Fans of Life on Mars can explore iconic filming spots across Greater Manchester. From police stations to pubs, the show brought the city’s history to life in a unique way.
Manchester: Can you believe Life on Mars first aired almost twenty years ago? It’s wild! The show, set in the 1970s, was filmed in places like Manchester, Salford, and Stockport.
DCI Sam Tyler, played by John Simm, wakes up after a car crash. He finds himself in 1973, teaming up with Gene Hunt, played by Philip Glenister. Together, they solve crimes while Sam tries to figure out what happened to him.
The show kicked off on BBC One in January 2006 and quickly became a hit. It even led to a sequel, Ashes to Ashes, and versions in the US and South Korea.
Fans still love the show and often visit filming locations around Greater Manchester. Brett Wilson, the location manager, shared that they filmed many scenes at the Rochdale Canal in Ancoats. The opening scene, where Sam wakes up, was shot on some waste ground.
He mentioned how they had to find spots that looked like the 70s. It was tricky, but Manchester has a lot of great locations to choose from.
While many scenes were shot on location, some were filmed on sets at the BBC studios. For example, the police station and Sam’s flat were specially built for the show.
To celebrate its legacy, let’s look at some iconic filming spots in Greater Manchester. If you think of any we missed, drop a comment!
Stopford House, Stockport
Stopford House served as the police station in the show. DCI Gene Hunt was often seen in his office there. The building, built in 1975, is still used by Stockport Council today.
Mancunian Way
The Mancunian Way is where Sam Tyler had his accident. He wakes up on a building site, but the road was actually built in 1967, which was a bit of a creative choice by the writers.
Pollard Street, Ancoats
Sam wakes up in 1973 at a former mill site on Pollard Street. It looks completely different now, with a tram stop and modern apartments replacing the old mill.
Turner Street, Northern Quarter
Turner Street is home to Vinyl Heaven, the record shop Sam visits. Sadly, the corner where it was filmed has been replaced with a new office building.
Victoria Baths, Longsight
Victoria Baths was used for several scenes, including a morgue. This stunning building opened in 1906 and has been beautifully restored since closing in 2003.
Pool Corner, Rusholme
The exterior of the Trafford Arms pub was filmed at a former pub in Rusholme. It’s where Sam and Gene went undercover to solve a murder.
The Toast Rack, Fallowfield
The Toast Rack, originally a college, was used as a beauty company’s headquarters in the show. Its unique design makes it a recognizable landmark in Fallowfield.
