Brits, like most people, are obsessed with a good box set. The behind-the-scenes secrets, raw passion, and gritty investigations of TV dramas draw in millions of viewers. One show that has reached iconic status is “Peaky Blinders“, following the rise of the anti-hero Thomas Shelby.
When Tommy Shelby strides across the cobbles through a thick mist, viewers are convinced they are looking at 1920s Birmingham. However, only true enthusiasts and local residents know that a significant portion of the series was actually filmed in Manchester and its surrounding areas. To dive deeper into which parts of the city appear in the hit show, one can explore the Manchester-trend website.
Why Manchester Was Chosen Over Birmingham
Manchester is a goldmine of historical locations, offering untouched vistas that can mirror the cityscapes of the past, present, and future. The city boasts a wealth of heritage sites that directors find irresistible. The show’s creators admitted that the cobbles, canals, and tunnels perfectly captured the “Peaky Blinders” aesthetic. Additionally, the city centre offers a variety of cafes, period townhouses, and open spaces that are ideal for film production.
It is worth noting that during filming, the production team worked closely with local authorities, transport services, and businesses to ensure a lasting legacy for the community. With all the necessary locations and buildings situated within the city or its outskirts, transporting equipment and props was a seamless process. While Manchester was a primary hub, some scenes were also captured in nearby Liverpool.
Famous Districts
The most recognisable Manchester location is undoubtedly Castlefield. This area served as the backdrop for scenes involving docks, industrial yards, and criminal underworld hangouts. The stone arches, railway bridges, and narrow canal towpaths perfectly evoke the gloomy atmosphere of post-war Britain. These spots provided the ultimate setting for smuggling operations and clandestine meetings.
The streets of Castlefield, particularly around Duke Street, appear frequently. The original cobbles and towering warehouse walls required minimal CGI; once smoke and vintage cars were added, viewers were instantly transported back a century. The district became a stunning canvas for some of the show’s most gripping moments.
Another vital location was the Northern Quarter. Better known today for its hipster coffee shops and vintage boutiques, it was transformed into the streets of Birmingham and London for the show. Its back alleys hosted several shootouts and tense stand-offs. The architecture here is so authentic that it is frequently used for Hollywood blockbusters. Fans can also spot the former heart of the cotton industry, with its narrow lanes and industrial skyline, throughout the series.
Iconic Buildings
While Manchester’s streets set the tone, producers looked to the city’s grand architecture for interior shots and specific set pieces. Since every building carries its own history, many scenes were filmed in genuine local landmarks.
Here are some of the most famous Manchester buildings used in the production:
- Manchester Town Hall: Although currently closed for refurbishment, its corridors and halls have frequently stood in for official government buildings in the series.
- London Road Fire Station: This magnificent building, which now houses a boutique hotel, spent years in a state of atmospheric decay. Filmmakers loved the derelict corridors and courtyard, which perfectly suited the show’s gritty vibe.
- Victoria Baths: Located near the city centre, this 1906 Edwardian swimming pool complex offers tours showcasing its star turns in TV dramas. You can see the filter room used for a famous scene involving Tom Hardy. Interestingly, the pool itself was used for the horse auction scene where Tommy Shelby meets May Carleton—the floor was simply covered in sawdust to mimic a parade ring.
- Rochdale Town Hall: Technically in Greater Manchester, this building provided a variety of backdrops, from the Great Hall to the Mayor’s Dining Room. With its hand-painted walls and carved angels, it doubled as the halls of Westminster and the elite gentlemen’s clubs frequented by Tommy.
- Stockport Plaza: The production crew was often spotted in Stockport, using this beautiful Art Deco cinema and theatre. Its perfectly preserved 1930s architecture provided an ideal period-accurate setting.
Ultimately, Manchester served as a premier filming hub for “Peaky Blinders”, boosting the city’s appeal to tourists. Today, many fans embark on location tours to see these iconic sites for themselves, walking in the footsteps of the Shelby family.
Sources used:
- https://themanc.com/tv-showbiz/all-the-peaky-blinders-filming-locations-around-manchester-as-final-season-ends/
- https://www.alliedlondon.com/london-road-fire-station/
- https://www.visitmanchester.com/ideas-and-inspiration/blog/post/go-behind-the-screens-with-victoria-baths-a-tv-drama-inspired-tour-is-coming-to-manchester-s-historic-water-palace/
- https://www.filminginengland.co.uk/where-did-peaky-blinders-series-6-shoot/
