ITV’s crime series Ridley has captured viewers with its gripping stories and stunning scenery. Many fans wonder, “Where is Ridley filmed?” The answer lies across northern England. The show’s creators chose real landscapes instead of studio backdrops. This choice gives Ridley its unique atmosphere.
The towns, moors, and reservoirs of the North play more than a visual role. They express emotion and mirror the detective’s journey. Let’s explore the real locations that make Ridley so memorable.
Why the North of England Was Chosen
The producers filmed Ridley across Lancashire, Yorkshire, Greater Manchester, and Derbyshire. They wanted authentic landscapes that felt real, not polished. Northern England offers wide hills, stone villages, and a quiet strength that suits the show’s tone.
These areas balance beauty and melancholy. The moors look both peaceful and mysterious, making them ideal for crime storytelling. By filming outside the big cities, Ridley achieves a grounded and emotional style.
Main Filming Locations in Series 1
Rural Lancashire and the Pennine Moors
The first season features vast open spaces in Lancashire and the Pennine Hills. These moors add a haunting, poetic quality to each episode. Their foggy views and windswept paths highlight Ridley’s solitude.
The team filmed many outdoor scenes during winter. Natural light and changing weather made the show look more realistic. The countryside reminds viewers that crime stories can unfold far from crowded city streets.
Bolton’s Le Mans Crescent
Bolton became one of the most used locations in Ridley. The town’s impressive Le Mans Crescent served as the police headquarters. Its curved stone architecture and historic charm fit perfectly into the show’s world.
Bolton’s busy streets contrast with the quiet moors. Together, they show two sides of northern life — one urban, one rural. This mix strengthens the show’s visual identity and emotional depth.
Series 2: Expanding the Landscape
Mossley: The Fictional Town of Framley
In the second series, filming moved to Mossley near Oldham. The town became the fictional Framley. Its cobbled streets and steep hills give the show a distinct northern look.
Mossley’s character feels authentic. Its simple beauty and close-knit community reflect the themes of trust and secrecy that run through the series. Every scene filmed here feels rooted in real life.
Derbyshire’s Scenic Countryside
Series 2 also featured parts of Derbyshire. The area’s canals, woodlands, and open fields added new textures to the visuals. These scenes gave viewers moments of calm between tense investigations.
Derbyshire’s landscapes show that the North is more than grey skies and factories. It is full of color, light, and peace — elements that balance Ridley’s darker tone.
Watergrove Reservoir in Rochdale
Ridley’s home by the lake became one of the show’s most iconic settings. These scenes were filmed at Watergrove Reservoir, near Wardle in Rochdale. The calm water and rolling hills create a perfect place for reflection.
Ridley’s home represents his inner peace and his search for closure. The still water mirrors his thoughtful nature. Every shot here feels intimate and symbolic.
How Location Shapes Storytelling
The landscapes in Ridley aren’t just backdrops. They help tell the story. The wide moors show loneliness. The towns reveal history and secrets. The quiet reservoirs offer space for thought and emotion.
Unlike many crime dramas, Ridley moves at a slower, more reflective pace. Its settings allow tension to build naturally. The scenery also shows how the environment shapes the people who live there. Every place feels alive and filled with meaning.
Visiting the Real Locations
Fans can visit most Ridley filming locations. Here are a few must-see spots:
- Mossley – The real-life Framley. Its stone houses and hillside roads offer great views.
- Bolton’s Le Mans Crescent – A grand landmark that served as the police headquarters.
- Watergrove Reservoir – A peaceful Rochdale site perfect for walks and photos.
- Derbyshire Countryside – A mix of trails, canals, and small villages full of northern charm.
When visiting, respect local privacy and filming areas. Many of these sites are public and easy to explore all year round.
The North: A Character of Its Own
The question “Where is Ridley filmed?” leads to something deeper. The North isn’t just a location; it’s part of the show’s soul. Every town, hill, and street adds emotion and truth to Ridley’s world.
Filming in Lancashire, Yorkshire, and Derbyshire brings authenticity. The setting looks raw and human — never artificial. The landscapes remind viewers that beauty and struggle often coexist.
Ridley uses its surroundings to explore resilience, loss, and hope. The result is a series that feels honest, emotional, and deeply northern.
FAQs
Where was the fictional town of Framley filmed?
The production team filmed Framley in the real town of Mossley near Oldham.
What place was used for Ridley’s home?
The lakeside home appears at Watergrove Reservoir near Wardle, Rochdale.
Which building served as the police headquarters?
Filming took place at Bolton’s historic Le Mans Crescent.
Were real moors used in the show?
Yes, the team filmed across Lancashire’s moors and the Pennine Hills for authentic scenery.
Can fans visit the Ridley locations?
Yes. Visitors can explore Bolton, Mossley, and Watergrove Reservoir, which are open to the public.
Why was northern England chosen for filming?
The creators wanted a landscape with realism, depth, and emotion — qualities the North naturally provides.
