(This post was originally posted by Llifon on the Coronation Street Blog in May 2014.)When it was revealed that Ken Barlow's return storyline involved a holiday in North Wales, I have to say I was over the moon at the prospect of Coronation Street coming over to film in the region. With William and Kate having lived on Anglesey; Tom Jones coming to perform in the north for the very first time; and now Corrie having a story based in North Wales really puts us on the map!
Plus I'm so glad Deirdre accepted my offer of a holiday in North Wales when I went to visit the street last month!
Of course, it was only recently that North Wales was involved in a Corrie storyline. Tyrone and Fiz fled from the clutches of Kirsty and the police to Anglesey. Although, it was fairly clear that they hadn't filmed on Anglesey, because the houses were brick (Anglesey houses are traditionally stone) and also if they had filmed on Anglesey, they would surely have filmed a scene possibly showing the Menai Strait bridges? I have an inkling they either filmed around Manchester somewhere or maybe in Flintshire where there are brick houses.
Let's hope this time they genuinely film in north Wales, because it really is an insult to anybody, not just us Welshies, that a certain show is said to be in a particular location, yet doesn't look like anything like there!
Now, I've come up with five places that I'd like the Corrie production team to consider visiting in North Wales with Ken and Deirdre:
1. Isle of Anglesey
The idyllic Isle of Anglesey and also where I've lived for the last two months or so after moving from the Conwy Valley! With its golden sandy beaches in places like Rhosneigr and Benllech; and attractions like the Menai Suspension Bridge and Britannia Bridge; South Stack lighthouse; the romantic isle of Llanddwyn where lovers walk; the village with the longest name (Llanfair PG); Beaumaris castle; the Church in the Sea; or the Cornish-like villages of Cemaes and Moelfre, it would be a perfect place for Ken and Deirdre to rekindle their love after Ken's absence. Plus, I could make a cameo as a caravan park owner or a tourist guide!
2. Snowdonia
Now I know Ken had an accident back in the 1970s when he went climbing in the Lake District with Peter, so I don't know if he'd be up for climbing Wales' highest mountain Snowdon, or indeed Deirdre after years of smoking! But there's always the Snowdon train that climbs up the mountain from the slate village of Llanberis. There is also the Welsh Highland Railway that goes from Caernarfon to Porthmadog, and runs through the heart of Snowdonia. It's a trip I need to do actually because I've only done halfway! Then there is the historic town of Caernarfon with its majestic castle and its statue of David Lloyd George, the only Welsh British Prime Minister.
3. Portmeirion and the Llyn Peninsula
Where better for a romantic getaway than the Italian-like village nestled in Snowdonia, which is Portmeirion. Although, it will be unlikely if Corrie films here as this was also the setting of The Prisoner, and ITV cult series back in the 1960s. But with breathtaking views of Harlech and Barmouth and Cardigan Bay, it would provide brilliant scenes. Then there's the Llyn Peninsula with places and Criccieth and Aberdaron popular with tourists. William Roache was rumoured to have a holiday home in Abersoch, so who knows maybe that would be ideal for a holiday for the Barlows!
4. Llandudno and Conwy
The tourist capitals of North Wales. There are plenty of caravan parks in the area, and Ken and Deirdre can take a stroll round the Great Orme or even the Llandudno promenade. Then there's Conwy castle and the village itself which is still medieval in its form. And then there's the smallest house in Britain in the quay of Conwy.
5. The Conwy Valley
My original home ground. The picturesque valley with its sloping hills and woodland, and the River Conwy at its heart. Ken and Deirdre can cross over the Llanrwst Bridge and go for afternoon tea in Tu Hwnt i'r Bont, which is a riverside cottage or visit Gwydir Castle. And then a little trip to Betws y Coed, the quaint little village that is also a haven for tourists. But maybe Ken and Deirdre prefer to get away from the tourists!
So those are my choices for a Corrie visit! There are others of course, like Llangollen or St Asaph.
If you're familiar with or come from North Wales, where would you like to see Ken and Deirdre holiday?
Apologies if this post reads like a brochure for North Wales! Couldn't help myself!
Also, if you missed it, here's a blog post I did a couple of years ago about Corrie's links with North Wales.
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