While iconic metropolises – like Paris, New York and LA – are often the go-to settings for big screen productions, Wales has begun to command attention as a top-tier filming location. With its rugged coastlines, towering mountains and historic castles, Wales provides an ideal backdrop and has been featured in numerous films and streaming successes. The latest television series to spotlight the UK’s stunning landscapes is a new star-studded Sky Originals thriller, Under Salt Marsh.

This limited series, penned by writer, creator and executive producer Claire Oakley, is set to premiere on January 30. The six-part drama, set in the fictional Welsh town of Morfa Halen, stars Kelly Reilly from Yellowstone (known for her role as Beth in the hit series) and was filmed entirely in Wales. The cast also includes Welsh actor Jonathan Pryce (The Crown), Naomi Yang (Nightsleeper) and Harry Lawtey (Industry).

Sky’s synopsis reveals that the series delves into tragic events within a close-knit community nestled between towering mountains and an encroaching sea, a place where beauty and danger coexist.

As a once-in-a-generation storm begins to brew far out at sea, tragedy strikes. Jackie Ellis (Kelly Reilly), a former detective now working as a teacher, discovers the body of her eight-year-old pupil, Cefin, apparently drowned.

This shocking discovery sends ripples through Morfa Halen and reopens an old wound: the unsolved disappearance of Jackie’s niece Nessa, three years earlier – a case that cost Jackie her career.

The demise of Cefin brings Jackie’s former partner, Detective Eric Bull (Rafe Spall), back to Morfa Halen to spearhead an investigation in a town where he previously fell short.

Convinced the two cases are intertwined, Jackie and Bull are compelled to confront their shared history as they seek answers. With a storm looming and the sea threatening to erase vital evidence, they must unearth Morfa Halen’s hidden secrets before time elapses.

Viewers may recognise several of Wales’ most picturesque locations, such as Salt Marsh filmed across Anglesey and Gwynedd. The BBC has reported sightings of filming along Barmouth promenade in October 2025, with additional scenes captured in Fairbourne and Llanbedr.

The charming coastal town of Fairbourne serves as the backdrop for the fictional Morfa Halen, its seaside characteristics reflecting the show’s theme.

Nestled south of the Mawddach Estuary and bordered by Snowdonia National Park, it’s renowned for its stunning golden beaches and the narrow-gauge Fairbourne Railway, which extends to the beach’s end.

Meanwhile, Anglesey, Aberffraw – renowned for its spectacular dunes – serves as one of the drama’s backdrops and features in the programme’s trailer, following shoots in the village earlier in 2025.

Stunning Newborough Forest also hosted filming and boasts Newborough Warren, amongst the largest and most impressive dune systems in Britain. Alongside Ynys Llanddwyn, it became Wales’s inaugural coastal National Nature Reserve in 1955.

The soaring Corsican pines comprising Newborough Forest were established between 1947 and 1965 to supply timber and anchor the mobile sand dunes. Visitors can explore both the forest and island via a 3.5-mile circular walk starting from the Newborough Forest car park near Niwbwrch.

The path to Llanddwyn is relatively simple, as the island is only about 1km in length, meaning it won’t be long before the ruins of Santes Dwynwen’s chapel emerge into view during your stroll.

Key features along the route include lush forests, sandy beaches and the enchanting Tŵr Mawr lighthouse. Seals are a common sight around the island, while playful dolphins or harbour porpoises can often be spotted frolicking in the turbulent waters.

As a Sky Original, Under Salt Marsh will be accessible for viewing weekly on Sky and the streaming service NOW from January 30.