VISIT LEEDS’ TOP FILMING LOCATIONS

Gentleman Jack, Peaky Blinders and Bank of Dave – what do they have in common? All of these fantastic films and TV shows chose Leeds among their filming locations!

Leeds has played host to some of the TV and film world’s most popular shows in recent history, with stately homes, city streets, bars and restaurants all being used to help tell some of the silver screen’s most well known stories.

We’ve now revealed filming locations from some of the most popular British shows and films in recent history, so you can tick them off your list on your visit to the city. Lights, camera, action!

 

 

Better filmed at the Corn Exchange, Bond Court, Queens Hotel and Sheesh Mahal restaurant

BBC drama ‘Better’ chose to film the show exclusively in Leeds and the West Yorkshire area in 2022, ahead of the show’s launch earlier this year. A nail biting police thriller that explores a cop looking to turn her life around, the five-episode thriller boasts lead actors Leila Farzad and Andrew Buchan as the shining stars.

The TV series got off to a flying start with the opening scene taking place in Grand Pacific, the decadent bar of the Queens Hotel in Leeds, so sip like Col and Lou on your next visit here! And to eat just like Col, reserve a table at his favourite restaurant, Sheesh Mahal, a Leeds institution located on Kirkstall Road.

A jewel in Leeds’ shopping crown, the Corn Exchange, a Grade-I listed building designed by revered British architect Cuthbert Broderick, first opened its doors to corn traders in 1864. With unique architecture and a colourful, bustling vibe, it’s no surprise that Better chose to film here, with scenes shot at the Hidden Wardrobe, a fashion and accessories boutique inside the Corn Exchange.

Other filming locations include The Capitol Building at the city’s business district of Bond Court, which was used as the Central Yorkshire Police Station in the show.

 

 

Happy Valley filmed at Kirkgate Market, Leeds Station and wider West Yorkshire locations

One of the most-talked about shows in recent time, Happy Valley was shot in locations across the West Yorkshire area, bringing the story of Catherine and Claire to life.

The hit TV show is primarily shot in Halifax, Sowerby Bridge, Hebden Bridge, Ripponden and Calderdale – beautiful locations that are all within easy reach of Leeds and just one of the ways you can Love Leeds for longer. Hop on a train or take the car to one of these nearby areas to fully be immersed in Happy Valley, and you’ll be there in less than an hour.

But Leeds also gets its moment in the sun! Leeds Train Station is used throughout the show, an instantly recognisable location for all travellers coming in and out of the city. The exterior of Kirkgate Market, the biggest indoor market in Europe and the birthplace of M&S, is also used in the show’s third season, where you’ll see Tommy Royce cycling past the market and up Vicar Line after breaking out of Leeds Crown Court.

Peaky Blinders filmed at Leeds City Varieties Music Hall and Leeds Town Hall

One of the most popular dramas to grace our screens in a long time, Peaky Blinders follows the lives of the infamous Shelby family in the early 20th century. Starring A-list royalty Cillian Murphy, Tom Hardy and Anya Taylor-Joy, Leeds and the wider West Yorkshire area was used as the filming location across the show’s nine year run.

Going back to series one, City Varieties Music Hall takes centre stage for episode one and two. A significant landmark in Leeds’ history and holding the Guinness World Record for the country’s oldest music hall in operation, there’s little surprise that it was so easily transformed to both a 1919 cinema named Penny Crush, and a glitzy Opera House for the show.

Leeds Town Hall featured in several episodes focusing on Tommy’s political campaign and rally in season five – so step into Tommy’s footsteps and visit here on your next trip to the city.

Further afield, a number of filming locations for the series are within close reach of Leeds.

Keighley Railway and Salts Mill in the beautiful village of Saltaire were frequently used as a filming location throughout the show’s run, while the picturesque Bolton Abbey was also host to a number of scenes here. Why not make a day trip out of it, and explore these wonderful locations in one day? You can access them easily from central Leeds.

Bank of Dave filmed at Park Square, Duck and Drake, Bond Court, Wellington Street … and more!

A feel-good drama following the story of car dealer Dave Fishwick, Bank of Dave has been a runaway hit since debuting this year. Even better, several Leeds filming locations were used to bring this story to life.

Leeds city locations credited include Park Square, a quaint park in the heart of the city’s financial district, the historic Duck and Drake Pub, the Union Coffee House, luxury city-centre escape Dakota Hotel, romantic French restaurant Kendell’s Bistro as well as the streets of Central Square and Wellington Street.

The majestic Bowcliffe Hall in Bramham, just 12 miles out of the city centre, was also a key filming location in the film.

With so much to explore, you can really make a day of exploring these pivotal locations on your trip to the city!

Gentleman Jack filmed at Bramham Park, Temple Newsam and Harewood House and Estate

Following the story of infamous diarist Anne Lister, hit TV show Gentleman Jack sees Suranne Jones reprise the leading role, and is shot in various locations around Leeds and the wider West Yorkshire area.

Shibden Hall is perhaps the most important filming location in the show, and for good reason! Shibden Hall was once the actual home of Anne Lister in the 19th century, with many of the show’s key scenes filmed here throughout the series. Shibden Hall is a magnificent 15th century building (said to be one of the most haunted homes in the area, too!) and you can easily visit this wonderful piece of history from Leeds.

As well as being used to film Bank of Dave, Bramham Park also acts as the exterior to Skelfer House in the show, while the magnificent interior of the historic Temple Newsam is used throughout with scenes filmed in the Drawing Room, The Georgian Library  and  Mr Woods Library. Another of Leeds historic houses, the beautiful grounds of Harewood House were used to film breathtaking scenes, while city-centre Park Square was used yet again in Gentleman Jack, transformed into 1830’s to shoot some exterior scenes. .

So, Leeds is a must-visit for all Gentleman Jack fans out there!

 

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There’s so much to do in Leeds, so it’s no surprise the city catches the eye of TV’s top production companies. Visit today to live life like your favourite TV shows, and find out more of what Leeds has to offer here. We can’t wait to welcome you!