Ever wanted to walk those famous cobbles? The ITV soap, Coronation Street, is known for its thrilling storylines and ability to mix comedy with tragedy. Fans of the show often dream of visiting the fictional town of Weatherfield and maybe even grabbing a drink at the iconic Rovers. But where is the show actually filmed and can the public visit?
For the past 10 years, Coronation Street has been filmed at a purpose-built production base in Trafford Park, Greater Manchester. This 7.7 acre site consists of six studios for interior scenes, an expanding exterior set, and two production hubs for various functions. It even has a dedicated visitor experience for fans to explore.
Prior to moving to its current location, the show was filmed at the former Granada Studios in Manchester City Centre for 53 years. In the early years, all exterior scenes were filmed inside with the cobbles painted on the floor. However, as the show grew in popularity, a new site was needed. In total, 54,000 cobbles were laid down at the new location near the MediaCity development.
The houses on the set were initially wooden façades, but they were later rebuilt with brick due to Manchester’s unpredictable weather. Over the years, the set has been expanded and updated, including the addition of Rosamund Street in 1982. Today, the iconic viaduct, which is now home to the famous Bistro, adds to the charm of the set.
So, while Weatherfield may be a fictional town, fans of Coronation Street can still get a taste of the show by visiting its filming location in Trafford Park.
Coronation Street, the iconic TV show, has captured the hearts of millions since it first graced our screens. But did you know that the famous Weatherfield, where all the drama unfolds, is actually a fictional place? In fact, it’s located just four miles away from Manchester, according to the show’s creator Tony Warren.
When Warren and designer Denis Parkin were planning the set design for Coronation Street, they drew inspiration from the now-demolished Archie Street in the Ordsall area of Salford. Over the years, real-life locations in Salford have been transformed into their fictional counterparts in Weatherfield. For instance, Salford Quays became Weatherfield Quays, adding a touch of authenticity to the show.
Despite having its own council, hospital, and police force, Weatherfield is still closely tied to Salford. On the set, you can spot Salford City Council bins and even bus stop maps that include Weatherfield as part of the wider city. It’s clear that the show has seamlessly blended fiction with reality.
In a recent post on Twitter, a Corrie tour guide shared a glimpse of the fictional tram stop on Victoria Street, which is conveniently located near Salford University’s main campus. This just goes to show how interconnected the show is with its real-life surroundings.
For many fans, visiting the Granada Studios Tour was a dream come true. Launched in 1988 by Granada Television, the tour allowed fans to walk on the iconic cobbles and experience the magic of Coronation Street up close. The tour offered more than just a glimpse of the famous street; visitors could explore a New York-themed street, a replica of Downing Street, and even enjoy a 3D cinema experience.
One of the highlights of the tour was the chance to step into a licensed replica of the Rovers Return and savor a pint of Newton and Ridley best bitter. Visitors could also film their own scenes with beloved characters like Betty Turpin and Mike Baldwin using a chroma-key backdrop.
Unfortunately, the Granada Studios Tour faced challenges over the years. The installation of Skytrak, the world’s first flying roller coaster, proved to be a disaster, leading to its closure. Falling visitor numbers also played a role in the decision to shut down the tour in 1999.
However, before the studios were redeveloped, the doors of the tour were opened one last time in 2014, allowing fans to bid farewell to the iconic set. It was a bittersweet moment for fans who had cherished the tour for so many years.
So, while Weatherfield may not be a real place, its impact on popular culture is undeniable. Coronation Street continues to captivate audiences with its compelling storylines and beloved characters, reminding us that sometimes fiction can feel just as real as our own neighborhoods.
Bill Tarmey and Liz Dawn, who played Jack and Vera, were spotted outside of the replica Rovers during construction works for GST. Prior to closure in December 2015, guests had the opportunity to tour dressing rooms, see famous props and costumes from across the years, and explore the studio, which featured various interior sets.
One of the sets that fans loved was the pub. Superfans could pretend to pull a pint before stepping out onto the backlot set and fully immersing themselves in the experience. But what about now? Can fans still visit the current Coronation Street studios?
The answer is yes! A dedicated visitor experience has been built on site at the current studios, and it is open to guests 7 days a week. However, there are three separate experiences available, each with a different price and what you can see on the day. It’s important to note that this experience is completely different from the Granada Studios Tour, so even if you visited in the past, it’s worth checking it out again.
In addition, the experience has expanded to include a cinema and exhibition. Visitors can now access the cinema and exhibition floor, where they can pose behind the bar of the famous Rovers Return and see costumes and props. There is also a gift shop and café available on site.
If you opt for a certain ticket, you will also get a guided tour of the show’s exterior backlot set, which is not open to visitors during the week. And for those willing to splurge, there is an opportunity to meet a member of the cast at the end of the tour for a selfie and an autograph.
However, if you plan on visiting on a weekday, please note that access to the backlot is restricted due to filming commitments. But don’t worry, you can still enjoy a highlights reel of classic moments and admire old props and costumes from previous years. You’ll even find replicas of the Rovers Return, Roy’s Rolls, and No. 9 Coronation Street, the home of the Dobbs family.
While you may not be able to pour a real beer from the taps, there have been talks about exploring this possibility in the future. So, keep an eye out for any updates.
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Weekend visitors can expect an exciting experience at the outdoor set of Coronation Street. This time, you’ll have the opportunity to see the entire set. However, you won’t be able to freely explore the set during your 90-minute walk. Instead, you’ll be guided in groups of up to 50 by an expert tour guide. Don’t worry though, the tour guides are absolutely fantastic! You’ll still have plenty of time to take pictures and peek through letterboxes. Plus, you’ll even have a few extra minutes on the actual Coronation Street itself.
It’s important to note that the tours also include access to the six interior studios. Additionally, some of the external buildings, like Prima Doner, are actually used for filming and are open for visitors. So, you might just get a glimpse of the behind-the-scenes action!
Now, let’s talk about the weather. As you know, Manchester is known for its unpredictable rain. So, it’s wise to come prepared for any weather changes that may occur during your visit. Keep in mind that you’ll be on your feet for quite a while, walking on tough cobblestones. Therefore, it’s essential to dress appropriately for both comfort and style.
If you’re looking to add a touch of showbiz glamour to your weekends, then the star tours are the perfect option for you. For just £55, you’ll get the full celebrity treatment. Plus, at the end of the tour, you’ll have a chance to meet and greet one of the cast members. They’ll even pose for a photo with you and sign an autograph. It’s a fantastic opportunity to make your visit even more memorable!
So, don’t miss out on this incredible experience at the Coronation Street outdoor set. Book your tour today and get ready for a day filled with excitement, behind-the-scenes secrets, and maybe even a celebrity encounter!
