nurse and new companion.
- Millie Gibson: Ruby Sunday, returning companion.
- Guest Stars: Alan Cumming (Mr. Ring-a-Ding), Freddie Fox (alien villain), Jonah Hauer-King, Anita Dobson, Michelle Greenidge, Rose Ayling-Ellis, Christopher Chung, Ruth Madeley, Jemma Redgrave, Susan Twist.
Doctor Who Season 2 Behind The Scenes
The making of Doctor Who season 2 was an enormous challenge to combine with the very latest technology and the beautiful scenery of Wales. Using virtual LED screens at Bad Wolf Studios, the crew created alien planets without having to travel far. Drones captured broad shots, such as an impossible crane shot through a maze, which director Makalla McPherson said had been a wild shoot: “That maze shot was a challenge, but it’s going to blow viewers away.”
The production team expertly transformed Penarth into 1950s Miami, complete with vintage props, demonstrating a keen attention to detail. Ncuti Gatwa praised the crew, saying, “Each member being so passionate made every day on set feel like an adventure.” From constructing elaborate sets to choreographing action scenes, the behind-the-scenes efforts paid off in the season’s epic scope. Wales’ landscapes, paired with innovative tech, brought the Doctor’s universe to life, making Season 2 a visual treat for fans worldwide.
Doctor Who Season 2 Official Trailer
The official trailer for Doctor Who Season 2 teases thrilling adventures and stunning visuals. Watch it here:
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