The Dumping Ground has been a mainstay of CBBC programming since its premiere in 2013. It tells the stories of children in care in both heartwarming and dramatic ways. Based on Jacqueline Wilson‘s well-known books; the series has followed a group of different young people who live in a care home and deal with their own unique problems and successes. Fans can’t wait for the 13th season to start on January 17 to see what new adventures the people of Ashdene Ridge will have.
In Season 13, old characters come back and new ones are added. Dani Harmer makes a cameo as the famous Tracy Beaker. This time, Dani also directs an episode, which is a big step forward in her career. Aside from the interesting plots and character arcs; one thing about the show stays the same: the beautiful places where it was filmed.
The Dumping Ground has been dealing with tough issues like family, identity, and strength since the beginning, using both comedy and drama. This season, the people who live in Ashdene Ridge, the made-up care home are facing new problems, ranging from personal issues to how to get along with others. The show keeps looking at what it means to find family in strange places, with its usual mix of funny and touching moments. Fans of the show will feel nostalgic when Dani Harmer comes back as Tracy Beakerand her first time directing shows that exciting things are happening behind the scenes.
The Dumping Ground Filming Locations:
The show’s link to the North East of England is one of the things that makes it unique. Over the years, The Dumping Ground has filmed in many places in the region, showing off its beautiful scenery and charming cities.
Jesmond and Gateshead in the early seasons
Scenes from the first season of The Dumping Ground were shot at the old La Sagesse convent school in Jesmond, Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Historic school architecture was used to build the outside of Elm Tree House, the first care home. But because the site was being redeveloped, the production had to move.
From Season 2 to Season 4, scenes inside were filmed at Hookergate School in Gateshead. The new Ashdene Ridge was filmed at the nearby Kites Rise building in Rowlands Gill. The surrounding areas were used as the made-up town of Talbot Ward, which kept the show firmly in the North East.
Five to ten seasons: Morpeth and Beyond
The show’s settings changed as it went on. From Season 5, the inside scenes were filmed at the old Loansdean Fire Station in Morpeth. The outside of Kites Rise stayed the same for Ashdene Ridge. By Season 9, a copy of Kites Rise’s front was built at Hookergate School, giving viewers a sense of continuity.
In a dramatic turn of events, Ashdene Ridge was destroyed by fire in the last episode of Season 10. This opened the door for a new chapter in the history of the show’s locations.
Hexham’s Part in Recent Seasons
As of Season 11, filming moved to a building that used to be a middle school in Hexham, Northumberland. The new care home, Porter’s Lodge, is now on this site. The beautiful scenery around Hexham and the school building’s many uses have made it a great place for the new seasons. Shots of the inside and outside are seamlessly combined, making a background that fits with the residents’ stories and looks good.
Dani Harmer, known for bringing Tracy Beaker to life since 2002, returns not only in front of the camera but also as a director for one of the episodes. Reflecting on her experience, Harmer shared her enthusiasm for reprising her iconic role:
“It is so good to be back and making a cameo as Tracy – she’s been a part of my life for over 20 years now – but I’d quite happily play her forever!”
Harmer also expressed excitement about stepping behind the camera:
“It was very different being sat in the director’s chair, but I enjoyed every single second of it… it felt like that was where I was meant to be!”
In addition to being important to the story, The Dumping Ground has had a lasting effect on the creative industry in the North East. BBC Studios Kids & Family Productions and BBC Children’s and Education work together with North East Screen to help local filmmakers and make the region a great place to make movies.
This partnership not only shows off the beautiful places in the area, but it also helps up-and-coming actors and crew members grow. The fact that stars like Amy Leigh Hickman and Mia McKenna-Bruce have done so well on the show shows that it can help British performers get noticed.
Fans of The Dumping Ground can look forward to more wonderful stories, new challenges, and Tracy Beaker’s return in Season 13. While the drama plays out on screen, the North East locations where the show was filmed stay the same, adding to its history. No matter if it’s Jesmond, Gateshead, Morpeth, or Hexham, the North East is always the center of attention in this popular show.
See More: Verity Filming Locations (2025): An Adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s Best-Selling Book
