Dobby’s death, which took place in front of Shell Cottage, is one of the most upsetting scenes throughout the whole Harry Potter series. And it happened in Pembrokeshire!

Shell cottage is the home of characters Bill Weasley and Fleur Delacour after they get married. It was built at Freshwater West, Pembrokeshire, one of the filming locations for Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows. People all around Pembrokeshire and further (my family included) flocked to our local beach to see the film set.

Filming took place in May 2010 at Freshwater West and Shell Cottage was removed straight afterwards, likely for safety reasons and to allow another film scene in the same location for Russell Crowe’s Robin Hood.

“Dobby has got a sock. Master threw it, and Dobby caught it, and Dobby — Dobby is free.”

Although Shell Cottage no longer exists there, Dobby’s liberation from the Malfoy family is celebrated by fans in the dunes, where you can find ‘Dobby’s Grave’, a tribute of artistic rocks and symbolic socks.

How to Find Dobby’s Grave

From the car park at Freshwater West, Dobby’s Grave is about a ten minute walk. Follow the concrete path and keep walking until you come across the dunes. Dobby’s Grave – look for a large pile of small rocks – can be easily seen from the beach.

Environment & Safety Warnings

In recent years, The National Trust of Wales has raised envrionmental concerns about the memorial. You can see from the pictures above that it did get a little large, and I believe it has been reduced in size since my visit.

“Items like socks, trinkets, and paint chips from painted pebbles could enter the marine environment and food chain and put wildlife at risk,” the Trust stated.

It is advised that visitors now take photos of the existing grave, rather than adding to it.

Beach warning: Freshwater West also has a safety concern, with the strong rip currents only suitable for strong, experienced swimmers and surfers. A strong rip current can sweep people in the sea from the shore very quickly so please do be careful on this beach.

Have you been to or would you like to visit Dobby’s Grave? Were you there to see the construction of Shell Cottage? Comment below and let me know!