Film was filmed across various locations in Greater Manchester, England, transforming the real-world towns and landmarks into the fictional Northern English town of Framley. The series follows Alex Ridley, a retired detective inspector portrayed by Adrian Dunbar, who gets pulled back into police work as a consultant. Created by Paul Matthew Thompson, who is also known for the long-running crime drama Vera, the show blends classic British detective storytelling with the atmospheric industrial landscapes of Northern England. The production made extensive use of real pubs, historic buildings, reservoirs, and town centers to build a convincing fictional world. Bolton Civic Centre served multiple purposes, housing both the police station exterior and interior sets including a jazz club. The picturesque town of Mossley stood in for Framley itself, with its steep streets, railway station, and church-topped skyline providing the establishing shots. The second season expanded filming into Bury, Oldham, Altrincham, and even Derbyshire, featuring everything from 17th-century farmhouses to Victorian factories along the Peak Forest Canal.

Filming locations:

Copelton District Police Force Station

In the movie

Scene where the exterior of the Copelton District Police Force station appears, with the imposing civic architecture standing in for a working police headquarters in the fictional town of Framley

In reality

The scene was filmed Bolton Magistrates' Court, part of the Bolton Civic Centre complex, is a Grade II-listed building completed in 1939 situated along Le Mans Crescent. This impressive civic building was also used as the Cedarfield police station in the 2020 Netflix series The Stranger. The crescent-shaped façade makes it a versatile filming location for institutional buildings.

Ridley's lake house

In the movie

Scene where Ridley's secluded lake house is seen in its picturesque setting by the water, serving as the retired detective's home where he retreats to think, play music, and process the cases he's working on.

In reality

The scene was filmed Watergrove Reservoir is located near Rochdale in the Valley of Watergrove. Constructed in the 1930s to supply drinking water to the surrounding area, the reservoir is surrounded by walking trails and open countryside, offering a tranquil and somewhat remote setting that perfectly suited the character's need for solitude and reflection.

Argenti Jewellers (as Benthams Jewellers)

In the movie

Scene where the characters visit Benthams Jewellers in the first episode of the second season, "A Sleeping Tiger", establishing an early plot point in the investigation that kicks off the new series of cases.

In reality

The scene was filmed an independent jewellery store situated in the heart of Ashton-under-Lyne, approximately six miles east of Manchester city centre. The shop was used to portray Benthams Jewellers in the opening episode of season two, titled "A Sleeping Tiger". It sits within the town's commercial district and blends in with other local retail establishments.