Filming in the Ribble Valley
Are you are searching for that perfect rural filming backdrop? Well, look no further because we are sure that Ribble Valley has exactly what you need. From rolling hills, picturesque natural landscapes and our very own River Ribble to charming villages, historic buildings and streets full of character.
Ribble Valley provides a wealth of unique backdrops for film, television and streaming productions. There is a reason why our beloved valley is reputed to be the inspiration for J.R.R Tolkien’s world-renowned The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. From fantasy to reality TV, Ribble Valley offers a myriad of affordable locations suitable for any genre.
Our experienced and passionate team is here to provide as much support needed to ensure a smooth and stress-free filming experience. We have an abundance of local links which can be provided to productions through our support.
From accommodation and catering to extras from our long list of local dance and theatre schools, we can help you find exactly what you need in our warm and friendly, local community.
Whether it be a large-scale production or a small student project, we are committed to making filming in the Ribble Valley easy, flexible and welcoming – ensuring your production can thrive here in a location which drives local pride.
In summary we can help with:
- Location finding
- Accommodation
- Catering
- Providing extras
- Community engagement
- Technical Support
Read some of the recent feedback from film makers –
“The work you have done to support the filming sector has been of been of immense benefit to the film companies, as well as the local area, and it has been a pleasure working with you.”
“You have done an amazing job with Greatest Days and selling the uniqueness of our wonderful Ribble Valley, and we are all looking forward to the film.”
Our film-friendly locations
Although much of Ribble Valley is privately owned, we have many landowners keen to offer their locations for filming purposes. Considering this, we are here to offer all our support in finding and securing the perfect filming location for you, as well as being a secure intermediary contact between you and Ribble Valley’s landowners.
Have a look at our photo album to view some of Ribble Valley’s stunning locations:
Filming Application Form
Interested in using Ribble Valley as a location in your next production? Fill out our filming application form to start the process: Filming Application Form – Fill out form
Student and amateur filming in Ribble Valley
Here in Ribble Valley, we pride ourselves in the support we offer to budding talent with our numerous performing arts and dance academies. Whether it is an academic project or a self-produced piece, our team are readily here to lend a helping hand. Not to mention, Ribble Valley is the ideal location for students and amateurs alike. Only a one-hour drive from cities such as Lancaster and Manchester, Ribble Valley is the perfect rural and affordable filming location for creatives residing in or near these two major hubs.
Student application: Student Filming Application Form – Fill out form
Amateur application: Filming Application Form – Fill out form
Previous productions filmed in Ribble Valley
Here at Ribble Valley Borough Council, we are always looking for new and upcoming filming opportunities. Why not have a look at previous filming productions we have collaborated with?
Greatest Days
Greatest Days (2023) is a feel-good movie musical which follows the story of four best friends who reunite after 25 years to attend a concert of their childhood favourite band, The Band. Based on the original stage musical and featuring the hit songs of Take That, it delves into universal themes of love and friendship, showcasing how music and shared passions can bring people together and help them face life’s challenges. The film was filmed across Europe in famous cities such as London and Athens as well as Lancashire’s very own Clitheroe.
Whistle Down the Wind
Ribble Valley played centre stage in Bryan Forbes and Richard Attenborough’s adaptation of Mary Hayley Bell’s 1958 novel in which the quaint village of Downham was the production’s main location for filming (it has remained predominantly unchanged since the production’s end). After a wounded murderer who killed his wife seeks shelter on an isolated Lancashire farm, the farmer’s three children, steeped in innocence, come to believe he is the Second Coming of Christ, leading to a poignant clash of faith, protection, and danger.
Farming for Love
Despite its cancellation after just one season back in the early 2000s, this wholesome reality TV show (previously known as Farmer Wants a Wife) has hit our screens once again thanks to ITV. The reality TV show is said to be full of “heart, humour and authenticity” as it follows single farmers seeking their ideal match. The show is filmed across the country with Ribble Valley’s Clitheroe making an appearance during Scottish farmer Dana’s hunt for love.
Born and Bred
Filmed across the North West, Ribble Valley’s Downham found itself once again a starring location in the popular BBC One series Born and Bred, playing as the fictional Lancastrian village of Ormston. The series is a light-hearted drama, set in 1950s Lancashire, which follows a father-and-son doctor team running a cottage hospital under the newly established National Health Service. Its warm depictions of rural community life and period authenticity through its backdrops demonstrates Ribble Valley’s natural appeal as a filming location.
Filming Policy
Use of drones
Production-Facing-Drone-Guidance.pdf
Fees
Our filming fees are variable and tailored to each unique production due to our mission in making Ribble Valley an affordable location for filming. Fees can be decided on during initial discussions between production teams and Ribble Valley Borough Council.
Sustainability statement
Filming-in-England-Sustainability-Statement.pdf
Filming in England code of practice
Filming-in-England-Code-of-Practice.pdf
Have any further inquiries?
Contact Tom.Pridmore@ribblevalley.gov.uk
