Where was BBC TV drama Inspector George Gently filmed?

But many people still ask, where specifically did the cast and crew use to film the gritty drama?

The programme, which starred Martin Shaw and ran on BBC One from 2007 to 2017, was initially filmed in Ireland.

Martin Shaw as Inspector George Gently (Image: ARCHIVE)

The first two series were shot largely in County Wicklow, with locations such as Greystones harbour used for exterior scenes and Ardmore Studios providing interior sets.

From Series 3 onwards, production moved almost entirely to the North East of England, where filming continued for the remainder of the show’s run.

County Durham became the main filming base, with Durham City appearing regularly on screen.

Martin Shaw filming in the region (Image: ARCHIVE)

Landmarks, including Durham Cathedral and Castle, overlooking the River Wear, were frequently used as backdrops.

Other Durham locations included Ushaw: Historic House, Chapels & Gardens and Finchale Abbey.

A significant filming site was the former Whinney Hill School in Durham. From Series 3, the closed secondary school was used as the exterior of the fictional North East Constabulary police station and also served as the production’s base.

Positioned on a hillside, the building often appeared in shots with Durham Cathedral visible in the background.

Filming of the TV show on the North East coastline (Image: ARCHIVE)

Whinney Hill School closed in 2009 and was later demolished.

A housing development has since been built on the site on Illingworth Road.

The series was also filmed in Newcastle, Middlesbrough, and across Teesside, using city streets, industrial areas and docks to reflect the social and economic backdrop of the stories. In Northumberland, rural locations including Brownrigg Lodges near Bellingham were used.

Coastal scenes were filmed in Saltburn-by-the-Sea in North Yorkshire, with Saltburn Pier and beach featuring in several episodes.

Cast and crew regularly spoke of the benefits of filming in the North East, praising both the scenery and local support.

Martin Shaw frequently spoke of his affection for the area, singling out Durham Cathedral and Finchale Abbey as standout locations.

“I love the countryside; I think it is absolutely gorgeous. Durham is a very beautiful city, and every time I drive down and see the cathedral and the castle on the river, I find it extremely uplifting,” the actor said in 2017 after the popular series concluded.