Wales is an incredible country, full of one of a kind sights, so it’s no surprise it's such a hotspot for celebrities.
Many famous faces have been spotted enjoying the area from Tom Hardy and Harrison Ford to The Beatles and JFK, as reported by Wales Online.
Some celebrities have been snapped while they were enjoying holidays, while others have been pictured in shops and funfairs during their work break.
READ MORE: Love Island winner Millie Court introduced to Wales by Liam Reardon as he returns home
We’ve rounded up the famous face, and why they were in Wales:
Tom Hardy filming in Cardiff
![Tom Hardy poses for a selfie with police officers in Ely Tesco](https://i2-prod.walesonline.co.uk/incoming/article21259238.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/1_JKR_782021_TomHardy2.jpg)
Hollywood A-lister Tom Hardy has recently been causing a stir on social media after being spotted out and about in Cardiff.
The film star was seen popping into an M&S store in the Welsh capital – and now he’s been spotted with some police officers.
The Venom actor has been in South Wales filming a new movie for Netflix.
Russell Brand on holiday in Pwllheli
![](https://i2-prod.dailypost.co.uk/incoming/article21113037.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/1_Asda.jpg)
Comedian and podcast host Russell Brand stopped for a selfie with fans after being spotted shopping in Asda.
The 46-year-old was seen keeping things cool at the supermarket giant's Pwllheli store in Gwynedd on July 21.
And despite wearing a facemask, the Rock of Ages and Forgetting Sarah Marshall star was instantly recognised by fans who took the opportunity to snap a selfie with him.
Alan Carr on holiday in Barmouth
![](https://i2-prod.dailypost.co.uk/incoming/article21218790.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/0_Alan-Carr-4JPG.jpg)
Alan Carr was on holiday in North Wales - and it looked like he's truly making the most of his visit.
The top comedian shared snaps of his trips to popular tourist spots across the region with his 1 million followers on Instagram.
The ‘Chatty Man’ comic and posted a great picture of himself enjoying the amusements at an arcade in Barmouth, Gwynedd earlier today - leaving some fans "gutted" that they had missed out on an opportunity to meet the TV host.
Craig Charles spotted in Llandudno
![Craig Charles (left) was spotted in Llandudno by Matt Stuart (right) earlier this week.](https://i2-prod.dailypost.co.uk/incoming/article21293047.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/0_Craig-Charles.jpg)
Craig Charles was spotted in North Wales and was a "happy customer" earlier this week.
The actor, best known for his role as Dave Lister on Red Dwarf, was in Llandudno on Tuesday (August 10), where he was served at Llandudno Pier fish and chips shop.
Matt Stuart, from Conwy, is a server at the business and took a selfie with the Coronation Street star, which was posted on Facebook. He called Craig a "happy customer."
Forest Whitaker filming in Cardiff
![](https://i2-prod.dailypost.co.uk/incoming/article21450771.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/0_Forest-WhitakerjpgFires.jpg)
Actor Forest Whitaker shared pictures from his time off in between shooting a new film in Wales.
The 60-year-old is currently filming a new Netflix film called Havoc alongside Tom Hardy, who has also been spotted spending time away from shoots in the country recently.
The Oscar-winner tweeted “Enjoying time in beautiful Wales before going back to set" along with four pictures of himself in Penarth, Cardiff on August 31.
Coleen Rooney on holiday in Abersoch
![Coleen Rooney has shared photos of herself and her children from a recent beach trip](https://i2-prod.dailypost.co.uk/incoming/article21235429.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/0_Coleen-Rooney.jpg)
Earlier this year Coleen Rooney shared photos of herself and her kids at the beach, after being spotted in North Wales recently.
The 35-year-old, who has been married to Wayne Rooney since 2008, was seen in Gwynedd with her family early last week, amid controversy surrounding her husband.
She was later photographed at a beach in Abersoch and was understood to have spent time on the Llyn Peninsula recently with her children and her parents.
Harrison Ford on a canal boat near Llangollen
![Harrison Ford arrives at the 73rd annual Golden Globe Awards in Beverly Hills](https://i2-prod.dailypost.co.uk/incoming/article13427421.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/0_JS111880727.jpg)
The Indiana Jones and Star Wars legend, along with his wife Calista ' Ally McBeal' Flockhart and her adopted son Liam, enjoyed a quiet family break on the waterways around Llangollen back in 2004.
"It was just the three of us and it was really fun - a real pleasure," said the superstar. "I've often taken narrowboat journeys in France and England too – it’s something I like to do. There’s nothing quite like it to slow your life down."
Nicolas Cage in Cardiff Bay
![](https://i2-prod.glasgowlive.co.uk/incoming/article13862091.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/CS79796427.jpg)
The eccentric US actor stunned fans by quietly sipping coffee in a cafe on the waterfront of weather-battered Cardiff Bay in 2009.
Cage refused to disclose why he was in the Welsh capital – but dismissed speculation that he was to appear in Dr Who.
"I'm here on private business," he said. "I like Dr Who but it's not what I’m here for."
Johnny Depp at The Red Lion in Penderyn
![](https://i2-prod.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/incoming/article19363472.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/0_Johnny-Depp-Libel-Trial-Enters-Third-Week.jpg)
In 2004 Hollywood heart-throb Johnny Depp sat sipping pints in a remote pub in Penderyn, near Aberdare.
Disbelieving staff and patrons at The Red Lion pub didn't realise the Oscar-nominated superstar had dropped in until much later when they read about him filming a movie called The Libertine in Powys.
The Pirates Of The Caribbean legend, along with his then partner Vanessa Paradis, was first seen taking photos of St Cynog’s Church opposite, which led one dog walker to inform the landlord he might have "some foreign visitors."
Anthony Perkins at The Angel Hotel, Cardiff
![](https://i2-prod.walesonline.co.uk/incoming/article15954375.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/1_perks2JPG.jpg)
Oscar-nominated Anthony Perkins shot to fame playing deeply disturbed mummy’s boy Norman Bates in Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho.
But in 1989 the late star found himself arrested on drugs charges at Cardiff’s Angel Hotel, where he was staying whilst filming a series of mystery films for HTV.
It seems that, before leaving the States, he decided to take a small amount of homegrown cannabis – enough to make up no more than six joints – and post it to his new, temporary address in the UK.
Unfortunately, the package arrived before he did and was mistakenly handed to a completely different guest at the hotel, also called Perkins.
The police were called and the "deeply embarrassed" actor ended up at Cardiff Magistrates’ Court where he was fined £200.
John Malkovich at The Big Sleep Hotel, Cardiff
![](https://i2-prod.walesonline.co.uk/incoming/article9916497.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/rdhr_mai_230815John-Malkovich_01.jpg)
Famous actors staying in plush hotels? Nothing new there.
That said, you don't expect to see John Malkovich wandering around the foyer of a Cardiff stop-over dressed only in his PJs and dressing gown - which is exactly the sight that greeted everyone at the launch of the city's Big Sleep hotel in 1999.
Malkovich, who co-owned the venue, spend most of the day being interviewed in a bed brought down from one of the upper rooms.
Charlton Heston in a Llanishen tights factory
![Charlton Heston arrives at Newcastle Airport, with his wife Lydia](https://i2-prod.chroniclelive.co.uk/incoming/article12911904.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/IRR_NEC_170417charlton_01jpg.jpg)
On a visit to Cardiff in 1952, the legendary star of Hollywood classics such as Ben Hur and Planet Of The Apes dropped in at Brocklehurst Yarns nylon factory in Llanishen.
The iconic actor took a tour of the shop floor, offices and even the canteen, before heading off to South Wales Caravan Distributors Ltd in Ely to press the flesh and sign autographs.
The Beatles in a Harlech barbershop
![A letter from Paul McCartney to Irene Brierley in which he settled a long-standing 'debt' from before he achieved worldwide fame, which is set to be auctioned](https://i2-prod.dailypost.co.uk/incoming/article20275509.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/0_Beatles-letter.jpg)
![](https://i2-prod.coventrytelegraph.net/incoming/article19881910.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/2_JS228676788.jpg)
In their very early days, Paul McCartney and George Harrison rehearsed with a local band called The Vikings in the basement of a barbershop in Harlech - now a newsagents/gift shop.
One female neighbour even claimed to have heard the Fab Two jamming as she tried to relax in her bath in the flat upstairs.
John F. Kennedy in Charles Street, Cardiff
![](https://i2-prod.liverpoolecho.co.uk/incoming/article16843676.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/0_lec_tdr_310819kennedy_01.jpg)
While in his early 20s, the man who would be one of the USA's most iconic (and tragic) presidents stayed at St Donat's Castle.
Taking in the local scenery, JFK visited the lighthouse at Nash Point in Vale of Glamorgan and even indulged in a spot of genuflection at St David's Catholic Cathedral in Charles Street, Cardiff.
Bear Grylls owns a private island
![NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 28: Bear Grylls visits Build to discuss the series "Hostile Planet" at Build Studio on March 28, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images)](https://i2-prod.dailypost.co.uk/incoming/article18205703.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/2_Celebrities-Visit-Build-March-28-2019.jpg)
Tv adventurer Bear Grylls owns a private island off the coast of the Llyn Peninsula and is no stranger to the region.
The star recently made headlines after his son Jesse followed in his footsteps and jumped off a cliff - leaving fans absolutely terrified.
Kem Cetinay climbing Snowodn
![Kem rose to fame on Love Island, but before his TV success he used to be a hairdresser in Essex](https://i2-prod.mylondon.news/incoming/article21365856.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/2_JS236227687.jpg)
Love Island winner Kem Cetinay visited Gwynedd earlier this summer with his brother Izzy Cetinay and friends. The group spent time in Caernarfon and climbed Snowdon.
It's not the first time Kem has visited the region. He came to Denbighshire during his relationship with Amber Davies, from Denbigh - with whom he won Love Island.
Charlotte Dawson on holiday in Pwllheli
![](https://i2-prod.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/incoming/article21329473.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/1_JSR_MEN_170821_CharlotteDawson.jpg)
Reality TV star Charlotte Dawson and former England rugby player Matt Sarsfield had their "first family holiday away" with son Noah, born in January, last month.
The family visited Porthmadog and Portmeirion on their getaway at the Haven site Greenacres in Morfa Bychan. They also spent a day at the Hafan y Mor site in Pwllheli.
Charlotte, the daughter of late comedian Les Dawson, said they were "making the best memories" during their holiday, calling the region a "beautiful part of the world."
The getaway was particularly memorable for the Ex on the Beach alum as it was the first time son Noah had touched sand and been in the sea, making for a "special night."
Kerry Katona ghost hunting at Gwrych Castle
![](https://i2-prod.dailypost.co.uk/incoming/article20779511.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/1_SER_DPW_090621KATONA_01jpeg.jpg)
Kerry Katona joined paranormal investigators at Gwrych Castle in Abergele as part of a ghost hunt back in June.
It came following the property's use on I'm a Celebrity last year, with Kerry having won the third series in 2004.
The investigation in Conwy, live-streamed on Facebook, is said to have 'terrified' the former Atomic Kitten singer.
Sean Fletcher filming in Gwynedd
![Sean Fletcher visited parts of Gwynedd yesterday (June 15) after coming to the region to film for Coast & Country.](https://i2-prod.dailypost.co.uk/incoming/article20832344.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/0_Sean-Fletcher.jpg)
Good Morning Britain presenter Sean Fletcher has visited the region a few times this year, including having explored Gwynedd in June for ITV Wales' Coast & Country.
He enjoyed views in Snowdonia and even went for a run in Caernarfon, passing the town's iconic castle. During his visit, he even spoke to a local in "perfect" Welsh.
Sign up to the Love North Wales newsletter
![](https://i2-prod.dailypost.co.uk/incoming/article18143438.ece/ALTERNATES/s615/2_Caernarfon-Castle.jpg)
Did you know we offer a free Love North Wales newsletter?
Whether you live in the region or just like to visit the area, our weekly newsletter will bring you inspiration for the best places to visit, eat, shop and have fun in North Wales.
To sign up to the weekly Love North Wales newsletter click here.
Sara Cox on holiday in Anglesey
Radio presenter Sara Cox had a "glorious weekend" on Anglesey with her family in June. The group visited local areas including Newborough and Menai Bridge.
She praised the Codmother in Newborough for giving her "possibly the best fish and chips [she's] ever had." She described the local beach as "so beautiful and clean."
And further praising Anglesey on her BBC Radio 2 show after the trip, she said the area was "absolutely beautiful" and described the local community as "beautiful people."
Craig Revel Horwood and Bruno Tonioli filming in Gwynedd
![Craig Revel Horwood and Bruno Tonioli will be shown climbing Snowdon on their ITV travel show tonight](https://i2-prod.dailypost.co.uk/incoming/article21162354.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/0_Craig-Bruno-2.jpg)
Strictly Come Dancing judges Craig Revel Horwood and Bruno Tonioli visited Gwynedd and Anglesey in late May.
As reported previously, the pair came to the region for their six-part travel show, Craig And Bruno's Great British Road Trip, which is currently airing weekly on ITV.
It brought them to places like Harlech, Portmeirion and Holy Island. Their road trip around Snowdonia also saw them climb Snowdon as reported recently.
Craig described the mountain range as "spectacular," whilst Bruno said of Wales: "It has this kind of wild, Game of Thrones quality. [It's] steeped in myths and legends."
Greg James, Jordan North and Vernon Kay filming in Abergele
Greg James and Jordan North visited Gwrych Castle in Abergele as part of BBC Radio 1's Summer Breakout last month. Vick Hope was on the tour with them though it's unclear if she visited North Wales.
Vernon Kay, who appeared on last year's I'm a Celebrity alongside Jordan, reunited with him at the castle, where the series had been held. They participated in a scavenger hunt in search of clues as part of a challenge.
Tina O'Brien at Adventure Parc Snowdonia
![](https://i2-prod.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/incoming/article21055082.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/1_JSR_MEN_140721_CorrieTinaJPG.jpg)
Coronation Street actor Tina O'Brien, who plays Sarah Barlow on the ITV soap, came to Conwy last month and enjoyed spending time at Adventure Parc Snowdonia.
During the visit, she posted a photo of herself at the Surf Snowdonia inland lagoon, located in the park near the village Dolgarrog. Tina said she "can't wait to come back."
Jodie Kidd filming at Surf Snowdonia
![](https://i2-prod.dailypost.co.uk/incoming/article16858695.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/2_Jodie-Kidd-and-her-husband-Joe-at-Adventure-Park-Snowdonia-August-28.jpg)
A world famous supermodel was left "blown away" by North Wales during her visit to the area.
Former Loose Women star Jane McDonald is touring the globe to help people find the perfect holiday as part of a new travel show.
Every episode will see her enlist the help of some famous faces and this week's The Travelogue show sees North Wales thrust unIt'sder the spotlight.
Are there any celebrity sightings that we have missed? Tell us about them in the comment section below.