Big breaks for Cardiff

Doctor Who and Torchwood have helped push Cardiff into the top 10 of short-break UK destinations.

travelsupermarket.com compiled the list from searches made on its website for UK holiday destinations.

It spoke to travel experts who identified a trend based on popular films and TV shows. It showed that both Doctor Who and Torchwood, which are filmed in Cardiff and across south-east Wales, attract fans keen to visit landmark locations.

One popular attraction is the Doctor Who Up Close exhibition in the Red Dragon Centre, which was set up with the help of council funding.

Cardiff Council said the city was building a "tourism package" on the back of the success of the programmes.

Cardiff Council leader Rodney Berman, pictured, welcomed the news.

He said: "Doctor Who and Torchwood have undoubtedly helped raise the profile of Cardiff, and we know from inquiries received in our Visitor Centre and through our websites that people are interested in seeing the locations and the Doctor Who exhibition.

"I feel especially satisfied that the exhibition is doing well, as I believe I can claim to have had a personal hand in its development. Back in 2004, I asked council officers to approach BBC Wales to see if we could agree to stage a Doctor Who-related event as part of the city's centenary celebrations in 2005. That led to the council funding the exhibition when it was first established, which allowed it to open initially on a free-of-charge basis."

He added: "Cardiff is proud of being the home of Doctor Who and Torchwood, although it is also important to remember that visitors attracted by the programmes are finding that Cardiff has a lot more to offer for a short break.

“Attractions like Cardiff Castle and the National Museum, Cardiff Bay, a varied events programme and excellent hotels all add up to a very attractive package for visitors, and we're very pleased to be able to add programmes like Doctor Who and Torchwood to the mix."