Get ready for Lynley, the exciting new BBC One crime drama hitting screens in autumn 2025! This four-part series is based on Elizabeth George’s best-selling Inspector Lynley novels and gives the classic detective duo a new twist. I’m so excited to tell you where this exciting show was filmed so you can see some of its amazing locations. At NetFilming, we love finding the places where your favourite shows are filmed, and Lynley is no different. Let’s talk about the main filming locations, some interesting facts about them, and the production details.
What Is Lynley About?
Lynley follows Detective Inspector Thomas Lynley, played by Leo Suter, a well-off aristocrat, and Detective Sergeant Barbara Havers, played by Sofia Barclay, a tough, working-class sergeant. They work together to solve difficult crimes while dealing with their different backgrounds. The series looks at issues like class, gender, and ethics while telling intense mysteries and personal stories. Written by Steve Thompson and directed by Ed Bazalgette, this modern reimagining promises to captivate fans of the novels and new viewers alike.
Where Was Lynley Filmed?
The production team chose breathtaking locations in Ireland and England’s Norfolk Broads to create the perfect backdrop for Lynley. These spots not only reflect the story’s East Anglian roots but also add a rich, visual depth to the series. Here’s a closer look at the key filming locations.
1. Ireland
Most of Lynley was filmed in Ireland, starting in August 2024. The beautiful scenery, historic buildings, and adaptable backdrops of the country make it a popular place to film. The team chose settings that are rich in colour and style to add to the drama’s mood and style.
Mallow Castle, County Cork
Mallow Castle in County Cork is one of the best things to see. This 16th-century building is a partially ruined but atmospheric fortified house that gives the show a real and timeless look. It’s probably used to show off big estates or important places in the country in the show.
Trivia: Mallow Castle and other locations around County Cork have previously appeared in shows like The Tudors and Vikings, showcasing their historical ambiance.
2. Norfolk Broads, England
The production team also moved to the Norfolk Broads, which are in Norfolk and Suffolk, England. The Broads National Park is the official name for this area. It is known for its beautiful waterways, windmills, meadows, and quiet charm.
The filmmakers used this natural landscape to make the story feel like it really happened in England. The calm rivers and wide-open skies are a beautiful contrast to the intense crime-solving plots.
Trivia: The Norfolk Broads have also been featured in The Go-Between (1971) and BBC’s Nature’s Weirdest Events, thanks to their cinematic appeal and unspoiled beauty.
Production Timeline
The production of Lynley followed a tight schedule to deliver its four episodes. Here’s a breakdown of the key milestones:
| Phase | Details |
|---|---|
| Pre-Production | Planning and location scouting began in early 2024, focusing on Ireland and England. |
| Filming Start | Filming commenced in August 2024 in Ireland, with additional shoots in the Norfolk Broads. |
| Filming Duration | Production likely spanned 3–4 months, wrapping by late 2024 to complete all episodes. |
| Post-Production | Editing and final touches began post-filming, targeting an autumn 2025 premiere. |
| Premiere | Set to air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in autumn 2025, with BritBox streaming in the US and Canada. |
Lynley Behind the Scenes
The making of Lynley was a labour of love, blending creativity and teamwork to bring Elizabeth George’s novels to life. Filming in Ireland and the Norfolk Broads required careful planning to match the story’s East Anglian vibe. The cast and crew worked long hours, often in bad weather, to get the best shots.
Leo Suter, who plays Tommy Lynley, shared his excitement, saying,
“It’s a privilege to step into Lynley’s shoes. The locations really help you feel the character’s world” (via BBC Press)
Creating Lynley has been an immersive and collaborative process. Executive producer David Stern of Playground Entertainment described how they decided to adapt the untapped Inspector Lynley books:
“We were on a little bit of a hunt for new material … just thought, ‘There’s such a wealth of material there.’”
This set the stage for Lynley—four feature-length episodes derived from Elizabeth George’s later novels, previously unadapted for television.
Writer and executive producer Steve Thompson emphasized his intent to reframe the characters completely anew:
“I was really anxious that we came at Lynley and Havers completely fresh… they meet for the first time. … They’re so ill-suited as a couple. This clash was really fun to write and fun for them to act.”
Director Ed Bazalgette, along with the team at BBC Studios, focused on balancing the mystery with deeper character arcs. Mark Linsey, scripted president at BBC Studios, praised the show’s overall vision:
“It looks sumptuous and really amazing. It’s beautifully shot … the whodunnit but also how the characters develop in their relationship. You are intrigued, and you want to know and see more.”
Sofia Barclay, who plays DS Havers, added insight into the richness of the characters:
“None of the characters you see are ever stereotypical. Everyone has got something a bit more interesting, hidden, mysterious. And the joy is figuring out those characters.”
During filming, the team shot in East Anglia for establishing shots but chose Ireland for principal photography. As Stern explained, Ireland offered diverse landscapes plus experienced crews. At the same time, real East Anglian scenery informed set design to ensure authenticity:
“…we had a scout going to all the real places in East Anglia … we didn’t want people to watch and say, ‘East Anglia doesn’t look like this’.”
Lynley Official Trailer
Keep an eye out for its premiere on BBC One in the autumn of 2025, and check back with NetFilming for more updates on your favourite shows’ filming secrets!
