Coldwater location guide: Where was the ITV thriller filmed?

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ITV’s new show, Coldwater, takes place in a seemingly perfect town, but it’s full of hidden secrets – a fact that John (played by Andrew Lincoln) unfortunately learns the hard way.

John and his wife, Fiona (played by Indira Varma), relocate from London hoping for a peaceful and secure life for their two children.

At first, things seem simple for John, but he quickly becomes caught up in a terrifying series of events he can’t escape. What makes it even more disturbing is that all of this is happening in a seemingly warm and welcoming village, filled with friendly people.

Here’s what you need to know about where the show was filmed.

Where was Coldwater filmed? All the major locations

Fortunately, Coldwater isn’t a real place – it was made up for the show. Filming actually took place in various locations near Glasgow, combining different areas to create the town.

David Ireland, the Irish author, shared that he chose to set his story in a small Scottish town because he’s always been fascinated by them and dreamed of living in one, though he never has.

The people here are welcoming, though a bit quirky. It’s a small town where everyone knows everything about each other, and while it feels accepting, you might still feel a bit watched.

He explained that while raising his family in Scotland, he attempted to move away from the themes of violence, group conflict, and identity that dominated his other writing. However, he found it impossible to completely avoid these subjects.

Here’s a breakdown of the main areas they used.

Dunlop, East Ayrshire

Dunlop is a small village located about 20 miles southeast of Glasgow. It served as the primary filming location for the external scenes of Coldwater, and features the church that plays a key role in the show’s community.

This area is known for its fresh, local goods, like the town’s cheese shop. You’ll also find a variety of unique, independent stores, and a traditional pub called The Smuggler’s Inn.

Director Lee Haven Jones explained that making the village feel authentic was his top priority. He wanted the audience to understand why John and Fiona would choose to move there from London, seeking a fresh start.

We really wanted this space to feel inspiring and beautiful, but also authentic and relatable.

Glen Fruin and Loch Lomond

To film the beautiful Scottish landscapes, the crew chose Glen Fruin, known for its valleys, streams, and forests.

It’s right next to Loch Lomond, a beautiful freshwater lake within the Trossachs National Park.

Although the village appears to be part of the show’s set, it’s actually located northwest of Glasgow, about 40 miles north of Dunlop – where most of the outdoor scenes are filmed.

Coldwater premieres on ITV1 at 9pm on Sunday 14th September 2025.

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2025-09-14 11:06