Confirmed · Barry Island · Attraction

The Square

Dave’s coach departure and Christmas grotto in Gavin & Stacey. Public promenade square; do not expect seasonal filming props; allow allow 30–60 minutes.

On screen as: Dave’s coach departure and Christmas grotto
Series and episodes: Gavin & Stacey (2007–2024)
Access: Public promenade square; do not expect seasonal filming props
Time needed: Allow 30–60 minutes
Where: Barry Island

On screen

How The Square appears

The Square on Barry Island’s promenade is identified by Visit the Vale as the departure point for Dave’s coach when Stacey travels to London to meet Gavin. The same tourism trail associates the square with Nessa and Dave’s Christmas grotto. It is the real Barry Island public space within the Welsh side of the story. Those production uses do not mean a coach, festive installation or any other programme prop will be present during a modern visit.

The real place

What you can visit

This is a public seafront space within the wider Barry Island walk, useful for pausing between the station, cafés and beach. Its appeal comes from recognising the setting rather than entering an attraction. Allow enough room for everyday pedestrians, families and people using neighbouring businesses when taking photographs. Wind and rain can change the feel of the square quickly, while school holidays bring a busier atmosphere. Use the surrounding promenade to find a comfortable place for a longer break.

Photograph the setting without expecting the coach or grotto from the screen scenes to be part of the present-day square.

Visit the Vale / Vale of Glamorgan Council ↗

Getting there.

Arrive at Barry Island station and walk towards the promenade; allow five to ten minutes as a planning estimate. The square can be reached on the same outing as Marco’s and the beach. Drivers should use Harbour Road car park. This is an outdoor stop rather than a venue with indoor shelter, so bring suitable layers and leave extra time if your group walks slowly.

Official visitor information ↗Open in Google Maps ↗Read the visiting guide →

Common questions

Planning a responsible visit

Which coach scene is connected with The Square?

Visit the Vale identifies the departure that takes Stacey towards her first meeting with Gavin in London. The public space is in Barry Island, even though the characters’ journey continues into England.

Is the Christmas grotto always there?

No permanent grotto is promised by the filming credit. The source records a production use, so visitors should expect the current public square and any independently advertised local events.

Do I need to book a visit?

This is a public outdoor space, so it can form part of an ordinary promenade walk. Book separately for any commercial coach tour or nearby business that you choose to add.

Plan your visit