WARNING: This article contains spoilers from The Pembrokeshire Murders.
The Pembrokeshire Murders delves into the chilling true story of serial killer John Cooper and his eventual capture, but where was this gripping crime drama filmed?
It’s been three years since The Pembrokeshire Murders first gripped ITV viewers with its harrowing recounting of how Dyfed Powys Police apprehended serial killer John Cooper decades after he committed four horrific murders.
In the series, Detective Superintendent Steve Wilkins, portrayed by Luke Evans, is promoted in 2006 and decides to reopen the cold murder cases of siblings Richard and Helen Thomas from 1985, as well as Peter and Gwenda Dixon in 1989.
Thanks to advancements in forensic technology, the police manage to find a DNA match with John Cooper, played by Keith Allen in the series, who was on the brink of being released from prison for a string of burglaries.
Armed with this crucial initial evidence, it falls to Wilkins and his team to bring Cooper to justice for his heinous crimes.
As the show hits Netflix on Sunday, December 1, here’s everything you need to know about where the three-part series was filmed.
The Pembrokeshire Murders filming locations
The ITV and Netflix drama unfolds in Pembrokeshire and across southwest Wales, spanning both the 1980s and 2000s.
The three-part series wrapped up filming in January 2020, just days before Wales entered its first coronavirus lockdown in March of the same year.
True to its name, the drama was shot across Pembrokeshire, with interior scenes primarily captured in a Cardiff studio.
Key locations such as Goodwick, Freshwater East, Fishguard, along the Pembrokeshire coastal path, Port Talbot, and Little Haven were chosen for their connection to Cooper, who frequented these areas.
The house depicted as John Cooper’s abode wasn’t his actual home but a similar property in Trefin, north Pembrokeshire.
Gloucester Prison served as the backdrop for Cooper’s incarceration scenes, while Cardiff Crown Court stood in for the real trial venue, which was Swansea.
Welsh actor Luke Evans reflected on the experience: “It’s actually my first time working on a project in Wales so for me, it’s very poignant, and also that it is a Welsh story.
“I got to visit some incredibly beautiful parts of Wales as well which was special. It was a joy to come to set and listen to all these beautiful Welsh accents every day. I’ve missed it very much.”
The Pembrokeshire Murders is available to watch on Netflix.