Where is Patience filmed? Location guide for Channel 4 drama

Occasionally, it appears as if a detective series unfolds in nearly every British town, and now, Channel 4’s latest show, Patience, is shining a light on yet another charming British city.

The series focuses on Patience Evans, a police archivist portrayed by Ella Maisy Purvis, who leaves her usual station work to delve into intriguing mysteries alongside experienced detective Bea Metcalfe, played by Laura Fraser from Breaking Bad.

As a cinephile, I’m embarking on an exciting odyssey. This voyage will lead me to breathtaking locales within a particular Yorkshire city, while actors Purvis and Fraser have also announced plans for a European sojourn, which seems to echo the show’s Franco-Belgian roots (the drama series Astrid et Raphaëlle).

If you’ve been intrigued by the debut episode of Channel 4’s series ‘Patience’, here’s a rundown of where the show was shot, complete with the cast’s thoughts on the selected filming locations.

Where is Channel 4’s Patience filmed?

Patience was filmed across two primary locations: York, England and Antwerp, Belgium.

In conversation with The Yorkshire Post, screenwriter Matt Baker pointed out that the intriguing backdrop of the series mirrors the main character’s keen interest in solving puzzles.

He noted that the city of York possesses a unique charm, reminiscent of a labyrinth. It’s filled with ancient paths, hidden alleys, shortcuts, and narrow passages. Moreover, it carries an iconic essence that may not be fully captured in on-screen portrayals.

According to a report from York Press, the team behind the production titled “Patience” was seen shooting scenes around York City last spring. Cameras were set up at York City Rowing Club and multiple residential neighborhoods, suggesting these locations may be depicted as crime scenes within the show.

In the picture from Patience, you’ll notice York Castle, or Clifford’s Tower, a well-known landmark dating from the era of William the Conqueror.

Furthermore, the trailer for Patience also highlights several well-known landmarks that both locals and tourists of York might recognize, among them the Shambles, which bears a resemblance to Diagon Alley from Harry Potter, although it was not its source of inspiration.

In the first season of Patience, you’ll find notable landmarks like The King’s Staith, a famous riverside thoroughfare emblematic of the city and its stunning cathedral, York Minster, alongside other captivating tourist destinations.

Ella Maisy Purvis, the actress from “Patience,” shared her enchantment: “York seemed almost dreamlike. Strolling along The Shambles around three or four in the afternoon gave an impression as if I was a character in a Victorian-era movie.

As I wandered through here, I found myself awestruck by its uncanny resemblance to a film set – and yet, it’s a real-life community! It left me marveling at the juxtaposition of cinematic illusion and everyday reality.

To be honest, I’m rather accident-prone and not the most graceful person – navigating those cobblestones in loafers proved to be quite challenging!

Just like Astrid et Raphaëlle (or Astrid: Murder in Paris), which served as its inspiration, the team behind the show Patience traveled to Antwerp, Belgium to capture certain sequences for the Channel 4 version of the series.

According to Laura Fraser, who played alongside Patience, “I adored the skies of Antwerp,” she said. “During spring, we resided near the river. On our free days, Ella and I would often stroll by the waterfront and practice Tai Chi together.

Simultaneously, actor Nathan Welsh commented: “Filming in Belgium was fantastic. The locals were wonderful and it was a privilege to explore locations I likely wouldn’t have visited otherwise.

The city I most enjoy is Brussels. It’s full of life and has a rough edge to it. Remarkably, I find that Brixton, London shares many cultural similarities with it.

2025-01-08 12:09

Where is Channel 4’s Patience filmed?

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