If you’ve watched Netflix’s gripping series and found yourself wondering where was Run Away filmed, you’re not alone. Since its 2024 release, Run Away has become one of the streaming platform’s standout thrillers — praised for its intense storytelling and stunning, moody visuals.
As of 2026, the filming details are fully confirmed: Run Away was filmed primarily in Manchester, England, with key scenes shot in Cheshire and Merseyside. The show’s real-world locations gave it an authentic, atmospheric edge that perfectly matched the tone of Harlan Coben’s bestselling novel.
Let’s take a closer look at how these places brought the emotional and suspenseful world of Run Away to life.
What Is Run Away About?
Before diving into the filming sites, it helps to know what Run Away is all about. The six-part Netflix series, released in late 2024, is based on Harlan Coben’s 2019 novel of the same name.
The story follows Simon Greene, played by Richard Armitage, a man whose picture-perfect life collapses when his missing daughter is found living in dangerous circumstances. His search for the truth takes him deep into a world of lies, corruption, and betrayal — where every discovery pulls him further into chaos.
Directed by Lindy Heymann and produced by Nicola Shindler’s Quay Street Productions, the show’s emotional realism and visual style rely heavily on real locations rather than fabricated sets.
Manchester: The Main Filming Hub
The beating heart of Run Away’s production was Manchester, one of the most dynamic filming cities in the U.K. The city’s mix of historic architecture, industrial grit, and modern style created the ideal backdrop for Simon Greene’s complicated journey.
Filming took place across several districts in Manchester:
- Northern Quarter:
Known for its vintage buildings, graffiti walls, and artistic character, this district stood in for many of the show’s urban scenes. Simon’s searches and tense confrontations were filmed here, capturing the story’s raw energy. - Castlefield:
This canal-lined neighborhood gave the series its cinematic depth. Scenes featuring Simon crossing bridges or confronting suspects took advantage of Castlefield’s old brick arches and moody reflections. - Deansgate:
The high-end area of Deansgate represented Simon’s professional world — sleek, organized, and far removed from the chaos to come. The contrast between his clean-cut city life and the darker streets he later explores symbolized his emotional decline.
Manchester’s adaptability allowed the production to shoot both affluent and gritty settings within a few miles of each other, saving time while maintaining visual variety.
Cheshire: The Calm Before the Storm
When Simon’s story begins, everything seems perfect — a peaceful family life in a quiet suburb. To capture that atmosphere, Run Away filmed many of its early scenes in Cheshire, a scenic county south of Manchester known for its countryside charm and elegant neighborhoods.
Some of the most memorable filming spots included:
- Alderley Edge:
Used for exterior shots of the Greene family’s home, this picturesque village gave the show a sense of warmth and stability before Simon’s world begins to fall apart. - Wilmslow:
Featured in multiple scenes, Wilmslow’s tree-lined streets and cozy cafés represented the family’s everyday environment. It also hosted emotional moments between Simon and his wife in the show’s early episodes. - Macclesfield:
Smaller-town scenes were filmed here, offering authentic local color that grounded the show’s suburban life.
Cheshire’s natural beauty helped balance the darker tones of the story, creating visual contrast between home life and the city’s turmoil.
Merseyside: The Coastal Edge of the Story
While most of Run Away takes place in urban and suburban settings, some of its most striking scenes were filmed in Merseyside, near Liverpool.
The Wirral Peninsula became the site for some of the show’s tensest and most emotional moments. Its open coastline, moody skies, and rugged landscapes gave the finale its haunting tone.
Liverpool City Centre was also used briefly for wide shots and establishing visuals. The city’s modern skyline helped broaden the scope of the story, giving it a more expansive feel beyond Manchester.
These Merseyside scenes added depth and contrast, symbolizing both isolation and discovery as Simon’s investigation reached its emotional peak.
Studio Filming at Space Studios Manchester
Not everything in Run Away was filmed outdoors. Many indoor scenes were filmed at Space Studios Manchester, one of the leading television and film production facilities in the U.K.
The studio provided the settings for:
- Simon Greene’s financial office
- Police interrogation rooms
- Apartment interiors and safe houses
Space Studios’ soundproof stages allowed for precise lighting and sound design, ensuring continuity between real-world and studio footage. By blending these controlled sets with on-location scenes, the series achieved a seamless and realistic visual flow.
Filming Timeline and Production Details
Filming for Run Away took place between April and June 2024, using a tight schedule that spanned city streets, rural villages, and coastal cliffs.
The production was led by Nicola Shindler, founder of Quay Street Productions, a company known for producing several acclaimed Harlan Coben adaptations.
Richard Armitage’s involvement marked his third collaboration with Coben and Netflix, after starring in The Stranger and Stay Close. He described the filming experience as “intense, immersive, and grounded in reality,” praising Manchester and its surroundings for adding authenticity to the show’s tone.
Why Manchester Was the Perfect Choice
Producers chose Manchester for its flexibility, infrastructure, and cinematic charm. The city’s mix of old and new architecture allowed it to double for multiple fictional locations without losing realism.
Key reasons Manchester was selected include:
- Diverse Scenery: From city streets to canals and green parks, it offered everything the production needed within a short radius.
- Experienced Crew Base: Manchester has a skilled pool of local technicians, designers, and camera operators.
- Production-Friendly Environment: The Screen Manchester office streamlines permits and provides assistance to visiting crews.
- Authentic Look: The city’s industrial vibe and overcast skies added to the show’s tension and emotional weight.
These qualities have made Manchester a filming hotspot for many Netflix productions — and Run Away used the city’s full potential.
Famous Locations Fans Can Visit
For those who enjoy visiting real filming sites, Run Away features many recognizable spots in and around Manchester.
Here are some of the key filming locations:
| Scene Description | Location | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Simon’s first sighting of his daughter | Platt Fields Park, Manchester | The emotional opening scene shot in one of the city’s largest parks. |
| Coffee shop confrontation | Stevenson Square, Northern Quarter | Filmed among real local cafés and street art. |
| Police station exterior | Old Granada Studios, Manchester | The former TV complex used as a realistic police headquarters. |
| Abandoned complex discovery | Stockport | Gritty locations used to depict danger and decay. |
| Final scene | Wirral Coastline, Merseyside | Filmed near the water for the show’s powerful closing moments. |
Each spot was carefully chosen to enhance the emotional beats of the story — from family warmth to urban tension.
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The Cinematic Look of Run Away
Visually, Run Away stands out for its cinematic yet intimate style. Director Lindy Heymann and cinematographer Ben Smithard created a naturalistic look that reflected Simon Greene’s emotional journey.
They used:
- Natural lighting for authenticity
- Color contrasts — warm tones in family scenes, cooler tones in tense moments
- Handheld camera work to keep the action grounded and personal
The result was a visual experience that felt both real and artfully designed, enhancing every twist of the story.
Impact on Local Communities
Filming Run Away brought a welcome boost to the northern regions. Local businesses in Manchester, Cheshire, and Liverpool benefited from hotel bookings, catering, and transportation during production.
Residents often caught glimpses of filming, with Richard Armitage and co-stars Adeel Akhtar and Jo Joyner spotted filming scenes in public areas. Fans shared behind-the-scenes photos on social media, creating buzz long before the show’s premiere.
Local councils later praised the production for its professionalism and for showcasing the region’s beauty to a global audience.
Netflix and Harlan Coben’s Partnership
Run Away is part of Netflix’s multi-year deal with Harlan Coben, which has produced several successful British thrillers. All of them share a similar blend of mystery, emotion, and real-world authenticity.
Other Netflix hits under this collaboration include:
- The Stranger (2020) – Filmed in Bolton and Stockport
- Stay Close (2021) – Shot in Blackpool and Manchester
- Fool Me Once (2024) – Also filmed in Cheshire and Greater Manchester
Together, these series have transformed Northern England into a global center for high-quality television thrillers.
Run Away’s Success and Legacy
When Run Away premiered in late 2024, it quickly entered Netflix’s Top 10 worldwide and received strong reviews for its acting, pacing, and setting. Viewers praised how the northern landscapes added realism and emotional impact.
By 2026, the series remains one of the platform’s most-streamed Harlan Coben adaptations. Fans continue to visit its filming locations, many of which have become must-see destinations for television enthusiasts.
Summary of Filming Regions
| Region | Key Areas Used | Purpose in the Show |
|---|---|---|
| Manchester | Northern Quarter, Castlefield, Deansgate | City backdrops and chase scenes |
| Cheshire | Alderley Edge, Wilmslow, Macclesfield | Family home and suburban life |
| Merseyside | Wirral, Liverpool | Coastal and climactic moments |
| Space Studios Manchester | West Gorton | Indoor set work and controlled filming |
Every location worked together to create a believable world that drew viewers into Simon Greene’s emotional journey.
Final Thoughts
So, where was Run Away filmed?
The Netflix thriller was shot across Manchester, Cheshire, and Merseyside in England, with studio work completed at Space Studios Manchester. The choice of authentic northern locations gave the series its emotional realism and visual strength.
These filming sites — from Manchester’s busy streets to Cheshire’s peaceful suburbs and Merseyside’s windy coasts — helped transform Harlan Coben’s novel into one of Netflix’s most compelling thrillers to date.
If you’re ever in the U.K., many of these locations are open to the public — perfect for fans eager to experience the world of Run Away in person.