Celebrates 30 years!

Introduction to Hollyoaks Village

Hollyoaks Village may be fictional, but it has become a household name and a cultural icon in UK television. At the heart of the long-running Channel 4 soap Hollyoaks, the village is depicted as a lively suburb of Chester, Cheshire. Since its debut in 1995, the show has captivated millions of viewers with its mix of drama, humour, and compelling characters, firmly placing “Hollyoaks Village” in the landscape of British pop culture. This October marks the 30th anniversary of the soap’s very first episode, a milestone that highlights its enduring popularity and its unique place in the nation’s television history.

The actual Hollyoaks set, built at *Lime Pictures studios in Liverpool, was carefully designed to reflect the distinctive character of Chester. The production team based the set around key Chester architectural features, including the city’s famous medieval walls and striking black and white timbered buildings, giving the fictional village an authentic Chester-inspired look and feel. This connection helps to visually root the show in the Chester area, even though most filming happens in Liverpool studios.

TV Filming Facts and Locations

While Hollyoaks Village is portrayed as part of Chester, the majority of filming happens at Lime Pictures studios in Childwall, Liverpool. However, the city of Chester does make cameo appearances too. In the early years, the Groves by the River Dee, the area around the Cross and Bridge Street was used extensively for scenic exterior shots, while the iconic Eastgate Clock appeared in episodes of Hollyoaks Later.

Fans might remember powerful scenes such as the sad death of Lily McQueen, who died from sepsis, filmed at Chester Railway Station. Dramatic storylines involving Luke Morgan and Milo were brought to life on the suspension bridge, at The Groves and in the Roman Gardens. And more recently, the joyous wedding of Ste and James was filmed at Chester Town Hall, adding to the city’s real-life connection with the show.

Plus, many of the cast members, past and present, live in our stunning county.

Fan Experience and Photo Opportunities

For Hollyoaks enthusiasts, a trip to Chester provides the ideal way to deepen your connection with the show. We recommend taking a self-guided walk around the city to spot filming backdrops and enjoy iconic views. From photo opportunities at the historic Eastgate Clock to scenic riverside strolls along The Groves, Chester offers plenty of moments worth capturing on camera to remember your Hollyoaks-inspired visit.

Although not always filmed here, Chester warmly welcomes visitors who want to experience the spirit of the show.

Find out more about real Chester here

* Please note that the official Hollyoaks Village set at Lime Pictures studios is not open for public tours.

Watch Hollyoaks here