The Ballad of Wallis Island Filming Locations (2025)

If you’re a fan of British comedy or just love uncovering where your favorite movies are made, you’re in for a treat with The Ballad of Wallis Island. This 2025 gem, directed by James Griffiths and written by Tim Key and Tom Basden, brings laughs and heart to a fictional remote island. At NetFilming, we’re diving into the real-life locations that brought this quirky story to life, all set against the breathtaking coast of Wales. Let’s explore where this hilarious film was shot and why these spots are so special.

What’s The Ballad of Wallis Island About?

The film stars Tim Key as Charles, an eccentric lottery winner living alone on a secluded island. Charles is obsessed with reuniting his favorite band, McGwyer Mortimer, and invites the estranged bandmates—along with their messy pasts—for a private concert at his home. With Carey Mulligan and Tom Basden rounding out the cast, the film is a rollercoaster of old grudges, rekindled romances, and plenty of laughs. It premiered at the Sundance Film Festival on January 25, 2025, and hits U.S. theaters on March 28, 2025, thanks to Focus Features.

Where was The Ballad of Wallis Island filmed?

You might think a movie set on a remote island would require a far-flung location, but The Ballad of Wallis Island was filmed entirely on the mainland—along the rugged and beautiful coast of Wales. By using the dramatic backdrop of Wales, the filmmakers created the illusion of an isolated island. From rugged cliffs to wind-swept beaches, these places were the perfect backdrops for Charles’ eccentric adventure.

Ramsey Island

One of the standout locations is Ramsey Island, a nature reserve off the Pembrokeshire coast in Wales, managed by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB). Ramsey Island, located just one kilometer to the west of St. David’s Head, was chosen for its untamed beauty. Its rocky cliffs, open fields, and ocean views helped lend the film that sense of isolation and almost otherworldly vibe. The island’s unspoiled landscape was ideal for creating scenes that needed to feel remote, making it a key contributor to the portrayal of the imaginary Wallis Island.

Fun fact: The edge of Ramsey Island attracts seals and seabirds, and even some rare plants too, so it added an extra layer of magic to the look of the film.

A Seaside Town with Personal Meaning

Another special location was a seaside town in Wales where director James Griffiths’ mother was born and raised. Most reports kept this town under wraps, but it served as the backdrop for scenes featuring Charles’ house. Griffiths’ personal connection to the area added a heartfelt touch to the film. Set in this coastal town, the house offers a combination of rustic charm and breathtaking ocean views, a recipe for the perfect quirky hideaway for Charles. Shooting here wasn’t just about aesthetics — it was a nod to Griffiths’ familial roots, grounding the film in a real location.

Hidden Beaches and Coastal Paths

There was more of the Welsh coast after Ramsey Island. The filmmakers used hard-to-reach beaches and cliffside paths along the Pembrokeshire coast for other crucial scenes. These isolated spots, with their crashing waves and big tides, helped give the sense that Charles’ home was separate from the world. The unpredictable weather and tides presented a challenge for the crew but also made the final shots all the more striking. These lines of coast, with their blend of green hills and bolshy shorelines, lent something raw and natural to its comedy.

When Did Filming Take Place?

The cameras rolled for The Ballad of Wallis Island in 2023. The Welsh coast’s moody weather played a big role during production, with the team navigating tides and wind to capture the perfect shots. After filming wrapped, the movie was polished and ready for its big debut at Sundance in January 2025, setting the stage for its theatrical release later that spring.

Behind the Scenes of The Ballad of Wallis Island

The making of The Ballad of Wallis Island was as lively as its quirky plot, with the Welsh coast setting the stage for a memorable shoot. The cast and crew shot in 2023, confronting fickle tides and windblown cliffs to create this comedy. The Pembrokeshire coast is “raw, old-fashioned beauty,” said the director, James Griffiths, who called the experience “a love letter to Wales.” “The landscape became a character in itself,” he said, explaining that Ramsey Island’s rugged allure informed the film’s mood.

Actor Tim Key, who stars as Charles, added: “We were isolated for real out on those beaches and it was mad, wet and brilliant!” The team’s chemistry was evident, with Carey Mulligan wisecracking about “singing off-key with the band” in spare time. The personal touch was a connection James’ to the seaside town. “James’ connection to the seaside town gave us heart,” said the producer, Sarah Hammond. Although hampered by logistical headaches, the crew’s dedication and the beauty of Wales’ scenery made for a jubilant shoot.

The Ballad of Wallis Island Official Trailer

Check out NetFilming for more behind-the-scenes insights. When The Ballad of Wallis Island opens in theaters on March 28, 2025, don’t miss the stunning Welsh views that truly shine in the show.

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