‘Slow Horses’ is a thrilling spy series written by British comedian Will Smith (not the American actor and rapper) and based on Mick Herron’s espionage book series. The show is an Apple TV+ original and features Gary Oldman as Jackson Lamb, a grumpy and miserable boss at Slough House, a place where MI5 agents who made mistakes are sent. Life at Slough House is boring, but things take a turn when a mysterious event at Regent’s Park catches media attention.
Since its premiere, the series has gained attention for its talented cast and unique story. The show is mainly set in London, with Slough House being the center of the story. The series also takes us to different parts of London, like subways and royal parks, creating a dark and tense atmosphere.
Where was “Slow Horses” Filmed?
‘Slow Horses’ was filmed in various locations across England, mainly in London, Essex, and Stroud. The filming started on November 30, 2020, after some delays due to the pandemic. The shooting for the first season continued until June 25, 2021. As of March 2022, the second season is also being developed. Tom Burton, known for ‘The Night Manager,’ handled the production design, while James Hawes directed all six episodes of the first season. Let’s take a look at the specific locations where the series was filmed.
London, England
Creating the Dark and Edgy Atmosphere: To capture the gritty feel of the series, the cast and crew filmed in different parts of London, showing the city in a way not often seen in movies or TV shows. Some of the filming took place at the historic Smithfield Market on Grand Avenue in Westminster, which is the central government district of London. The exterior of Slough House, the main setting of the series, was created using a red-bricked house at 126 Aldersgate Street near the Barbican station. The crew even made it rain during the filming to add to the gloomy atmosphere. The set was very detailed, with a fake bus stop, bags of litter, and a pretend Chinese restaurant called ‘New Empire.’
Studio Filming: Many of the indoor scenes for the first season were filmed at 3 Mills Studios in East London, near Stratford. This studio is one of the largest in London, with 11 filming stages and nine rehearsal rooms. It has been used for many famous movies, including Guy Ritchie’s ‘Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels’ and David Cronenberg’s ‘Eastern Promises.’ Some scenes were also shot at the Berwick Street Market in Soho, London.
Other London Locations
Gary Oldman and Kristin Scott Thomas, two of the main actors, were seen filming near the Regent’s Canal in North London. The filming also took place in Regent’s Park, close to the canal. Additionally, the Cambridge train station was transformed into “High Wycombe” for the series. The crew also built an elaborate set at the Old Royal Naval College, a historic site in Greenwich, London.
Essex, England
Filming by the Sea: The cast and crew didn’t just stay in London; they also traveled to Essex to film some scenes by the sea. They shot several segments in the town of Harwich, especially at the Harwich Haven Authority port. This port is located near the Navigation House in the Angelgate area of Harwich and offers a stunning view of the North Sea.
Stroud, England
Filming for the Second Season: In July 2021, the production team moved to Stroud, a market town in Gloucestershire, for some filming for the second season. The filming process gave a boost to local businesses, with some even getting a makeover for the show. For example, A & A Taxis, a local taxi service, was featured in the series with a new phone number and sign. Café Max, a popular eatery in Stroud located at Westbourne House on Russell Street, was used as the fictional “Station Café” in the series.
Slow Horses used a variety of locations across England, especially in London, Essex, and Stroud, to create the perfect setting for its thrilling story. The combination of famous landmarks and hidden gems helped bring the world of Slough House to life, making the series both visually appealing and engaging for viewers. Whether in the busy streets of London or the quiet town of Stroud, each location played an important role in telling the story of Slow Horses.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Slow Horses
Q: Where was Slow Horses filmed?
A: Slow Horses was primarily filmed in various locations across England, especially in London, Essex, and Stroud. The show captures the gritty and tense atmosphere of the story by using iconic spots in London like Smithfield Market, Aldersgate Street, and 3 Mills Studios. Additional scenes were filmed in Essex, particularly in Harwich, and in Stroud, Gloucestershire.
Q: When was Slow Horses filmed?
A: The filming for the first season of Slow Horses began on November 30, 2020, after some delays due to the pandemic. The production continued for several months and was completed on June 25, 2021. Some scenes for the second season were filmed in July 2021.
Q: When was Slow Horses released?
A: The first season of Slow Horses was released on April 1, 2022 and second season premised on December 2, 2022, on Apple TV+. The show quickly gained popularity for its gripping storyline and stellar performances.
Q: What is the setting of Slow Horses?
A: Slow Horses is set in and around London, with the main focus being on the Slough House, where the MI5 rejects work. The series takes viewers through various parts of London, including subways, parks, and government districts, to create a dark and suspenseful atmosphere.
Q: Is there a second season of Slow Horses?
A: Yes, a second season of Slow Horses released on December 2, 2022, on Apple TV+. Filming for the second season began in July 2021, with some scenes being shot in Stroud, Gloucestershire.
