The East of England has been the backdrop to a wealth of gritty courtroom dramas and investigative detective series. EastEnders, filmed at BBC Elstree Centre, frequently shoots at police stations and courts in Hertfordshire filming scenes involving the misconduct of the Walford residents!
The Mount Prison, Hertfordshire
The Mount Prison opened in 1987as a young offender’s institution. It was designed as a Category C Training prison built on the site of a former RAF station on the outskirts of Bovingdon village, Hertfordshire.
Showreel: Judge John Deed; EastEnders; Murder In Mind
Landguard Fort, Suffolk
Landguard Fort has a long and rich history and is the only fort in England to have repelled a full-scale invasion attempt! Situated on the estuary of the River Orwell in Suffolk this fort would work really well a heritage prison.
St Albans Crown Court, Hertfordshire
An operational modern crown court that has been previously used by EastEnders, Judge John Deed and Murder in Suburbia. Filming is only allowed at the weekends and in the evening but storylines based on actual cases, past or present, are not permitted.
Showreel: EastEnders; Judge John Deed; Murder in Suburbia
St Albans Magistrates Court, Hertfordshire
A film friendly, operational magistrates court with six courtrooms over three floors, selection of cells and ancillary rooms.
Showreel: Dead Romantic; EastEnders; Passer By; Rehab
Bushey Police Station
With part time opening hours of 10am until 2pm this makes a popular option for film crews.
Showreel: Daddy’s Girl; Chuckle Vision
Rickmansworth Police Station
Film friendly operational police station with great cells which has proved very popular with productions in the past.
Showreel: Anybody’s Nightmare; Colour Me Kubrick; Family Business; Holby City; In Deep; Little Britain; Midsomer Murders.
Bentwaters Park, Suffolk
This ex American military base has a huge variety of locations available and offers fantastic potential as a production base as well as location filming. The site includes deserted barracks, large empty hangers, vast areas of hard standing, private roads, lakes, farmland and ancient woodland. The owners are extremely film friendly and have hosted a number of productions at the site. It is situated approximately 99 miles (2 hours and 28 minutes) from central London.
Walsingham Georgian Prison, Norfolk
This red-brick, two-story Georgian prison was built in 1787 and is situated in an attractive Norfolk village. The prison was closed in 1861 and has remained empty and untouched since that time. The prison is accessable and open to the public and is in good condition throughout. There are eight small cells and also present are the original treadmills that were used by the prisoners. This location is situated approximately 120 miles (3 hours) from central London.