Bolton to Launch TV and Film Location Walking Tours as Town Gains “Hollywood of the North” Reputation
Bolton, a town in Greater Manchester, is set to capitalize on its growing reputation as the “Hollywood of the north” by launching television and film location walking tours. The town has seen a surge in filming activity, with crews from Netflix, BBC, ITV, and other production companies spending a total of 88 days filming in Bolton in 2023 alone.
The town’s picturesque locations, including the iconic cobbles and grand architecture of Le Mans Crescent and the town hall, have been featured in numerous productions over the years. Popular shows like Happy Valley, The Reckoning, Gentleman in Moscow, and Alma’s Not Normal have all partially filmed in Bolton, showcasing the town’s unique charm on screen.
One of the most anticipated productions to feature Bolton is the Netflix mystery drama series Fool Me Once, starring Michelle Keegan and Joanna Lumley. The town has also been a backdrop for acclaimed dramas like Happy Valley, where scenes like an intense court escape were filmed in the town center.
Bolton’s recognition as a cultural hub has been further solidified by being named the fourth Greater Manchester town of culture. In light of this, the council is planning to launch TV and film walking tours in late summer, allowing visitors to explore the iconic filming locations and even snap a selfie at famous spots like the dock from Happy Valley.
With a star-studded list of productions filmed in Bolton, including Peaky Blinders, It’s a Sin, and Brassic, the town has become a hotspot for both local and international filmmakers. The council has reported that filming activities have brought in over £1 million in income over the past four years, highlighting the economic benefits of the town’s growing reputation in the entertainment industry.
As Bolton continues to attract filmmakers and audiences alike, the upcoming TV and film location walking tours are expected to be a hit among fans eager to experience the magic of “Hollywood of the north” firsthand.
