The castle Death Valley was filmed in is real, medieval, and open to visitors
Season 2 of Death Valley opened with a body at "Caerfedw Castle" — a grand medieval fortress that had fans of the BBC's Welsh cozy-crime hit reaching for Google. The castle isn't called Caerfedw, and it isn't fictional either.
It's Raglan Castle in Monmouthshire, southeast Wales — and you can walk right in.
The real castle behind Caerfedw
When the comedy-drama returned on May 17, 2026, the premiere sent retired TV detective John Chapel (Timothy Spall) and DS Janie Mallowan (Gwyneth Keyworth) to investigate a man found dead while serving community service at the castle. Every stone of it is real: the production filmed on location at Raglan, just outside Abergavenny.
Keyworth turned out to be as taken with the place as the audience was.
"In episode one we filmed at Raglan Castle and I hadn't been before," she told TV Guide UK in 2026, adding that as a self-confessed history buff she spent her breaks wandering the grounds researching its past.
A quick history of Raglan
Raglan was built mainly in the 15th century for the powerful Herbert family and ranks as one of the last true fortified castles ever constructed in Britain — a genuine medieval stronghold, not a Victorian imitation. Its downfall came in the 17th century during the English Civil War, after which it fell into decline. Today it survives as a remarkably well-preserved ruin, open to visitors — just check opening times before making the trip.
The other filming locations in season 2
Raglan isn't the only real place doing fictional work this season:
- Little Haven and Milford Haven — two Pembrokeshire fishing towns that combine to play the seaside village of Abertonnau in episode 2.
- Margam Castle, Port Talbot — a second castle, standing in for the set of a fantasy streaming drama in episode 3.
- Coed Hills, St Hilary — the rural arts space that becomes episode 4's commune.
- Maesteg Rugby Club — the proudly Welsh setting for the season finale.
- Brod bakery, Penarth — the real coffee shop where Chapel gets his regular fix.
Can you visit?
Yes — that's the best part. Unlike plenty of TV castles that turn out to be sets, private estates, or three different buildings stitched together in the edit, Raglan is a public heritage site. You can stand exactly where the murder scenes were shot.
Just try not to find a body.