Image credit: ©National Trust Images

The first bingeworthy drama of 2024 has dropped – Fool Me Once, a ‘edge of your seat’ drama that features several familiar places around the Northwest, specifically around Greater Manchester and Cheshire. With an A-list cast that includes Manchester’s own Michelle Keegan, it’s quicky becoming top of the must-watch list for many. Here’s a spoiler-free guide to all of the filming locations of Fool Me Once you might recognise around Greater Manchester:  

  1. Bolton School, Bolton 

Fool Me Once is an 8-part series based on the 2016 book of the same name by crime novelist Harlan Coben. His work has been adapted for our screens before, including Safe (2018), The Woods (2020) and The Stranger (2020). The latter in that list - The Stranger, is also filmed across Greater Manchester and uses similar shooting locations. One location spotted in both series is Bolton School in Bolton, which features in the flash back episodes of Fool Me Once.  

  1. Runway Visitor Park, Altrincham  

While only briefly seen in the drama, Runway Visitor Park was featured alongside the historic Concorde aircraft in the glittering gala dinner. The incredible setting has played host to such dazzling events in real life and can be booked for private evening events – a beautiful space filled with historic aircraft and exhibitions. Located right next to Manchester Airport, you can spend hours watching the cycle of flights coming in and out of the city.  

  1. Alexandra Park, Oldham 

With the same appeal as New York’s Central Park, Alexandra Park in Oldham was chosen by producers for its beautiful walks and Victorian follies and bridge. Built in the 1800s, the park is full of historical features that add to its character. It’s included in an unfortunate scene within the series, but the scenery more than makes up for it. Throughout the year, the park is a regular hit with visitors.  

  1. Multiple locations, Ashton under Lyne 

Within the fictional town of Winhurt, their Central Police Station is actually Ashton’s very own Ashton Old Baths, which was originally constructed in the Victorian era as a public bath house before undertaking extensive renovations to turn it into modern workspaces and a business hub in 2016. Ashton under Lyne also homes ‘Traditional Fish and Chips’ throughout Fool Me Once, which in day-to-day life is a fully operational chippy called The Gold Medal, just located by the Ashton markets.  

  1. Multiple locations, Central Manchester 

Like many Netflix originals, many of the scenes are shot throughout Manchester city centre. From a dating scene shot in the iconic Peveril of the Peak, to an intense finale located at the Corn Exchange. While you can’t recreate the nail-biting roof top scene, you can visit all these locations and enjoy stunning views of Manchester. One of the more beautiful shots was taken at Castlefield Viaduct, which is owned by the National Trust and enjoyed by thousands of visitors each year, sadly it’s closed for refurbishment and maintenance until February, but worth a visit once it’s reopen.  

  1. Multiple locations, Salford 

This list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Salford and it’s infamous Salford Lad’s Club, which features within the dance hall scenes in the later episodes of Fool Me Once. Famous for its red-brick Victorian building, Salford Lads Club has served as a centre and hub for local youth activities since its doors opened in 1903. Another area of Salford that is no stranger to the big screen is MediaCityUK on Quay side, which is called the Winhurst General Hospital in the sequences taking place a few years later throughout the series. Usually home to BBC North, ITV Granada and a plethora of other media companies, it’s one of Manchester’s major entertainment hubs. 

  1. Monton Sports Club, Eccles 

Much like Bolton School, Monton Sports Club was used in both Fool Me Once and The Stranger. This time it mirrors as Winhurst Sports Club, where the characters meet mid-series. Monton Sports Club, located within Eccles, has a rich history of hosting cricket, lacrosse, tennis, football and squash that dates back to 1908 when it first opened its doors to its members. With a recently renovated social space, it’s a great location to book in for events. 

  1.  Arcade Club, Bury 

Europe’s largest arcade, The Arcade Club in Bury is the location for the opening titles of Fool Me Once. The Arcade Club is a haven for gaming enthusiasts, which offers a nostalgic and immersive experience with a vast collection of arcade machines and gaming consoles, from the 80s to present day machines. The venue offers both food and drinks while you enjoy the arcade, and your entry fee includes over 400 machines to try.  
 

There are plenty more Mancunian spots that were used throughout the filming of Fool Me Once that we might have missed from this list, which is now available to view on Netflix from the 1st January. 

To plan out your trip to see some of the screening locations, or to find your own adventure, plan your trip using our Ideas and Inspiration page.