The Forsytes is a period drama Series directed by Meenu Gaur and Annetta Laufer, written by Debbie Horsfield. The show stars Francesca Annis, Jack Davenport, Millie Gibson, Danny Griffin, and Joshua Orpin. Here’s everything you need to know about the filming locations and behind-the-scenes details of this upcoming series.
The Forsytes follows a wealthy British family of stockbrokers in late-Victorian England. The older generation values duty and social reputation, while the younger ones struggle with love, change, and freedom.
The show will debut on Channel 5 (UK) in late 2025 and on PBS’s MASTERPIECE (U.S.) in 2026. Distributed by Channel 5 in the UK and PBS/Masterpiece in the U.S.
Table of Contents
When and Where Was PBS’ The Forsytes Filmed?
| Film Name | The Forsytes |
|---|---|
| Genres | Period Drama / Family Saga |
| Filming Locations | England (Bristol, Wales) & Italy |
| Filming Dates | Began May 2024 onwards |
| Cinematography by | Simon Archer, Andrew McDonnell, Søren Bay, John Lee |
| Release Date | Expected 2026 |
Filming for The Forsytes began in May 2024 at The Bottle Yard Studios in Bristol. Other parts were shot in Wales and Italy to capture various landscapes fitting the story’s elegant and international settings. Bristol’s historical streets, Georgian houses, and squares were used to bring Victorian London to life.
📍Bristol – Christmas Steps & Clifton
In Bristol, scenes showing street life and family homes were filmed around the historic Christmas Steps area and the Clifton district. These areas were chosen for their preserved Georgian and Victorian buildings, perfectly matching the late-1800s theme. The setting reflects the wealth and lifestyle of the Forsyte family.
📍Dowry Square, Hotwells, Bristol
This location was used for interior and exterior house scenes. The filmmakers chose Dowry Square because of its 300-year-old Georgian architecture, which adds authenticity to the period story.
📍Wales and Italy
Some additional filming took place in Wales and Italy. These locations helped capture the grandeur of the Forsytes’ travels and retreats, showcasing luxurious estates and scenic views beyond England.
📍St. Mary Redcliffe, Bristol, England
Address: The Parish Office, 12 Colston Parade, Redcliffe, Bristol BS1 6RA, United Kingdom
The grand St. Mary Redcliffe Church served as one of the main religious filming sites. Its towering Gothic architecture and stained-glass windows added dramatic visuals for wedding and ceremonial scenes in the series.
St Mary Redcliffe in Bristol, England, is widely regarded as one of the finest examples of English Gothic architecture, famously described by Queen Elizabeth I as “the fairest, goodliest, and most famous parish church in England” . Much of the current Grade I listed building dates from the late 13th and 14th centuries, funded by the city’s wealthy merchants, and it has served as a place of Christian worship for over 900 years. The church, situated on a red cliff above the River Avon, traditionally served as a landmark and place of prayer for seafarers arriving and departing the Port of Bristol.
📍Anglican Chapel, Arnos Vale Cemetery, Bristol, England
Address: Arnos Vale Cemetery, Bath Rd, Arno’s Vale, Bristol BS30 9DG, United Kingdom
Some emotionally powerful sequences were filmed inside the Anglican Chapel at Arnos Vale Cemetery. This historic Victorian-era site provided the perfect setting for reflective and somber moments in the show.
📍Vyvyan Terrace, Clifton, Bristol, England
Address: 12 Vyvyan Terrace, Clifton, Bristol BS8 3DG, United Kingdom
The Vyvyan Terrace, a Grade II* listed building in Clifton, appears in several scenes representing the Forsyte family’s residential area. Its grand facades and elevated views over Bristol helped recreate the opulent lifestyle of late-Victorian elites with royal set decorations.
📍Beaufort Polo Club, Gloucestershire
Address: Downfarm House, Westonbirt, Tetbury GL8 8QW, United Kingdom
Some scenes of outdoor gatherings and elite social events were shot at Beaufort Polo Club. Known for its luxurious countryside setting and royal connections, it added elegance and grandeur to the series.
The Beaufort Polo Club, established in 1872 in Gloucestershire, is one of England’s premier polo venues, deeply rooted in the equestrian tradition of the stunning Cotswolds countryside. It is renowned for hosting high-profile tournaments, including the prestigious Cirencester Cup, and serves as a significant social and competitive hub for the sport in the UK. The club is closely associated with the British Royal Family, who often participate in or attend its events, adding to its prestigious reputation.
📍The Glamorgan Building, Cathays Park, Cardiff
Address: Building in Cardiff, Wales
The Glamorgan Building in Cathays Park, Cardiff was used for interior office and institutional scenes. Its Edwardian Baroque style helped bring the business and legal worlds of the Forsytes to life.
The Glamorgan Building is a stately, Grade I listed Edwardian building located in the civic center of Cathays Park, Cardiff. Originally constructed between 1911 and 1912 to house Glamorgan County Council, its distinctive Baroque architecture features Portland stone and a grand central dome. Today, it serves as a prominent administrative building, mainly housing offices for Cardiff University.
📍Hotel Al Ponte dei Sospiri, Venice, Italy
International sequences were filmed at the Hotel Al Ponte dei Sospiri and near this hotel in Venice, Italy. The luxurious canalside hotel gave the show a romantic and European feel, portraying moments of travel and escape for certain characters.
The Hotel Al Ponte dei Sospiri offers a truly Venetian experience, boasting an exclusive location right near the iconic Bridge of Sighs and just moments from St. Mark’s Square. This elegant boutique hotel is set in a historic palazzo, providing guests with charming rooms, many of which feature stunning canal or city views, immersing visitors in the romantic atmosphere of Venice. Its prime position makes it a perfect, tranquil base for exploring the city’s most famous landmarks .
Behind the Scenes of The Forsytes
To make your search for The Forsytes filming even more interesting, it’s worth noting that the series was produced by Mammoth Screen, the same company behind Poldark. Bristol was chosen for its film-friendly environment and beautiful heritage architecture.
The cast and crew also shared glimpses of the filming process on social media, offering fans an exciting behind-the-scenes look.
Is There Any Trailer Available for The Forsytes?
Yes, the official trailer for The Forsytes was released on Channel 5’s Official YouTube Channel closer to its release date.
FAQs
Q1: Where was The Forsytes filmed?
A1: The Forsytes was filmed mainly in Bristol, Wales, and Italy.
Q2: What scenes were filmed at Bristol’s Christmas Steps?
A2: Several key moments, including outdoor family and business scenes, were shot around Christmas Steps and Clifton due to their authentic Victorian look.
Q3: When did the filming for The Forsytes begin?
A3: Filming began in May 2024 and continued through late 2024.
Q4: Can I visit the filming locations of The Forsytes?
A4: Yes, most filming spots such as Christmas Steps and Dowry Square in Bristol are open to the public. However, always check for visitor restrictions before visiting.
Q6: What scenes were filmed at St. Mary Redcliffe Church and Arnos Vale Cemetery?
A6: Ceremonial and emotional moments, including weddings and funeral scenes, were filmed at St. Mary Redcliffe Church and the Anglican Chapel at Arnos Vale Cemetery, chosen for their historical and visual depth.
Q7: Where were the luxury and travel scenes of The Forsytes shot?
A7: The elegant travel and vacation sequences were filmed at Hotel Al Ponte dei Sospiri in Venice, Italy, highlighting the wealth and lifestyle of the Forsyte family.
This complete guide covers all the key filming locations and production details for The Forsytes (2025).
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