Grantchester's Final Chapter: A Look at the Iconic Filming Locations
After a remarkable 12-year run, the beloved ITV detective drama Grantchester is set to conclude with its upcoming eleventh season, announced as the series' final outing. The show, renowned for its handsome vicars and breathtaking scenery, has captivated audiences with its mysteries set against a picturesque backdrop.
Where Is Grantchester Filmed?
Grantchester is primarily filmed in the actual village of Grantchester, from which the series takes its name. This charming location is situated just a few miles from the historic city of Cambridge. Key filming spots include the Church of St Andrew and St Mary, the village centre, and the scenic Grantchester meadows. Additionally, production extends to various nearby areas in Cambridge, West Sussex, and Hertfordshire, providing a rich tapestry of settings for the drama.
In a recent interview with PBS, the series' location manager, David Halstead, shared insights into the village's character. He described Grantchester as a "small, very pretty, quiet little village, probably about 300 houses and a church. It doesn’t even have a shop, actually." Despite its modest size, Halstead noted, "[Even so] it did have four pubs—down to three now—and its own gin distillery, which has come in handy!"
Cambridge's Timeless Streets
Significant filming also occurs in Cambridge, with the cast and crew frequently setting up at the King’s College campus. Halstead explained that many streets in the city require minimal adjustments to evoke the 1950s era. "We change some shop frontages, put in our own phone box, cover the yellow lines in the road, but it’s not massive," he said. "I mean there are great streets in Cambridge that you can make feel like the 1950s in minutes. We use King’s Parade quite regularly. Also, Trinity Lane and Senate House Passage."
Challenges on Set
However, the Grantchester production team faces a unique challenge during filming: cyclists. Halstead humorously recounted, "You nearly get killed every time you try to film there. They refuse to stop for anybody. They just ring a bell and charge at you. Happens every time we go there!" This adds an unexpected element of danger to the otherwise serene filming process.
Historical Setting of the Series
Grantchester has primarily been set in the 1950s, with the first series beginning in 1953. As the show has progressed, it has moved forward in time, with season 10 now taking place in 1962. The eleventh and final series is expected to conclude in 1963, marking the end of an era for the long-running drama.
In the current season, DI Geordie Keating, portrayed by Robson Green, returns to solve mysteries alongside the church's latest addition, Reverend Alphy Kottaram, played by Rishi Nair. A recent episode featured the duo investigating the death of a photographer assisting Cathy and Mrs. Chapman with their new fashion boutique business.
Grantchester season 10 continues to air every Thursday at 9pm on ITV and ITVX, leading up to the highly anticipated final series.
