Why not consider doing a walking tour to visit several locations that have appeared in some of the world’s favourite films and TV shows? You’ll see where Manchester has been transformed into 1940s Brooklyn, Victorian London, Houses of Parliament, student hang outs and more. Whether you’re into comic book blockbusters, contemporary comedies or dramatic soaps, the Behind The Screens walking tour that starts at Manchester Piccadilly Train Station and covers four miles, is a great way to explore the city in less than an hour and a half on foot.

You can follow the tour on your mobile using interactive maps or keep it old school and download a map. 

Manchester Piccadilly Train Station

To begin the tour, head out of the station’s main entrance, turn right and walk down the Station Approach concourse. Turn right onto Ducie Street and take the first left on to Dale Street, which takes you to the Northern Quarter and the first stop on the tour.

1) Captain America

Dale Street

Dale Street was transformed into 1940s Brooklyn for the comic book blockbuster Captain America; this was the first time Marvel Productions had filmed out of the US. The actionpacked scene featured explosions and a chase with vintage American cars.

2) Peaky Blinders

Mangle Street

Just off Dale Street is the opening to Mangle Street, which was a location chosen to depict 1920s Birmingham in Peaky Blinders, a BBC show that follows the criminal antics of the Shelby family. This alleyway was used in a dramatic gunshot scene featuring Irish actor Cillian Murphy.

3) Sherlock Holmes

Lever Street

The area of Lever Street and Little Lever Street was transformed into Victorian London for the 2009 adaptation of Sherlock Holmes starring Robert Downey Jr and Jude Law. Cold Feet also filmed a scene from episode 1 of season 7 across the road by Chapter One, a bookshop and café.

4) Snatch

King Street

King Street used to be the heart of the North West’s banking industry and boasts many impressive buildings from that era. This is also where the TV adaption of Snatch – starring Rupert Grint – was shot, as well as scenes from Manchester-based drama Cold Feet.

5) The Limehouse Golem

John Rylands Library

The intricate structure of John Rylands Library, located just off Deansgate, took 10 years to build and opened to the public in 1900. The gothic architecture made it the perfect setting for the 2016 horror-mystery film The Limehouse Golem. The Library also featured in Foyle’s War and Peaky Blinders.

6) Coronation Street

Old Granada Studios, Quay St

Located between Liverpool Road and Quay Street, the Old Granada Studios was the home of Granada Television and Britain’s much-loved soap opera Coronation Street. Also known as Granadaland, the studios were once the home to University Challenge, Countdown, A Question of Sport and The Jeremy Kyle Show.

7) 24 Hour Party People

Castle Street

The Castlefield area features in 24 Hour Party People, a film about Tony Wilson who ran Factory Records and opened the legendary Hacienda nightclub. The scene shot on Castle Street featured actor Steve Coogan as he stands by the canal side filming a news item.

8) Cold Feet

The Midland Hotel, Peter St

The Edwardian Baroque architecture and grand marble interior of The Midland Hotel appeared in series 7 of popular TV show Cold Feet. The scene filmed here featured actress Fay Ripley walking through the lobby of this impressive hotel.

9) Victor Frankenstein

Town Hall, Albert Square

Manchester Town Hall was used to take us back to Victorian times in the blockbuster version of Mary Shelley’s novel Frankenstein. Starring Harry Potter actor Daniel Radcliffe and Shameless’ James McAvoy, the film Victor Frankenstein takes a new twist on the classic gothic tale.

10) Queer as Folk

Canal Street

The vibrant nightlife of Canal Street was depicted in 90s drama Queer as Folk starring Aidan Gillen, Craig Kelly and Charlie Hunnam. The show follows the lives of the three main characters and is filmed in many of the bars and clubs along Canal Street. Canal Street also features in the comedy Fresh Meat and the drama Bob and Rose.