Being Geek Chic is a blog about one woman navigating the male-dominated industries of production and tech. It's written by Elizabeth Giorgi, Founder, CEO and Director of Mighteor - one of the world's first internet video production companies. Learn more about Mighteor here.
The day I became a Whovian is almost as important as the day I became a woman. It was certainly less traumatic. It was also the day when I decided I needed to see that damn space machine in person before I died.
Friends, I saw it. And I touched it. And it’s glorious.
The entire reason Cardiff was even on my travel radar was because of Doctor Who. The show is filmed in the city and the BBC recently opened The Doctor Who Experience as a tourist attraction in the off months when the show isn’t airing. In a strange way, the City of Cardiff is lot like a living set for the show. Wandering through the city you’ll come upon random landmarks that look familiar. Like the building where Donna Noble worked. Or a random house that looks awful familiar. For super astute fans, a day wandering Cardiff can be crazy fruitful.
I loved that the city embraced their status as a Whovian mecca. Doctor Who spin-off Torchwood was also filmed in Cardiff and when the showed killed off the beloved character Iantos, a shrine popped up that has just never gone away. How can you dislike that?
The Doctor Who Experience itself leaves something to be desired unless you are under the age of 12. It’s a lot of flashing lights and smoke machines all wrapped into a storyline that Matt Smith so deftly acts through. However, for me, and I expect for the people who read this blog, the real highlight is just the stuff. The freaking sets and props and icons that make Who, well, Who.
As a filmmaker, I’m just obsessed with props and sets from a technical execution stand point, so I can be made to appreciate virtually anything from the film industry if done well. But in the context of one of my favorite shows, well, I was in heaven of sorts. The team at BBC have expertly curated a collection of Who memorabilia from the beginning to modern times, so there’s something from basically any fan’s favorite era. Unless you loved that 90s TV movie… I am not sure there’s much for you.
This is definitely a two hour to three hour walking tour if you look at everything and truly dive into the details. Others can probably do it in an hour, but I’m guessing that’s not your style if you’re still reading this. It’s pricey. Especially when you consider that what most fans are likely doing is taking a train from London Paddington to Cardiff. It’s a two hour train ride, so don’t try to jam it into one day unless you’re especially time crunched.
After spending your day walking Cardiff, enjoying the waterfrot and taking in all the Whovian love, I recommend staying nearby in the Mermaid Quay area for a little food and old school childhood geekery. Roald Dahl called Cardiff home and the nearby Roald Dahl Pass is surprisingly charming and fun.
Nearby there are a ton of cute restaurants, but group consensus seemed to be that Bayside Brasserie was a clear winner. It’s patio has a lovely view and seems to capture the real charm of Wales. I’m also just going to say right now that I just eat at Pret continuously when I’m in England, Ireland or Wales… so what that says about me… you decide. I freaking love it.
Wales also has a surprisingly fun culture on the weekends. The area is set up for street performers and general outdoor amusement, so if you can stick around for a while, definitely do. You might even catch a glimpse of the Doctor.
Taking a trip sometime soon? Consult our Geek Travel Guides before you go. Maybe we’ve been to your destination!
