Yorkshire has constantly featured on both the big and small screen throughout the ages and below are some of the best loved films and TV programmes that are filmed here.
1. Open All Hours – Doncaster 1976-1985 (2013-present)
Albert Arkwright, played by Ronnie Barker gave us laughter from the streets of South Yorkshire throughout the 70s and 80s, as the wily and thrifty shop owner; along with his nephew, Granville, played by David Jason. The shop which was used for the sitcom is on Lister Avenue in Balby, near Doncaster. It is a hair salon in real life, had to close during the summer in order for the BBC to convert it into Arkwright’s shop for outside shots. In 2006 the building was saved from the council’s wrecking ball when proposals to knock it down, along with the surrounding estate were stopped by an Internet campaign from loyal “Open All Hours” fans. The series was revived in 2013, called “Still Open All Hours,” with Granville taking on the mantle as shop owner. The revived series has proven to be just as popular as the original and is still on our screens, with the last series being shown at the end of 2019.
2. The Railway Children Haworth & Oakworth (1970)
Haworth and the surrounding area was used the 1970 film adaptation of, “The Railway Children.” The Keighley and Worth Valley line became the centrepiece of all the Edwardian rail scenes, using steam locomotives from the nearby Ingrow West Museum of Rail Travel. The main station and railway gates were filmed in Oakworth. Several scenes were shot in Haworth High Street and at the Bronte Parsonage itself, which acted as the doctor’s house.
3. Kes- Hoyland & Barnsley (1969)
Hoyland and Barnsley provided Billy with his training ground for falconry. Picture credit: island echo
This 1969 film adaptation was, filmed at several locations around the Barnsley area (where else!) The iconic school scenes were filmed at St Helen’s school in Athersley (nowadays Edward Sheerian School), while Billy trained his kestrel on Hoyland Common and lived on nearby Parkside Road. Old Hall Farm in Tankersley provided the young lad with the inspiration to train and care for his falcon.
4. Fat Friends Headingley, Leeds (2000-05)
This drama series, which ran from 2000 to 2005 featured a group of friends who attended a slimming group in Headingley, Leeds- so not many Otley runs then? Well, some of the scenes were shot at the beginning; Woodies Ale House and St Chad’s Church in Far Headingley. Midgeley’s fish and chip shop on nearby Butcher Hill was used as a place of temptation. Fat Friends starred James Corden and Sheridan Smith both went on to have very successful careers on the back of their appearances in “Fat Friends
5. Little Voice Scarborough (1998)
This 1998 film, starring Jane Horrocks, Ewan McGregor and Michael Caine was filmed in and around Scarborough. Sadly some of the locations used in the movie are now demolished, such as Barwick Street, where the Hoff’s record store was and the Rendezvous at nearby Cayton Bay; which acted as Mr Boo’s nightclub. The Leeds Hotel and Pavillion Garage in the town were also used during filming, along with Scarborough’s familiar sea front.
