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Where was The Stranger filmed?

The Stranger is a suspenseful British thriller that unravels the lives of ordinary people after a mysterious woman reveals devastating secrets. With each twist, it pulls you deeper into a web of lies, deception, and shocking truths — all streaming now on Netflix.

By Virgin Media Edit

Published
22 April 2025

Netflix thriller The Stranger. The Stranger unites some of British telly’s best-loved drama and comedy actors, including Richard Armitage, Siobhan Finneran, Anthony Head, Hannah John-Kamen, Dervla Kirwan and Jennifer Saunders. The filming locations in and around Manchester are as varied and impressive as the cast.

The Stranger unites some of British telly’s best-loved drama and comedy actors, including Richard Armitage, Siobhan Finneran, Anthony Head, Hannah John-Kamen, Dervla Kirwan and Jennifer Saunders. The filming locations in and around Manchester are as varied and impressive as the cast.

Read on to discover some of the places that feature in The Stranger.

The Stranger filming locations

Bolton School, Bolton

Dating back to the sixteenth century, this independent day school has educated such greats as Sir Ian McKellen, novelist Monica Ali and DJ Mark Radcliffe. Bolton School was also a pioneer in women’s education, with its Girls’ Division opening as Bolton Girls’ Day School as early as 1877. Bolton School appears as a prestigious private school attended by teenagers Mike, Daisy and Thomas in The Stranger.

Altered Café, Cateaton St, Manchester

Café proprietor Heidi – Jennifer Saunders – is one of the stranger’s targets. The scenes in Heidi’s Brown Sugar Café were filmed at the modern tearoom Altered Café opposite … yes, you guessed it, Manchester Cathedral.

St Peter’s Square, Manchester

The archways of St Peter’s Square, Manchester city centre, feature in an emotional scene between Heidi and her daughter Kimberley in episode two of* The Stranger*. Recently redeveloped, St Peter’s Square – formerly St Peter’s Field, where the Peterloo Massacre took place in 1819 – is a modern and attractive urban hub. Landmarks include the Town Hall, the beautiful Central Library and the 2018 statue of campaigning suffragette Emmeline Pankhurst.

Bury, Greater Manchester

A distressing discovery is made following a wild teen party in episode one of The Stranger. This gruesome scene was filmed in the market town of Bury, Greater Manchester, near the memorial to former prime minister Sir Robert Peel. The founder of modern policing and of modern Conservatism, Peel was born in Bury in 1788.

Hardman Square, Manchester

The stranger’s target in episode four is Ed, a corrupt businessman played by Anthony Head. Ed’s office building is represented by the prestigious corporate complex at 3 Hardman Square in Manchester’s business district of Spinningfields.

Martholme Viaduct, Great Harwood, Lancashire

Rising 20 metres above the River Calder, this sandstone viaduct with its ten great arches is the scene of one of The Stranger’s most dramatic moments. Formerly a railway bridge built in 1877, Martholme Viaduct recently reopened to walkers and horse riders. It has spectacular views over the Lancashire countryside.

Grand Pacific, Kings Street, Manchester

Episode five of The Stranger is particularly tense, with police officer Johanna and former escort Kimberley engaged in a sting operation. Kimberley waits for her prey in the lobby of a posh hotel, represented by the colonial-style Grand Pacific restaurant in central Manchester.

Curious as to where more of your favourite TV shows were shot? Take a look at some of the most recognisable filming locations, or explore even more famous movie locations across the UK.


Where to watch The Stranger

If you’re after a gripping mystery packed with suspense, secrets, and unforgettable twists, now’s the perfect time to revisit The Stranger from the beginning. Follow Adam Price as his seemingly perfect life begins to unravel after a shocking encounter — all available to stream now on Netflix.

With Virgin Media’s TV package deals, you can access BBC iPlayer and all your favourite streaming platforms in one place — making it easy to dive into powerful dramas whenever the mood strikes.

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