The BBC's period drama Call the Midwife is much-loved, and over the years it's become a staple on our TV screens on Sunday evenings.
The show revolves around the day-to-day lives of the midwives and nuns who live in Nonnatus House (an Anglican convent) in Poplar, in the East End of London. Set in the late 1950s onwards, the show explores social, cultural and economic issues contemporary to the era – in between lots of babies being delivered, of course.
The heartwarming story lines and ensemble cast are part of its huge popularity, with not one but two Christmas specials planned for 2024, and confirmation of two more series.
But just as important is its East End setting, which transports us back in time with its cobbled streets and historic buildings. Although as you'll find out, it's not actually filmed there at all...
Where is Call the Midwife filmed?
The Historic Dockyard Chatham, Kent
Despite its East End setting, many of the exterior scenes in Call the Midwife are filmed at The Historic Dockyard Chatham in Kent. As the show has gained popularity over time, the dockyard now runs official Call the Midwife location tours, where you can walk the streets of 'Poplar' yourself. You'll be guided around by one of the 'Midwives', then explore sets, costumes and props.
The dock's cobbled streets, warehouses and Georgian and Victorian buildings make it an excellent stand-in for the East End. Its unique, preserved architecture and close distance to London makes it a popular filming location: Bridgerton, The Crown and Les Miserables have also been filmed there.
Longcross Film Studios, Surrey
Many interior and exterior scenes of Call the Midwife are filmed at Longcross Film Studios, Surrey. Previously a Ministry of Defence site, it has some period-style properties that make ideal alternatives for historic London.
The building used as Nonnatus House, where the midwives and nuns live, already existed within the site. Originally named Barrow Hills and built as a family home, it was used an an officers' mess. Nowadays, interior and exterior scenes (including the grand staircase) are filmed in and around the building.
Many detailed exterior sets are also at Longcross Film Studios, with whole streets being built by the production team which are left standing all-year-round. These include Fred Buckle's allotments and Violet Buckle's haberdashery shop, although the site is closed to the public.
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