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Where was Last Tango in Halifax filmed?

Widowed and in their 70s, Celia and Alan’s story is far from love’s young dream, but this darkly comic drama shows that it’s never too late to find the one

By Virgin Media Edit

Published
22 April 2025

Last Tango in Halifax is set in the Calder Valley in West Yorkshire. Filming took place in various rural and town locations across the county, as well as some in the cities of Manchester and Sheffield. Oddly, little took place in Halifax

If you’re curious about where Last Tango in Halifax was filmed, then read on!


Filming locations for Last Tango in Halifax

Booths, Ilkley, West Yorkshire

When Alan gets a job in a shop, the scenes were filmed in the high-end supermarket Booths in Ilkley. Affectionately known as the Waitrose of the north, it’s a suitably posh location for Derek Jacobi to be working.

Harveys of Halifax, Halifax, Yorkshire

In season five, Celia and Alan shop for furniture in Harveys of Halifax, an iconic department store. Harveys has been in this ornate building since the 1950s. A few scenes were filmed in Halifax town centre, so it’s often seen as a backdrop for the show.

Holdsworth House, Holdsworth, Yorkshire

Alan and Celia’s wedding, as well as other scenes including Caroline and Kate’s romantic break, were filmed at the historic Holdsworth House. This Jacobean manor was built in 1633. It has a four-star hotel and restaurant and is a popular wedding venue.

Ladstone Rock, Sowerby Bridge, Yorkshire

Ladstone Rock is seen a couple of times when the characters are taking country walks. The rock can be found on Norland Moor. Hiking trails, surrounded by meadows and wildflowers, let you explore this unspoilt area. It’s rumoured that witches were once thrown to their deaths from this rock as the word 'llad' is Celtic for ‘kill’.

Sculpture Hall, Manchester Town Hall, Manchester

In an early episode, we see the characters of Celia, Caroline, and William having coffee in a historic café with big archways. This was filmed in the former Sculpture Hall Café in Manchester Town Hall. It has since been reclaimed as exhibition space. While you can no longer get a cup of coffee there, you can see a range of sculptures and busts.

Bolton School, Bolton, Lancashire

Caroline is the headteacher at a fictional school called Sulgrave Heath. Filming for these scenes took place in Bolton School, one of the largest independent schools in the UK. Founded in the 16th century, the school has an impressive list of former pupils from actor Sir Ian McKellen to radio presenter Mark Radcliffe.

Bramall Hall, Stockport, Greater Manchester

When Celia and Alan are locked inside the spooky Southowram Hall, the real-life Tudor manor of Bramall Hall was used. Bramall Hall is a classic Tudor timber and brick building surrounded by pretty gardens. You can book a tour of the house. We promise it’s nowhere near as scary in real life.


Where to watch Last Tango in Halifax

Looking to catch up on the heartwarming, critically acclaimed drama Last Tango in Halifax? You can stream all episodes on BBC iPlayer, making it easy to enjoy this charming series whenever it suits you.

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