Thursday Murder Club Where Was It Filmed

So, you’ve just binge-watched The Thursday Murder Club and now you’re probably wondering one thing: where in the world is that ridiculously cozy retirement village? Don’t worry, I did the detective work so you don’t have to—though I promise it’s way more fun than hunting down a missing stamp collection.

The answer is England’s stunning South East, specifically the counties of Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire. Yes, the filmmakers packed up their cameras, a few cups of tea, and probably some crumpets, and headed straight for the green, rolling hills of the Home Counties.

Let’s start with the heart of the village itself. Coopers Chase, that fictional paradise of gardens, gossip, and the occasional murder, was actually brought to life at a real-life retirement village called Stoke Place in Stoke Poges, Buckinghamshire.

I have to warn you: visiting might make you want to retire immediately. The grounds are so beautiful that even the walking paths look like they’re posing for Instagram. Just don’t expect the residents to solve any crimes—though they might judge your parking.

Now, the interiors—the cozy lounges, the character-packed bungalows, and that incredible library—were filmed at Shepperton Studios. Yes, the same soundstages that gave us Alien and Star Wars also gave us a murder-solving knitting circle.

You have to love that contrast: one day they’re filming a spaceship explosion; the next, they’re carefully arranging a pot of Earl Grey. Film sets are wild.

The Key Locations You’ll Actually Recognize

The lovely, winding roads outside the village were shot in Chalfont St Giles and Chalfont St Peter. These are real, idyllic English villages with thatched roofs and pub names like “The Swan” or “The Bull.” If you hear a gentle "cheerio" in the background, don’t be alarmed—it’s just the locals.

For the more dramatic scenes—especially the ones involving cemeteries and frustrating clues—the crew headed to St. Mary’s Church in Saffron Walden, Essex. Honestly, it’s so photogenic you’d want to solve a mystery there too, even if you’re just looking for your lost keys.

And if you’re wondering about that big, spooky mansion that appears in the show? That’s Riseley Hall in Bedfordshire. It’s the kind of place that screams “secret passage behind the bookcase” before you even walk in the door.

Why These Locations Are Perfect

The book describes a place that feels safe, warm, and just a little bit nosy. The filmmakers nailed this by choosing real English countryside instead of a backlot. You can almost smell the freshly cut grass and the faint scent of scandal.

There’s also a practical reason: the weather. The South East of England has a soft, golden light that makes everything look like a watercolor painting. Even a rainy Tuesday looks cozy—though I’m sure the cast was freezing their socks off.

Let’s talk about the pub scenes for a second. Those were filmed at The White Hart in a village called Farnham Royal. It’s a proper, old-school pub with wooden beams and fireplace that could warm a whole retirement community. If you go there, order the fish and chips. The cast did, between takes.

Oh, and the police station? That was a converted Victorian schoolhouse in Windsor. It’s so small and charming that you half-expect a constable on a bicycle to pop out. No car chases here—just bicycle bells and clues.

Fun Facts to Impress Your Friends

The filmmakers purposely avoided big cities like London to keep the setting isolated and intimate. Because, let’s be real, you can’t focus on a murder mystery when you’re distracted by traffic and a man shouting about a vape sale.

The entire shoot took about seven weeks. That’s fast! But when your cast is made of legends like Judi Dench and Celia Imrie, you don’t waste time. They probably solved the whole plot between lunch breaks.

Also, every single house exterior in Coopers Chase was a combination of real buildings and CGI. Yes, they digitally removed a few satellite dishes and added some flower baskets. Movie magic, people! It’s like Photoshop for villages.

The Final Clue

If you’re planning a trip to visit these spots, I’d recommend combining a tour of Stoke Poges with a stop at Windsor Castle. You can pretend you’re both a detective and a royal. Just don’t ask the Queen for alibis—she’s got a solid one.

And if you visit the pub at Farnham Royal, don’t be surprised if you find yourself staring at a corner booth, convinced you’ve seen a ghost. It’s probably just the lingering spirit of a plot twist.

So, there you have it. The next time you watch The Thursday Murder Club, you can smugly point at the screen and say, “I’ve been there!” Or at least, “I’ve been to my couch, and that’s pretty good too.”

Remember, the best mysteries aren’t just about where the body is buried—they’re about where the story takes you. And in this case, it takes you to a peaceful, beautiful slice of England that reminds us: life is short, so drink tea, solve puzzles, and never underestimate a retiree with a magnifying glass.

Happy sleuthing, friend. And if you find a body in your garden, give me a call. I’ll bring snacks. And a map from Google.