Welcome to Bolton, a former industrial town loved by Hollywood's elite for its versatile architecture, stunning scenes, picture-perfect streets and affordable price tags

Nestled in the north-west of England, a town has earned itself Hollywood status for its exquisite scenery and landscapes that have provided movie-magic backdrops for numerous film productions.

Re-introducing Bolton! From Industrial Revolution textile powerhouse to cinematic elite, the town in Greater Manchester is reinventing its image one major motion picture at a time.

A hotspot for celebrity residences, the area was dubbed 'Hollywood of the north' after film crews descended on landmarks like Le Mans Crescent to recreate the eras depicted in the likes of Peaky Blinders, A Gentleman in Moscow and It's A Sin.

Bolton has well and truly earned its award-worthy status, and as word gets out, its star is only shining brighter and brighter. With an average house price hovering just above £200,000, it is becoming the place to put down roots.

HELLO! explored why Bolton is quickly becoming one of the most coveted postcodes in the UK.

Bolton earned its title as the 'Hollywood of the north' after location scouts and producers began recognising how its grand civic buildings, historic streets and versatile architecture could pose as realistic substitutes for major cities like London, Moscow and New York.

The Bolton Film Office played a key role in the rise of the town's notability, actively promoting the town’s unique look to production companies and making filming easier to organise.

Cue the likes of Peaky Blinders, A Gentleman in Moscow, Fool Me Once and Happy Valley setting up their sets in the area, and they were onto a winner as Bolton's popularity amongst the film world skyrocketed.

What began as a handful of productions has grown into a steady stream, firmly placing Bolton on the UK’s cinematic map.

Award-worthy architecture

A big reason for Bolton's draw is its stunning architecture that emulates the features and atmosphere of landmarks in other cities around the world, outside of the north of England.

The town boasts an eclectic mix of historic civic-era, Victorian, and neoclassical buildings that are equally breathtaking and nondescript in the best way possible for a film director.

At the heart of this collection is Bolton Town Hall, a grand neoclassical spectacle with sweeping steps, Corinthian columns and a looming clock tower, making it the perfect choice for period dramas, courtroom scenes, or cinematic shots that create the project's world setting.

Surrounding streets, including Le Mans Crescent with its curved fronts and ornate detailing, provide a versatile backdrop that can stand in for London, Moscow, or fictional cities.

The town's historic former mills, cobbled streets, and otherworldly warehouses add industrial grit, while quaint parks and riverbanks offer scenic exteriors, offering filmmakers a rare combination of authenticity, variety, and outdoor flair all within walking distance.

In essence, the town's mixture of structural architecture and outdoor scenic views gives production crews everything that a set needs in real life, without having to build sound stages in a Hollywood studio.

Celebrity locals

As well as being the perfect backdrop for many film sets, Bolton has also become a hotspot for celebrity addresses and the birthplace of plenty of stars.

Starting with the world of comedy, Peter Kay remains one of Bolton’s most beloved exports, often referencing the humour and warmth of northern life in his sets and performances. Fellow comedian Paddy McGuinness also hails from the town, as does acting legend Sir Ian McKellen and Motherland's Diane Morgan.

Elsewhere, Sara Cox, one of the UK’s best-known radio presenters, grew up in nearby areas of Bolton, while Shameless actor Maxine Peake spent her early years in the borough.

Many actors also choose to call the area home, with boxer Amir Khan putting down roots in Lostock with his wife Faryal.

Affordable living

Against the backdrop of the above, you would be forgiven for imagining house price tags exceeding millions of pounds, but that is most certainly not the case.

According to the Office for National Statistics, the "average house price in Bolton was £200,000 in September 2025 (provisional)", while monthly rent was "an average of £842" and first-time buyers got their keys for £176,000.

Clint Hibbert, Director at Harrisons Estate Agents, Bolton told HELLO!: "Bolton has this brilliant mix of Northern character, heritage architecture and modern regeneration - it's no surprise film crews are increasingly choosing it as a backdrop.

"We regularly see production teams and creatives in town, yet despite the attention, the property market here remains incredibly accessible, with the average home still sitting just over £197,000."

He continued: "That combination of affordability and culture is what’s drawing in first-time buyers, families stepping up the ladder, and movers from Manchester looking for more space without losing connectivity.

"Victorian terraces, spacious semis and modern family homes tend to sell quickly, often within days when priced well. Bolton feels like a town on the rise - full of personality, strong community spirit and great value, and people are starting to realise it."

A new partnership has been launched to support markets across Greater Manchester.

The Greater Manchester Markets’ Partnership aims to strengthen markets as key contributors to regional economic growth, town centre regeneration and community life.

Bringing together all 10 councils from across the city region, the scheme is supported by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority.

The partnership is led jointly by Bury, Bolton, Trafford, Manchester and Stockport councils.

Cllr Eamonn O’Brien, leader of Bury Council and GMCA’s cabinet member for sustainable, inclusive growth, said: "Markets are vital to local economies and sit at the heart of thriving communities.

"In Bury, we’ve always championed the role of our markets, but this new partnership opens the door to something bigger – connecting markets and people across Greater Manchester, to share ideas and tackle challenges together.

"By joining forces, we can drive market growth hand-in-hand with town centre regeneration, creating destinations that are sustainable, inclusive and ready for the future."

The partnership was launched at an event at the Fusilier Museum in Bury, attended by around 50 industry professionals.

Speakers included Mr O’Brien, NMTF chief executive Joe Harrison, GMCA strategy reform principal Elaine Morgan and Bolton Market senior manager Peter Entwiste.

The closing speech, focused on “pride of place”, was delivered by Bury North MP James Frith.

Mr Harrison said: "Our ambition is clear – to make markets central to Greater Manchester’s growth story.

"By championing small businesses and young traders, driving sustainability and digital transformation, and aligning with town centre regeneration, we’re building markets that deliver opportunity and inclusivity.

"Ten market communities, one friendly welcome – that’s the future we’re creating."

Following the event, attendees toured Bury Market’s £33 million regeneration scheme, which is set for completion by summer 2026.

The project includes improvements to the outdoor market and the development of a new flexi hall.

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Cllr Charlotte Morris, Bury Council cabinet member for economy and skills, said: "Markets bring people together, unite communities, and create opportunity.

"This partnership is about strengthening and widening those connections, making sure markets stay at the centre of local life and economic growth."

The next partnership meeting is planned for January 2026.