The English Game, by Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes, follows the rise of football in the Victorian age and some of it was filmed in Halifax. In the series, characters could be seen training at Manor Heath Park and Brackenbed Lane was also used in the series. Film crews were also spotted in Sowerby Bridge when filming took place in 2019.placeholder image
The English Game, by Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes, follows the rise of football in the Victorian age and some of it was filmed in Halifax. In the series, characters could be seen training at Manor Heath Park and Brackenbed Lane was also used in the series. Film crews were also spotted in Sowerby Bridge when filming took place in 2019.

16 TV shows filmed in Halifax and Calderdale with some that you might have forgotten about

By Abigail Kellett
Published 8th Feb 2023, 11:30 GMT
Updated 11th Apr 2025, 09:50 GMT

Over the years, Calderdale has had a starring role in some of the nation’s most popular TV shows.

Here are some of the TV shows that have used the borough as a backdrop over the years.

10 filming locations in Brighouse and Elland and the TV shows that filmed there including Happy Valley, Gentleman Jack and A Touch of Frost

17 filming locations in Halifax town centre and the TV shows that filmed there including Happy Valley, Ackley Bridge and Secret Invasion

13 filming locations in Hebden Bridge and Heptonstall and the TV shows that filmed there including Happy Valley, The Gallows Pole and Last Tango in Halifax

The ultimate list of Happy Valley filming locations: 39 places in Halifax and beyond featured in the BBC drama

The former St Catherine's Catholic High School building has been used as the film set of Channel 4 drama Ackley Bridge. The show set in a school ran for five series.

9. Ackley Bridge

The former St Catherine's Catholic High School building has been used as the film set of Channel 4 drama Ackley Bridge. The show set in a school ran for five series. Photo: Charles Round

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This drama starring John Simm follows a detective, who gets involved in a car accident in 2006. When he wakes up, he finds himself in the year 1973. Scenes were filmed at Todmorden Hippodrome.

10. Life on Mars

This drama starring John Simm follows a detective, who gets involved in a car accident in 2006. When he wakes up, he finds himself in the year 1973. Scenes were filmed at Todmorden Hippodrome. Photo: Tony Johnson

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Despite the real life events taking place in Dewsbury, BBC drama The Moorside, which followed the disappearance of Shannon Matthews, was filmed at locations across Halifax.

11. The Moorside

Despite the real life events taking place in Dewsbury, BBC drama The Moorside, which followed the disappearance of Shannon Matthews, was filmed at locations across Halifax. Photo: BBC

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Upcoming BBC drama The Gallows Pole, which is based on the story of the Cragg Vale Coiners, filmed at locations in Calderdale including Heptonstall. The series is set to hit our screens this year.

12. The Gallows Pole

Upcoming BBC drama The Gallows Pole, which is based on the story of the Cragg Vale Coiners, filmed at locations in Calderdale including Heptonstall. The series is set to hit our screens this year. Photo: Tony Johnson

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Related topics:HalifaxCalderdaleHappy ValleyGentleman JackBrighouseThe Gallows PoleBBCAckley BridgeHebden Bridge
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