Why West Lancashire is the Perfect Place to Film
West Lancashire is fast becoming one of the UK’s most sought-after locations for film and television productions, and it’s easy to see why. With its stunning natural landscapes, historic sites, and vibrant towns, the region offers a versatile and picturesque backdrop for all kinds of filming, from major feature films to gripping TV dramas.
A Filming Hub for Major Productions
West Lancashire’s diverse settings have made it the perfect choice for an increasing number of productions. The success of ITV’s The Bay, set amidst the stunning landscapes of Morecambe Bay, has showcased the region’s natural beauty and breath-taking coastal views. It’s just one example of how the area is becoming synonymous with high-quality television drama.
But it’s not just coastal beauty that draws filmmakers here. The region’s historic buildings, picturesque villages, and wide-open countryside offer the ideal location for a range of genres, from period dramas to contemporary thrillers.
The Versatility of West Lancashire
West Lancashire’s unique combination of historical charm and modern appeal makes it the perfect location for all kinds of filming. From ancient castles and industrial sites to thriving town centres and rolling countryside, the area offers diverse environments for storytelling. Films and dramas such as World on Fire, Brassic, and War of the Worlds have all made use of Lancashire’s impressive locations. Whether it’s rural landscapes, charming townscapes, or historical architecture, West Lancashire offers it all.
Iconic Locations for Big Productions
Blackpool, a favourite filming destination in Lancashire, continues to play a starring role in many major productions, including Tim Burton’s Miss Peregrine’s Home For Peculiar Children. But the beauty of West Lancashire lies in its understated charm, with locations like Rivington Pike near Chorley showcasing its natural splendor in films like A Monster Calls. The area’s landscapes, from sweeping views of the countryside to serene lake settings, provide the perfect backdrop for any production.
West Lancashire’s industrial heritage is also a key draw for filmmakers. Locations like the Queen Street Mill Textile Museum, the world’s last surviving steam-powered weaving mill, have featured in iconic films such as The King’s Speech, bringing an authentic, historic touch to dramatic scenes.
A Growing Filming Destination
West Lancashire continues to attract a wide range of productions, from dramas and soaps like Coronation Street to exciting documentary projects. The growing interest in the area proves that it’s not only a beautiful place to visit but also a fantastic choice for filmmakers. With its variety of locations, from serene countryside to bustling urban areas, West Lancashire is becoming a go-to destination for productions looking for authenticity, beauty, and diversity.
Whether you’re shooting a gritty crime drama or an uplifting period film, West Lancashire offers everything you need to bring your vision to life. Its stunning locations and welcoming atmosphere make it the perfect place for your next filming project.
Creative England is dedicated to the growth of the creative industries and manages the National Film Office service. Nick Beech, Production Liaison Manager at Creative England, who supports feature film and drama to shoot in the English regions, said;
“It’s a huge show of confidence that world-class production companies such as Red Productions and Mammoth Screen are returning to shoot quality dramas in Lancashire for our biggest broadcasters, such as BBC, Sky, Netflix and Amazon.
Lancashire is now firmly on the map for TV and film, and it’s testament to the great welcome and support given by our Local Authority and tourism partners in Lancashire.”
Filming in Lancashire looks likely to go from strength to strength, which is something that everyone in Lancashire can be very proud of.
If you’d like to register a location for filming, see the Location Registration page.
If you’re looking to film in the area, please visit creativeengland.co.uk/filming-in-england for further information on Lancashire’s film locations.
