Films and tv shows that were filmed in Lancashire

With these stunning settings at hand, it is no surprise to learn that many  films and TV series have been shot right here.

Here are some of the most notable productions that have used Lancashire as their backdrop:

Bank of Dave

Both Bank of Dave movies were filmed in and around Burnley. They focus on the life of businessman Dave Fishwick and his battle with the big banks.

The first movie premiered in 2023 and the film featured at number one on Netflix for a time.  

Bank of Dave 2: The Loan Ranger, also filmed around East Lancashire, was released in January. 

The Bay 

The series, which first aired in March 2019 on ITV1, is set in Morecambe. Missing persons, murders and the lives and relationships of the local police team contribute to a hugely popular TV show.

Morven Christie starred in the first two series, with Marsha Thomason replacing her in the family liaison officer role from series three onwards.

Greatest Days

Filmed in Clitheroe and featuring Take That's greatest hits, it has been lauded as a feel-good movie experience.

It follows five best friends who have the night of their lives seeing their favourite boy band in concert. Twenty-five years later their lives have changed in many different ways as they reunite for one more epic show by their beloved band, to relight their friendship and discover that maybe their greatest days are ahead of them

Andor 

This series in the Star Wars franchise was released in September 2022.

Filming took place in Cleveleys and Blackpool in May 2021.

Boy A 

This gripping drama about a young ex-con Jack, newly released from serving a prison sentence for a murder he committed as a child won several Bafta TV awards, including best actor and best director. It was filmed in Blackpool in 2006.

The Parole Officer

Written by and starring Steve Coogan, was filmed in Blackpool in 2000.

Peter Kay's Max & Paddy’s Road To Nowhere

This spin-off from Phoenix Nights was written by, and starring, Peter Kay and Paddy McGuinness. Filming took place in Blackpool and Preston in 2004.

Nowhere Boy

A biopic of the life of John Lennon, directed by Sam Taylor Wood and starring Kristin Scott Thomas, this feature was filmed in Blackpool for three days in March 2009 on the North Pier and Trafalgar Road. 

Born & Bred

Downham is the fairy-tale village backdrop for Born & Bred, a BBC drama which aired between 2002-2005.

Downham’s village pub, the Assheton Arms, features as The Signalman’s Arms in the programme.

Monty Python’s The Meaning of Life

Crews shot various scenes in Colne in the early 1980s.

Three Men & A Little Lady

Sequel to ‘Three Men & A Baby’ starring Tom Selleck and Ted Danson, the production filmed exteriors at Stonyhurst College in the Ribble Valley in 1990.

Brief Encounter 

Nominated for three Oscars this classic love story starring Celia Johnson and Trevor Howard was filmed at Carnforth Railway Station in 1945

The King’s Speech (2010)

Queen Street Mill was the location for scenes in this multi-Oscar winning film, which told the story of King George VI’s determination to overcome his problems with speech.  Starring Colin Firth, Helena Bonham-Carter and Geoffrey Rush the scenes were shot at the mill in 2009 and the film was released in 2010.

Whistle Down The Wind

Starring Alan Bates and Hayley Mills this 1961 film tells how three children assist an escaped convict they find in their barn, convinced that he is Jesus. The farm used in the film was Worsaw End Farm in Downham. Other locations featured include Burnley and Bacup.

The Trip

This is a six-part comedy drama starring Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon which sees the pair travelling around Lancashire, Cumbria and Yorkshire posing as restaurant critics and is directed by the award-winning Michael Winterbottom (A Mighty Heart, 24 Hour Party People, The Road to Guantanamo).

Filming in Lancashire took place across the Ribble Valley and Lancaster districts in 2010. The Lancashire restaurants/hotels featured are Inn at Whitewell and Hipping Hall.

Waterloo Road 

This popular drama follows the lives of teachers and pupils at Waterloo Road, documenting any mishaps they may have along the way.

While the actual school is based in Rochdale, Greater Manchester many scenes were filmed in Lancashire, including Futures Park in Bacup and Lee Quarry in Rossendale.

A Christmas Carol (2019)

Did you spot Burnley’s Queen Street Mill in the BBC’s adaptation of A Christmas Carol?

The historic venue featured when Ebenezer Scrooge is taken back in time by the Ghost of Christmas Past.

A Monster Calls

A Monster Calls follows the story of Conor, who is visited by a monster while dealing with his mother’s terminal illness as well as school bullies.

This 2016 movie was partly filmed at Blackpool as well as the Great Times Restaurant in Preston.

There was a Crooked Man

There was a crooked man is a Norman Wisdom film from the ‘60s.

It was filmed aroundDarwenand even featured many local residents who stood in as extras.

In the film, Wisdom stars as an explosives expert who uncovers dodgy dealings in his local neighbourhood.

Adultery

While it has not yet been released, ITV crews were filming Hoddlesden and Darwen earlier this year.

In November, film crews were spotted in Darwen, working on Bank Street and Church Bank Street.

Adultery is written and created by BAFTA-winning writer Danny Brocklehurst, known for Fool Me Once and Brassic.

The cast includes Mamma Mia star Dominic Cooper, Romola Garai, Shelley Conn, and Matthew McNulty.

Peaky Blinders

Are you a fan of this period crime drama?

It’s set in Birmingham and follows the exploits of the Shelby family in the aftermath of the war.

However, did you know that some scenes were filmed across Lancashire?

The tower featured on the third episode of the 2019 series. 

Lee Quarry in Bacup was also a filming location. Cast and crew also descended in 2022 for one day only at the end of April and filmed scenes at Beacon Fell in the Forest of Bowland