Hollyoaks: the village in Chester where it all happens

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. Hollyoaks celebrated its 30th anniversary in October 2025, a landmark milestone that highlights its enduring popularity and unique place in television history.

Over its 30-year history, Hollyoaks has also become renowned for tackling challenging, issue-led storylines, often shining a light on subjects that can be considered difficult or taboo. By bringing these issues into the heart of its characters’ lives, the soap has helped to open up important conversations within homes and across wider society, using the power of storytelling to raise awareness, challenge perceptions and give a voice to experiences that might otherwise remain unspoken.

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 layout 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.

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 frequently makes cameo appearances. In earlier years, the Groves by the River Dee and the area around the Cross and Bridge Street were used extensively for scenic exterior shots, while the iconic Eastgate Clock appeared in episodes of Hollyoaks Later.

Fans will remember powerful scenes such as Lily McQueen’s tragic storyline filmed at Chester Railway Station, dramatic moments involving Luke Morgan and Milo brought to life on the suspension bridge and in the Roman Gardens, and Ste and James’s wedding at Chester Town Hall. Additionally, many cast members past and present call Cheshire home.

Exclusive Hollyoaks Village Set Tours

Following a run of successful behind-the-scenes events, Lime Pictures is reopening the gates to Hollyoaks Village at the Childwall studios on select Saturdays starting October 10th, 2026. Guided by expert production insiders, visitors can walk the show's famous streets and explore key filming locations up close.

The upcoming Autumn/Winter season features the debut of a brand-new, never-before-seen set added directly to the tour route. Lime Pictures is also bringing back its high-demand Star Tours, which include live appearances from two fan-favourite Hollyoaks cast members. Tickets are strictly limited and can be booked directly through the official ticketing website here.

Fan Experience and Photo Opportunities

For Hollyoaks enthusiasts, pairing a set tour with a trip to Chester offers the ultimate fan experience. A self-guided walk around the city allows you to spot real-life filming backdrops, from photo opportunities at the historic Eastgate Clock to scenic riverside strolls along The Groves.

Find out more about real Chester