The quaint towns of Slough, Windsor, and Buckinghamshire have lately been bustling with a touch of stardom, all thanks to the Netflix sensation, Heartstopper. This British coming-of-age romantic drama has not just stolen hearts worldwide but has also showcased the serene and picturesque locales of these towns. The storyline tenderly unfolds the journey of two schoolboys, Nick and Charlie, portrayed by the promising young talents, Kit Connor and Joe Locke, as they delve into the realms of friendship, young love, and social dilemmas.
As spring bloomed in 2021, the locales of these towns turned into a filming haven, unveiling familiar roads, quaint shops, and iconic attractions on the silver screen a year later, in April 2022. The avid viewers were quick to recognize the familiar backdrops, reminiscing the aura of their beloved towns. One of the notable venues that captured the essence of the series is the now-deserted E-ACT Burnham Park Academy. The sprawling grounds of this academy served as a canvas for various outdoor rugby matches and school scenes, painting a vivid picture of the characters’ school life.
As the story progresses, Burnham continues to play a pivotal role, with a scene unfolding in the tranquil Burnham village park. Meanwhile, Windsor emerges as another key location, with a quaint house on St Marks Road becoming a refuge for the main characters. The narrative beautifully captures the characters’ emotions as they stroll along Windsor and Eton Riverside, meandering through the Thames Path, and enjoying the serene ambience at Baths Island & Pleasure Ground.
Venturing into Buckinghamshire, the cast was welcomed by High Wycombe’s Hollywood Bowl, where they indulged in some bowling and arcade games, portraying a blend of youthful exuberance and camaraderie. With season two making its grand debut on August 3, the narrative further explores the heartwarming story in the same enchanting locales.
The new adventures kickstart at the familiar St Marks Road in Windsor, before the characters venture to a quaint corner shop. Norfolk Park Stores in Maidenhead makes a notable appearance, with its interior getting a brief makeover for scenes shot in a single day. The narrative unfolds further at Burnham Park Academy playing fields, before leading us to Nick’s abode, nestled in Maidenhead’s scenic riverside area.
As the characters Tao and Elle, played by William Gao and Yasmin Finney, find their way to the cinema at Gerrards Cross Everyman, the viewers are also introduced to Chesham’s bustling high street. The iconic clock tower and the exterior of Trekkers serve as a picturesque backdrop, adding a touch of antiquity to the modern narrative.
The filming venture had the Berkshire Film Office buzzing with excitement. A spokesperson shared, “It was amazing to see the parts of Berkshire we were involved with, sprinkled throughout the series. Heartstopper, with its touching narrative, has not only warmed hearts but also celebrated our local culture, making it an honour to have had it filmed locally.”
