‘Hollywood of the North’ launches TV and film walking tours

Bolton is leaning into its ‘Hollywood of the North’ status by launching TV and film walking tours from the end of this month.

The tours will give television and film enthusiasts the chance to visit key filming spots in Bolton while a tour guide provides insight on where all the hit shows and films were shot.

Hollywood of the North

Locations around Bolton have been used in productions such as Peaky Blinders, A Gentleman in Moscow, Spring and Port Wine, Happy Valley, It’s a Sin, Coronation Street, Alma’s Not Normal and Ridley.

The town’s very own comedy superstar Peter Kay has also used the streets where he grew up as the backdrop for much of his shows Phoenix Nights, That Peter Kay Thing and Car Share.

Leading the tours will be local historian and professional tour guide, Suzanne Hindle.

She said: “The tour offers unique access to areas usually inaccessible to the public, uncovering film location smoke and mirrors with the opportunity to get your TV and film buff thrill as you tread in the footsteps of Thomas Shelby, Alma Nuttall, Sgt Catherine Cawood, and even Rocky Balboa.”

The behind-the-scenes tour will feature the town’s famous filming spots including Le Mans Crescent and the magistrates’ court, thanks to their step-back-in-time architecture and scenery. During the tours, visitors will get to explore the courtroom, cells and crescent corridors whilst hearing tales of how the industry adapts locations to set the scene.

Greater Manchester’s town of culture 2024

Having recently won the award for Greater Manchester’s town of culture 2024, Bolton has run a variety of entertaining arts and culture events around the town, including a Bolton Arts Trail as well as a children’s summer programme filled with free activities taking place around the borough.

Executive cabinet member of culture, Councillor Nadeem Ayub, said: “When thinking up special events and offerings to link to our town of culture award, it was a perfect opportunity to lean into our reputation as the Hollywood of the North.

“With our recently earned status, thanks to numerous high-profile production companies choosing Bolton as one of their key filming spots, we’re so excited to offer these tours to further educate and draw attention to the impact Bolton really does have on the arts and culture industry.

“So many shows and films have been set here, with Bolton’s streets, town centre and the famous Le Mans Crescent appearing in world-famous productions. “These tours will provide further insight and fascinating facts about Bolton’s filming links, that also tie in with the town’s historical and cultural heritage, further helping to shout out about the town’s many assets.”

When are the tours?

The Bolton TV & Film Tours dates are as follows:

Friday, August 30, 1.30 pm
Friday, September 13, 11am and 1.30 pm
Thursday, September 19, 11am and 1.30 pm
Friday, September 27, 11am and 1.30pm
Saturday, September 28, 11am
Thursday, October 3, 6.30pm
Friday, October 4, 1.30pm (Wheelchair accessible)

Tours are suitable for ages 16+ and last approximately 90 minutes.

Tickets for the ‘Hollywood of the North’ tours

Tours will begin from the Bolton Museum Shop, Bolton Library and Museum, Le Mans Crescent, BL1 1SE.

Spots are free, but booking is required, with each tour having a limit of 20 places.
Those interested can book your spot by clicking here