Lights, camera – action! From Hollywood films to bingeworthy shows, Manchester has been the backdrop for tonnes of high-profile productions over the years – most recently on hits like Peaky Blinders and The Crown – so we want to keep you #InnTheKnow about some of the must-see filming spots. Whether you’re exploring the industrial Northern Quarter or strolling around Stockport, visiting some of the top film locations around the city is a great way to spend an afternoon if you’re looking for free days out in Manchester. Plus, thanks to our free Wi-Fi and super comfy beds, our great-value hotels in Manchester are an ideal place to rest easy after a long day ‘on location’!
Best filming locations to visit for free in Manchester
Castlefield
Castlefield
The hit show Peaky Blinders has made use of many Manchester attractions and local spots like Back Piccadilly and Mangle Street throughout its filming. But recently, shooting for season six saw Tommy Shelby in the Castlefield area down by the Deansgate Locks. So whether you’re a fan of the series or just fancy a stroll, the canal is a great place to go for a wander!
Thinking of booking our Premier Inn hotels in Manchester? The nearest one to this attraction is our Premier Inn Manchester City Centre (Deansgate Locks) hotel.
Dale Street
Dale Street
When it comes to famous filming locations in Manchester, Dale Street might just take The Crown! Because as well as the much-loved Netflix show about the Royals, this area in Manchester’s Northern Quarter has provided the backdrop for high-profile films like Captain America: The First Avenger, popular TV shows like Peaky Blinders, and much more.
Thinking of booking our Premier Inn hotels in Manchester? The nearest one to this attraction is our Premier Inn Manchester City (Piccadilly) hotel.
Town Hall
Town Hall
The Town Hall isn’t just one of the most popular places to visit in Manchester for tourists – this impressive piece of architecture has also been a popular filming location for many years. Interestingly, the interior has been used to replicate the Palace of Westminster twice on the big screen – once in Sherlock Holmes in 2009 and again in Darkest Hour in 2017.
Thinking of booking our Premier Inn hotels in Manchester? The nearest one to this attraction is our Premier Inn Manchester Central hotel.
John Rylands Library
John Rylands Library
Located just down the road from the historic Town Hall, the John Rylands Library is a must-visit for bookworms and film-lovers alike. It’s been filmed in a lot thanks to its stunning interior – you might recognise this Manchester attraction from The Limehouse Golem, Peaky Blinders and films like Darkest Hour. It’s also a hit with Harry Potter fans – with its Gothic feel and high-vaulted ceilings, you’ll feel like you’re in the Great Hall!
Thinking of booking our Premier Inn hotels in Manchester? The nearest one to this attraction is our Premier Inn Manchester City Centre West hotel.
Stockport Market Place
Stockport Market Place
From the 1979 feature film Yanks starring Richard Gere to the recent Netflix drama The Stranger, Stockport Market Place has seen its share of big-scale productions over the years. With the Victorian Market Hall at its heart and many local stalls nearby to explore, it’s an ideal place to visit if you’re looking for free things to do in Manchester.
Thinking of booking our Premier Inn hotels in Manchester? The nearest one to this attraction is our Premier Inn Stockport Central hotel.
Whether you’re looking for things to do in Manchester for couples or just an excuse to go sightseeing after binging the latest Netflix series, exploring these popular filming locations is ideal when you’re searching for free outdoor activities in Manchester.