a row of colorful buildings by the water

Heartstopper Filming Locations: The Ultimate Guide to Seasons 1 and 2

Step into the world of Heartstopper, based on the Alice Oseman comics, where emotions run deep and hearts are captured on screen with the Heartstopper filming locations.

Beyond its characters and story, the show’s filming locations play a vital role in setting the stage for its heartwarming narrative. Told by actors Kit Connor and Joe Locke, this tale tells a story of accepting your sexuality and exploring young love.

From the halls of Truham Grammar School to the intimate corners of characters’ lives, these locations aren’t just backdrops—they’re integral to the show’s emotional journey.

So if you’re asking, “Where is Heartstopper set?” and wanting to explore the locations in your favourite Heartstopper episodes, then this is the guide for you.

Join us as we dive into the real-world places that breathe life into the Heartstopper episodes, revealing the thought behind their selection and the magic they bring to the series.

Warning! Spoilers Ahead!

Table of Contents

Season One

Herne Bay High School

man with backpack beside a books heartstopper filming locations
Photo by Redd F on Unsplash

The filming location for the fictional Truham Higgs school is Herne Bay High School in Kent, England. It is certainly one of the most prominent Heartstopper filming locations in season 1.

This Kent location is actually a real school so you’re unable to go and look around. If you’re in the area, you must also make sure to be respectful of all residents who live there.

However, you may see many of the locations around the outside of the school grounds from some of the Heartstopper scenes.

Herne Bay

a road next to a beach heartstopper filming locations season 1 season 2

Herne Bay seafront is only a short distance from the school in Kent. It serves as the location for the beach that Charlie Spring and Nick Nelson travel to in the season 1 finale.

This is also an important location in the Heartstopper tv series, for the couple and, by extension, for the fans themselves.

While you’re unable to visit the school, Herne Bay is open for visitors all year round. So, if you’re a Heartstopper fan it’s definitely worth heading to Herne Bay for a day out.

E-Act Burnham Park Academy

The E-Act Burnham Park Academy used to be a real school. However, it closed in 2019 due to falling student numbers. Now, only the grounds are used as the location for the rugby pitch.

This is one of the Heartstopper filming locations we see throughout the show. While the school is closed, it is only the exteriors that are used.

So, if you decide to pay it a visit you may be able to see some of the external locations from the rugby practices in the show.

North Weald Railway Station

blue train at daytime

North Weald is a small and pretty village located in Essex, England. The railway station here was used as the railway station in Charlie and Nick’s town.

This is where they wait for the train to take them to the beach at the end of season one.

Whilst only used for a couple of shots, this pretty station is definitely worth a visit if you’re in the area and want to see one of the great Heartstopper filming locations.

High Wycombe Hollywood Bowl

person standing on bowling court heartstopper filming locations season 1 season 2

The Hollywood Bowl in High Wycombe serves as the location for the Heartstopper party scene for Charlie’s birthday party. There are lots of important moments in the show filmed at this location and could be a really meaningful place for Heartstopper fans to visit.

It’s open to the public and, as you can see from the show, has lots of fun things to do such as arcade games and bowling – both featuring in the Heartstopper party scene. It’s the perfect place to hang out with friends.

Why not have your own birthday party there? Or you could even go on a date with a fellow Heartstopper fan.

Check out the website here.

Season Two

Eiffel Tower

Eiffel Tower during night time

Heartstopper Season 2 shifted as it added locations in Paris, the capital of romance, to its iconic shooting spots. As one of the most iconic landmarks in the whole world, the Eiffel Tower is on the must-visit list for any Paris goer – including the Heartstopper characters.

Take a seat on the green beside the tower and practice your French, then take the stairs all the way up to the top. Or you could spare your legs and just book tickets for the lift so you don’t need a lie down like Darcy when you get to the top!

Enjoy the views and make sure to snap a selfie while you’re there.

The Louvre

The Louvre is one of the most popular museums in the world, so if you choose to visit this Paris museum, make sure to book tickets in advance.

This location features heavily in episode 5 of Heartstopper and includes lots of important scenes, such as a big conversation between Nick and Charlie, as well as Tao and Elle’s first kiss. Not to mention Nick making Charlie blush with his fluent French accent!

Sacré Coeur Basilica

heartstopper filming locations season 1 season 2 a group of people standing in front of a building

The Sacré Coeur Basilica is an important Catholic church in the Parisian district of Montmartre.

It remains an important location for the religious folks who visit there, so make sure to be respectful if you make your trip there too.

While we never see the inside of the church in Heartstopper, it plays as the location on which Tara and Charlie bond over their relationship troubles, as well as a cute scene where Nick and Charlie share ice creams.

Musée de Montmartre

The Musée de Montmartre features in episode 4 of Heartstopper, serving as the location for Tao and Elle’s slightly more successful second date!

As Elle rightly points out, it’s famous for being the place where Renoir painted and is full to the brim with art history.

It’s a great place to visit for anyone on a trip here. Don’t forget to check out the beautiful attached Renoir Gardens too.

L’escalier Bistro

white and brown seashell lot heartstopper filming locations
Photo by Mr Xerty on Unsplash

This traditional French bistro is visited by the Heartstopper characters in episode 4 in order for them to try some traditional French cuisine.

It also serves as the location for the scene in which Imogen breaks up with Ben.

Luckily for Heartstopper fans, this restaurant is open to the public. So, book a table and enjoy some delicious French food.

You could even be as brave as Tao and try the escargot!

Le Marais

a flag from a building

The heartwarming scene in which Charlie and Nick are inspired by another couple to hold hands in public was filmed in Le Marais.

This area is known as the gay district of Paris – think France’s version of London’s Soho. It has a number of gay clubs and bars and it makes sense that a scene showing Nick and Charlie feeling more confident in public would be shot here.

This is a great location for any member of the LGBTQ+ community to visit and feel more accepted and at home.

Shakespeare and Company

heartstopper filming locations season 1 season 2 a shakespeare and company sign above a doorway

This famous bookshop is shown in episode six and, of course, we see Isaac probably about as happy as we’ve ever seen him.

This bookshop was opened in the 1920s as an English-language bookshop and was run by founder Sylvia Beach and her long-term girlfriend Adrienne Monnier.

It was home to many writers such as Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and James Joyce.

It is still a great place as a literary and LGBTQ+ historical sight and a fantastic bookshop too. Make sure to say hello to the resident cat, Aggie, whilst you’re there!

Check Out Bruno Duarte’s Video Of Heartstopper Filming Locations

Do you want to see the Heartstopper filming locations in action?

Check out Bruno Duarte’s great video to see him visit the locations and get a special insight into the places before you go and visit yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the Heartstopper beach scene?

The beach scene in Heartstopper was filmed in Herne Bay. Here you can enjoy the town centre, the beach and the pier which are all featured in the show.

Is Truham Grammar School real?

No, Truham Grammar School is fictional. However, it is shot at a real high school called Herne Bay High School.

Was Heartstopper filmed in London?

Heartstopper was filmed in various locations, including many interior shots in Twickenham Studios. However, the team also used Herne Bay, locations in Berkshire, North Leach and High Wycombe.

Where was Heartstopper filmed?

Heartstopper is filmed in England. The interior shots are often filmed at Twickenham Studios. Many of the school shots are taken at a film in Kent. Season 2 included Paris in its filming locations.

Is Heartstopper on Netflix?

Yes, Heartstopper is on Netflix.

When is the next Heartstopper Netflix release date?

Season 3 of Heartstopper is duo to be released on Netflix in October 2024.

Conclusion

There is the ultimate lowdown on Heartstopper filming locations for seasons one and two! I hope you enjoy walking the footsteps that your favourite characters have taken and it fills you with pride and joy as you do so!

As we know, Yasmin Finney who plays Elle is going to appear in Doctor Who next year. So why not celebrate by checking out my post on Doctor Who filming locations and visiting some of those too?

Thank you so much for reading and I hope to see you back here again soon.

Ta-ta for now! x

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