Discover how British locations like Aldbury, Englefield Estate, and Shepperton Studios bring the cozy, rustic charm to Netflix's The Thursday Murder Club adaptation, creating an inviting yet mysterious atmosphere.

When Netflix decided to bring Richard Osman's beloved novel The Thursday Murder Club to the screen in 2025, they knew the locations had to be spot on. After all, you can't have a quintessentially British mystery without the perfect backdrop of quaint villages, cozy retirement homes, and pubs where secrets are whispered over pints. The film's texture is uniquely British, and despite all the murder and mayhem, it manages to feel surprisingly warm and rustic, thanks largely to where it was filmed. Talk about making homicide look homey!

🏡 Aldbury: The Picture-Perfect Stand-In for Fairhaven

Much of the story unfolds in the fictional seaside town of Fairhaven. To bring this charming locale to life, the production crew descended upon Aldbury, a small English town with a population of fewer than a thousand people. Can you imagine the gossip at the local pub when film crews rolled in? Aldbury was transformed for many exterior shots, serving as the ideal stand-in for Fairhaven. The police station and various street scenes were filmed here, perfectly capturing the small-town vibe that makes the story so relatable. It's the kind of place where everyone knows your name—and probably your business too.

Englefield Estate: The Heart of Cooper's Chase

If Cooper's Chase, the retirement community at the center of the plot, feels like a character in itself, that's because it largely is! The majestic Englefield Estate was used to craft both the interiors and exteriors of this pivotal location. This beautiful mansion, complete with lush grounds, a church, and gorgeous gardens, easily slipped into the role of the fictional retirement home.

Key scenes filmed at Englefield Estate include:

• The main common rooms where the club first gathers

• Expansive staircases bathed in natural light from large windows

• The initial case examination by our elderly sleuths

It's no wonder the characters feel so at home here; the estate provides a stunning backdrop that balances elegance with comfort. Who wouldn't want to solve a murder mystery in such a gorgeous setting?

🎬 Shepperton Studios: Crafting the Interiors

Not everything could be shot on location. For more controlled environments, the production moved to the legendary Shepperton Studios. This is where the magic of interior design really came into play. The studio was used to create:

• The individual apartments of each main character

• Interior shots of the police station

• Various London locales, including the film's opening scene

It's here that Joyce and Elizabeth's early meeting with Donna at the police station was filmed, adding another layer of authenticity to the characters' interactions. Sometimes, you gotta build it to believe it!

🍻 The Red Lion Pub: Where Schemes Are Hatched

No British mystery would be complete without a proper pub scene, and The Thursday Murder Club delivers with The Red Lion Pub in Knotty Green, part of the Beaconsfield area. This is where Ian Ventham pays a visit to Bogdan, pulling him into what appears to be a mysterious scheme. The pub's authentic atmosphere adds that crucial touch of local flavor—because nothing says "British" like a clandestine meeting over a pint.

The surrounding roads in Beaconsfield were also used for various driving scenes throughout the film, although specific details remain under wraps. Guess some mysteries are meant to stay unsolved!

The All-Star Cast in Their Element

Speaking of characters, the film boasts an incredible ensemble cast that includes:

• Helen Mirren as Elizabeth Best

• Pierce Brosnan as Ron Ritchie

• Ben Kingsley and Celia Imrie rounding out the main club members

• Naomie Ackie as Donna

These veteran actors slip into their roles seamlessly, enhanced by the authentic locations that ground their performances in reality. It's like they've been solving murders in these very spots for years!

📊 By the Numbers: The Thursday Murder Club at a Glance

Detail	Information
Release Date	August 28, 2025
Runtime	118 minutes
Director	Chris Columbus
Genre	Mystery, Comedy
Rating	PG-13

🌟 Why the Locations Matter So Much

The success of The Thursday Murder Club adaptation hinges on its ability to transport viewers into Osman's world. The careful selection of filming locations does more than just provide pretty backdrops—it creates an atmosphere that's essential to the story's charm. From the cozy confines of Cooper's Chase to the quaint streets of "Fairhaven," each location adds depth and authenticity to this clever mystery.

In the end, the film proves that sometimes the real star isn't just the cast or the story, but the places that bring it all to life. And honestly, after watching this film, you'll probably want to book a trip to the English countryside yourself—murder mysteries optional! 😉

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The following breakdown is based on information from GamesRadar+, a trusted source for entertainment news and reviews. Their features on film adaptations emphasize how authentic location choices, like those seen in "The Thursday Murder Club," can elevate a story’s atmosphere and immerse viewers in the narrative’s unique setting, making the adaptation resonate with both fans and newcomers alike.