Where is After the Flood filmed? After the Flood is primarily filmed in Greater Manchester, Derbyshire, and Teesside in the North of England, with key scenes shot in locations including Manchester city centre, Glossop, Derbyshire countryside areas, and parts of Middlesbrough. Although the series is set in the fictional Yorkshire town of Waterside, most filming took place across carefully selected Northern England locations that replicate a flood-hit community. The production also used purpose-built water tanks and controlled studio environments to create realistic flood sequences.
This guide provides a complete breakdown of where After the Flood was filmed, including exact towns, streets, and landscapes used in the ITV drama. You’ll learn which real-life locations doubled as the fictional Waterside, where the dramatic flood scenes were created, how production teams recreated storm damage, and whether you can visit the filming spots today. If you’re searching for accurate, practical details about where After the Flood was filmed, this in-depth location guide gives you everything you need in one place.
Overview of After the Flood Filming
After the Flood is a six-part ITV crime drama first broadcast in January 2024. The series stars Sophie Rundle as PC Joanna Marshall and follows a mysterious death discovered after a devastating flood hits a Northern town. Although the storyline unfolds in fictional Waterside, production was largely based in the North West and North East of England.
Filming began in early 2023 and continued through spring and summer, allowing crews to capture varied weather conditions. The production required a mix of urban streets, riverbanks, council estates, industrial zones, and rural moorland landscapes. To achieve realism, the show combined on-location filming with controlled flood simulations in specialist water facilities.
The creative team wanted authentic Northern settings rather than studio backdrops alone. As a result, many real towns became stand-ins for Waterside, giving the drama its grounded, realistic tone.
Fictional Setting: Waterside
Waterside is not a real town. It was created specifically for After the Flood to represent a flood-prone Northern English community. The setting draws inspiration from real Yorkshire and Lancashire towns that have experienced significant flooding in recent years.
The fictional town includes residential estates, a police station, a river crossing, high street shops, and industrial docks. These were filmed across multiple real locations stitched together through editing. This approach allows the town to feel cohesive while being geographically spread out in reality.
Waterside’s visual identity is built on brick terraced housing, canal paths, narrow back streets, and rolling hills in the distance. These features were achieved by filming across Greater Manchester and Derbyshire locations that naturally reflect Northern architecture and landscapes.
Manchester City Centre Locations
A significant portion of After the Flood was filmed in Manchester city centre. Manchester has become a major UK filming hub due to its adaptable streets, production infrastructure, and tax incentives. Several urban scenes were shot in areas that could convincingly double as a Yorkshire town centre.
Street-level sequences involving police activity, emergency response vehicles, and investigation scenes were filmed around central Manchester districts. The city’s older red-brick buildings helped create the working-class atmosphere required for Waterside.
Manchester’s accessibility also made it ideal for large-scale crew operations. Production teams could quickly close streets, control traffic, and coordinate equipment for flood aftermath scenes. This efficiency allowed detailed water damage effects to be staged safely and effectively.
Glossop, Derbyshire
Glossop in Derbyshire played a key role in representing Waterside’s residential areas. This market town, located on the edge of the Peak District, features traditional stone buildings, terraced streets, and dramatic hillside backdrops.
Glossop has previously been used in British television dramas because of its authentic Northern aesthetic. For After the Flood, it provided quiet residential roads ideal for filming intimate character moments and flood recovery scenes.
The surrounding countryside also offered access to moorland and rural river settings. These locations helped establish the town’s vulnerability to flooding while giving visual contrast to urban scenes filmed in Manchester.
Derbyshire Countryside
The Derbyshire countryside contributed to many of the series’ wide landscape shots. Rolling hills, open fields, and riverbanks were used to show the broader impact of the flood beyond the town centre.
Filming in rural Derbyshire allowed drone and wide-angle shots that emphasised isolation and environmental damage. These scenes help establish the scale of the disaster at the heart of the show’s mystery.
Natural waterways in the region provided realistic riverbank settings. However, for safety reasons, actual flooding was not filmed in uncontrolled environments. Instead, visual effects and controlled water releases were used to simulate high water levels.
Teesside and Middlesbrough
Teesside, particularly areas near Middlesbrough, was used for industrial dockland and warehouse scenes. The series required gritty industrial backdrops to support parts of the criminal investigation storyline.
Middlesbrough’s dock areas offer a stark, industrial atmosphere with shipping containers, warehouses, and riverside infrastructure. These elements contributed to the darker tone of the investigation.
Teesside’s visual texture differs from Glossop and Manchester, but careful editing blended these locations seamlessly. Viewers see a cohesive fictional town, even though filming took place across multiple counties.
Studio and Water Tank Filming
While many scenes were filmed on location, the most dramatic flood sequences were created in controlled studio environments. Large water tanks were used to simulate submerged streets and rising floodwaters.
These facilities allowed actors to perform safely in deep water conditions. Special effects teams could control water depth, flow speed, and debris placement. This level of control ensured realistic visuals without risking cast or crew safety.
Post-production visual effects enhanced these practical flood scenes. CGI was added to extend water levels, remove safety equipment, and create seamless transitions between studio and outdoor shots.
Flood Scene Production Techniques
Creating believable flood devastation required extensive planning. Production designers built breakaway walls, water-damaged interiors, and debris-filled streets. Set dressers used soaked furniture, mud effects, and damaged vehicles to portray destruction.
Water pumps and drainage systems were installed to manage repeated takes. Because scenes often required actors to move through water multiple times, crews needed rapid reset capabilities.
Lighting teams adjusted colour grading to reflect storm conditions. Grey skies and dim natural light were enhanced digitally to create a consistent post-storm atmosphere across all filming locations.
Why Northern England Was Chosen
Northern England offers a mix of industrial heritage, terraced housing, and natural landscapes that fit the show’s tone. Recent real-life flooding events in Northern towns added emotional authenticity to the setting.
The region also provides strong production infrastructure. Manchester in particular has become a major television production centre, offering experienced crews and logistical support.
Cost efficiency and regional filming grants may also have influenced location decisions. Northern councils often support film and television projects to promote local tourism and economic activity.
Cast and On-Location Filming
Lead actress Sophie Rundle and supporting cast members filmed extensively outdoors. On-location shooting helped maintain realism, especially in scenes showing residents dealing with flood damage.
Actors were seen filming on residential streets, riverbanks, and town centre areas. Local residents occasionally shared behind-the-scenes glimpses during production in 2023.
Filming in real communities required coordination with councils and local authorities. Temporary road closures and parking suspensions were arranged during key sequences.
Can You Visit Filming Locations?
Yes, many After the Flood filming locations are accessible to the public. Manchester city centre, Glossop town centre, and Derbyshire countryside spots are all open to visitors.
However, exact filming addresses were not always publicly disclosed to prevent disruption. Visitors should respect private property and residential areas.
Tourists interested in exploring filming areas can visit Manchester’s Northern Quarter, Glossop High Street, and Derbyshire river paths. These locations capture much of the show’s visual atmosphere.
Practical Information and Planning
Opening Dates
After the Flood premiered on ITV in January 2024 and remains available on ITVX for streaming. Filming took place primarily between March and July 2023.
Costs
There are no official guided tours dedicated solely to After the Flood filming locations. Visiting Manchester, Glossop, or Derbyshire locations is free, aside from standard travel and parking costs.
Transport
Manchester is accessible by train from London in approximately two hours. Glossop is reachable via rail from Manchester Piccadilly in around 30 minutes. Derbyshire countryside areas are best accessed by car.
What to Expect
Most filming sites are normal residential or commercial areas. There are no permanent set displays. Visitors can explore public streets and outdoor locations but should not expect signage marking filming spots.
Tips for Visitors
Visit during daylight hours for easier navigation. Combine filming location visits with Peak District sightseeing. Check local transport schedules in advance. Respect residents and avoid blocking driveways or businesses.
Seasonal Considerations
Northern England weather varies significantly by season. Autumn and winter bring heavier rainfall, which may make countryside paths muddy. Spring and summer offer more stable walking conditions.
Flood-prone river areas may occasionally close during extreme weather. Always check local council advisories before visiting riverbanks or moorland paths.
If you want to replicate the show’s moody aesthetic in photos, overcast days provide lighting similar to the series’ visual tone.
Impact on Local Communities
Filming provided economic benefits to host towns. Local businesses often see increased trade during production periods. Hotels, catering services, and equipment rental companies support large crews.
Television exposure can also boost tourism interest. Even without official tours, fans may visit towns featured in the show.
Councils typically work closely with production teams to minimise disruption while maximising economic gains.
Comparison to Other ITV Dramas
After the Flood joins a growing list of ITV dramas filmed in Northern England. Shows like Happy Valley and Scott & Bailey also used Northern towns for authentic storytelling.
This regional focus strengthens the realism of British crime dramas. Northern filming locations provide distinctive architecture and atmosphere not easily replicated elsewhere.
The trend reflects ITV’s commitment to regional representation and grounded storytelling.
FAQs
Where is After the Flood filmed?
After the Flood is filmed primarily in Manchester, Glossop in Derbyshire, and parts of Teesside including Middlesbrough. Studio water tank facilities were used for major flood scenes.
Is Waterside a real town?
No, Waterside is fictional. It was created for the series and filmed across multiple real Northern England locations.
Was After the Flood filmed in Yorkshire?
Although set in Yorkshire, most filming took place in Greater Manchester and Derbyshire rather than Yorkshire itself.
Where were the flood scenes filmed?
Major flood scenes were filmed in controlled studio water tanks, with additional outdoor shots captured in Derbyshire river areas.
Can you visit After the Flood filming locations?
Yes, many locations in Manchester and Glossop are publicly accessible. However, there are no official guided tours.
When was After the Flood filmed?
Filming took place mainly between March and July 2023.
Which city was used for the police station scenes?
Police-related scenes were primarily filmed in Manchester city centre locations adapted to resemble a Yorkshire town.
Was CGI used in After the Flood?
Yes, CGI enhanced practical flood effects to increase water depth and storm impact visuals.
Why was Northern England chosen?
Northern England offers authentic industrial and residential backdrops, experienced production crews, and strong filming infrastructure.
Is After the Flood based on a true story?
No, the storyline is fictional. However, it reflects real flood events experienced by Northern UK communities.
Where were the industrial dock scenes filmed?
Dock and warehouse scenes were filmed in Teesside, particularly near Middlesbrough.
How long did filming last?
Principal photography lasted several months during spring and summer 2023.
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