Discover the Stunning Locations Behind ITV’s The Bay!

Similar to numerous crime series that have graced our television screens lately (such as Shetland, Ridley, and Happy Valley), The Bay is shot with many stunning aspects of the United Kingdom’s natural landscapes serving as the main focus.

In its fifth installment, the crime series once again takes us back to the scenic shores of Morecambe Bay, with all filming done along the British coastal line.

Marsha Thomason resumes her role as the main detective, DS Jenn Townsend, this time dealing with both her personal sorrow and the investigation into the death of a student from a nearby university.

In an interview for the show’s promotional materials, Thomason commented about some of the filming locations this season: “Morecambe is truly charming, and while we often say it each season, it truly has a unique personality that enhances the storyline. Simply put, it’s stunningly beautiful.

As a movie enthusiast, let me share a fascinating anecdote about a series we filmed at this remote island location. Filming there was quite the challenge because it meant waiting for the tide to recede before we could leave, as the incoming tide would cut off our escape route. The wait was nerve-wracking but the sight of that breathtaking landscape made it all worthwhile. I can’t wait for you all to see it!

In addition to an intriguing mystery to solve, the show will also include numerous scenic views of the popular sandy beaches, wind-swept boardwalks, and turbulent seascapes that viewers are fond of.

Discover all the essential facts about Morecambe, plus the settings featured in The Bay season 5, here!

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Unveiling key information on Morecambe town and the filming locations of The Bay’s fifth season for you!

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Get acquainted with the ins and outs of Morecambe, as well as the screen settings from The Bay season 5 in this article!

Where is The Bay set?

ITV drama The Bay is set and filmed in the coastal town of Morecambe.

The town in Lancashire lies north of Blackpool and used to be a lively coastal getaway. However, over the last few decades, its popularity as a tourist destination has significantly decreased.

Screenwriter Daragh Carville feels that Morecambe isn’t receiving its due appreciation, and this drama helps shine a light on the town once more.

Hailing originally from Northern Ireland, I’ve chosen to establish my roots in neighboring Lancaster, a place that’s been home to me, my spouse – the acclaimed author Jo Baker – and our children.

Regarding the upcoming Season 5 of The Bay, Carville expressed that it feels like he never really departed. This is partly due to his residence in the Morecambe Bay region, but also because when he isn’t actively involved with the show, he’s frequently thinking about it and plotting for future developments.

It’s fantastic that we’ve been given a fifth season, and it’s delightful to return to these characters once more. Over time, I feel as though I’ve grown quite familiar with our main cast, but this also provided us an opportunity to venture into uncharted territory and delve deeper into fresh themes.

However, it shares a familiar charm often found in traditional British or Irish coastal towns, as over time, like many such locales, it seems to have somewhat lost its primary purpose.

In the early part of the 20th century, Morecambe experienced a boom due to the influx of vacationers who traveled by train from Scotland and Yorkshire. However, starting in the 1970s, British citizens gained more accessibility to foreign vacations, causing Morecambe to fall out of favor. This decline was further exacerbated when both of its piers were demolished.

Originally stated by Carville, “You can still find remnants of its former glory. There remain impressive structures such as the Winter Gardens and the Midland Hotel, which give it an air of slightly diminished opulence.” This is why he chose Morecambe for the setting of The Bay.

As a film enthusiast, I find myself drawn to Morecambe, a location that offers breathtaking beauty yet bears the scars of its trials. It stands at the very brink of our nation, and in many ways, it symbolizes the boundary between resilience and adversity.

Where was The Bay season 5 filmed?

Regarding filming for season 5, actor Daniel Ryan (portraying DI Tony Manning) remarked: “The remarkable location of Morecambe adds a unique touch to our show. Every time I step off the train, I’m left in awe. It often feels like one of those days where the light is simply stunning, making the scenery seem even more breathtakingly beautiful.

Compared to other shows, the stark contrast between the characters’ deep sadness and the breathtaking scenery creates an unique sense of melancholy that can only be found here.

In this series, we had the privilege of filming at Sunderland Point, an awe-inspiring location that disappears under the tide. We also visited Glasson Dock, which was truly captivating. What makes it even better is that wherever we go, people are delighted to see us and excited about showcasing the stunning beauty of Morecambe.

Olwen May, the new cast member portraying DC Louise ‘Lou’ McClaren, also commented about the season 5 setting: “Placing the drama in Morecambe gives us the advantage of its stunning landscape. Whenever you’re by the coast, there’s a unique quality of light, the ocean, and vast skies.

On a few occasions when I was away from the office, visiting scenic spots such as Glasson Dock and Sunderland Point, the scenery was breathtakingly beautiful. It seems that we had one of the most stunning green room views for any performance yet.

From our vantage point, we gazed upon the estuary filled with various wading birds. It was the oyster catchers that truly captivated me. There’s a unique visual charm to that expansive landscape, and even the town itself, that carries an extra-special quality.

Where were the beach scenes in The Bay filmed?

The town of Morecambe boasts a beautiful five-mile expanse of sandy shoreline that offers breathtaking vistas of the Lakeland Hills. Following the coast, you’ll find a lengthy promenade dotted with charming cafes, eateries, and accommodations.

Filming occurred primarily at the Stone Jetty, a remnant of the old Victorian harbor, with scenes also being shot along the beach area.

Even though most of his character’s scenes take place at the police station, Ryan shares that his preferred aspect of shooting is whenever he gets a chance to head to the beach.

He shares that his most cherished parts of departing from the station occur when they capture footage near the seashore. The combination of the sea, the coastline, the sight of lakes, and the overall breathtaking scenery are what he finds most enchanting.

Where is the police station in The Bay filmed?

The police station depicted in Morecambe is an authentic location, despite several shots of the MIU team at work being captured elsewhere.

Carville confirmed it was an operational police station. To clarify, and not spoil the illusion of TV, the exterior and interior scenes were shot at separate locations.

The exterior footage was captured in Morecambe, but the interiors showing meeting rooms, offices, and interview rooms were filmed at an abandoned police station in Manchester.

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2025-02-28 16:10