Art Detectives is a 2025 crime drama series that weaves together unusual investigations and the world of stolen art and rare collectibles. The show features two detectives: Di Mick Palmer, portrayed by Stephen Moyer, and Shazia Malik played by Nina Singh. Their cases include everything from fake Vermeer paintings to missing Viking gold.
While the show is set in various locations across the UK, including places like London, Gloucestershire, and Yorkshire, almost all of the actual filming took place in Northern Ireland. From Belfast’s urban backdrop to Victorian mansions and quiet parks, the production used a wide range of spots to create the show’s unique atmosphere.
In this guide by NetFilming, we break down all the key Art Detectives filming locations used during production and share some fascinating behind-the-scenes details you won’t want to miss.
Where was Art Detectives filmed?
Though Art Detectives tells stories from across the UK, the series was entirely shot in Northern Ireland, making use of both urban areas and picturesque countryside. The creative team used the natural charm of Belfast and nearby towns to double for other English locations, using a common film technique known as “location doubling.”
Let’s take a closer look at the filming spots used across the region.
Belfast: The Heart of the Shoot
Art Detectives was principally filmed in and around the city of Belfast which is located in Northern Ireland. The diverse architecture as well as the vibrancy of the city provided an adequate backdrop for scenes set in London and other places in the UK. Some of the more interesting evasive places in Belfast that were used include:
- Urban Belfast Streets and Shops: In a captivating display of creative ingenuity, the production team transformed public parks, local shops, and city streets into various UK locations. From busy London intersections to quaint Yorkshire towns, Belfast’s versatility was put to excellent use in capturing the show’s diverse settings.
- John Hewitt Bar (Cathedral Quarter): This historic pub adds a cozy authenticity to Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter. As fans of Line of Duty might recognize from other productions, this intersection has become popular for filming. I would assume that they recorded around October 14, 2024 as there were casual dramatic meet ups and intense rendezvous interactions throughout the episode.
- Blinkers Café (Bridge Street): As a real café in Belfast, Blinkers provided relatability as well as warmth which helped further ground the characters ideas to their authentic Belfast setting. Appearing in several scenes added relatable charm to the situation through character interactions while adding value through serving hot drinks paired with their inviting atmosphere, which portrayed friendliness fitting with the grounded tone seamlessly.
- The Big Fish Sculpture: This iconic Belfast landmark, located near the River Lagan, made a cameo in waterfront scenes. Its distinctive look added a touch of local flavor to the series.
- Queen’s Arcade: This beautiful Victorian shopping arcade in Belfast served as a stunning backdrop, likely for scenes involving high-end art dealings or city moments. Its elegant architecture matched the show’s focus on wealth and culture.
- Custom House Square: A popular event venue in Belfast, this location was used for public or urban scenes, adding to the series’ dynamic feel.
- Donegall Street: Filming crews and trucks were spotted here, especially near the John Hewitt Bar, suggesting it was used for nearby street scenes or transitions.
- Knock Eden Park (South Belfast): This peaceful public park was a go-to for outdoor scenes. On October 15, 2024, cast and crew were seen filming here, likely capturing moments of reflection or investigation in a serene setting.
Ballywalter Park: The Grand Country House
The team described one of the most interesting places in Art Detectives as being “like a bank with bedrooms.” It is a huge country estate that appears in Episode 2. This is likely Ballywalter Park, a beautiful Victorian mansion in County Down, which is around 20 miles from Belfast. The show’s themes of art, riches, and hidden secrets fit wonderfully with its stately interiors and huge grounds. This place in the series is probably a Gloucestershire estate connected to a Viking treasure case, which shows the wealth and mystery that are important to the story.
Wallace House in Lisburn
Wallace House in Lisburn is another important place. It is a Grade B2 listed structure with a long history. Sir Richard Wallace, a rich landowner and philanthropist, built this two-story red brick home in 1880. It has stone dressings and a Mansard roof. Designed by architect Thomas Benjamin Amber, it originally served as a residence for Sir Richard’s son, who managed the family’s Lisburn estate. Over time, it became a Municipal Technical Institute in 1914 and later part of the South Eastern Regional College. Its historic beauty made it a great place for sequences that needed a feeling of history or grandeur, like an art gallery or a fancy home in the show.
Ulster Museum: The London Auction House
The last episode of the series has a dramatic scenario with a sarcophagus that takes place at what seems like an auction shop in London. This was actually filmed in the Ulster Museum in Belfast. The museum’s exquisite interiors made for a classy setting for high-stakes art deals, which fit with the show’s focus on priceless antiques and cultural treasures.
Northern Ireland’s Countryside: Doubling as Gloucestershire
In Episode 2, the investigators go to “Glostisha,” a fictional Gloucestershire, to look into a case involving Viking treasure. Even though the tale takes place in the English countryside, the real filming took place in the countryside of Northern Ireland. The green, rolling hills around Belfast were used to stand in for the English countryside, showing how the area can be used as various settings. The art department created the Viking treasure, enhancing the realism of the scenes.
When Was Art Detectives Filmed?
Filming for Art Detectives began in September 2024 and continued throughout the autumn. Crews at The John Hewitt Bar and Knock Eden Park recorded specific observations on October 14–15, 2024. Production was completed in time for the premiere on June 9, 2025, which featured two initial episodes followed by weekly releases on Acorn TV.
Art Detectives Behind The Scenes
Art Detectives is a new criminal drama that took a lot of planning and cooperation to make. The refined visuals and art-inspired mysteries add a delightful touch. The people who made the show wanted to make a series that felt true about art theft but was nevertheless fun and easy to watch for many people.
Director Jennie Paddon shared how important it was to maintain a sense of realism. “We didn’t want the show to feel overly dramatic or detached from everyday reality. These crimes happen in real life, and we wanted to explore that in a smart and visually striking way,” she said in an interview.
Executive producer Paul Powell praised Moyer’s collaboration, saying, “We were so pleased to get Stephen. That really unlocked a lot for us, in terms of the writing and performance. He’s generous, fights for the show, but steps back when needed. There was never an ego with Stephen”.
The cast also enjoyed the unique premise. Stephen Moyer, who plays DI Mick Palmer, mentioned, “It’s not your typical cop show. We’re chasing paintings, not people—and that opens up a totally different dynamic.”
Filming mostly in Northern Ireland allowed the production team to stay flexible and efficient. Producer Dan Gaster explained, “We could move from an art gallery scene to a countryside estate in under an hour. That kind of variety made Northern Ireland a dream to shoot in.”
Filming in Belfast’s varied locations, supported by Northern Ireland Screen, allowed the team to craft a visually rich series that feels both authentic and immersive.
Art Detectives Official Trailer
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