Ridley is a British crime drama TV series aired on ITV, starring Adrian Dunbar as Alex Ridley, a retired detective who returns as a police consultant. The show is set and filmed mainly in rural and urban locations across northern England, particularly Lancashire and Yorkshire.
The series showcases the stark and beautiful landscapes of these regions, including the Yorkshire Dales, Pennine moors, and areas around Bolton. Specific filming locations include Watergrove Reservoir near Rochdale (which serves as Ridley’s house), Todmorden Wind Farm, the local canal in Todmorden, and various spots in Bolton such as Le Mans Crescent, Cheapside, and Mawdsley Street. The production also ventured into Derbyshire for more rural scenes, including New Mills Marina and canal paths in the High Peak.
Ridley’s second season continues with these authentic northern settings, providing a chilly, atmospheric backdrop that reflects the firm but warm character of the show’s people and stories. The weather often adds to the tone with rain, sleet, and wind enhancing the drama’s mood.
The main cast includes Adrian Dunbar as Ridley, Bronagh Waugh as DI Carol Farman (Ridley’s former protégé and now lead investigator), Terence Maynard as DCI Paul Goodwin, Georgie Glen as Dr. Wendy Newstone (forensics officer), George Bukhari as DC Darren Lakhan, and others. Season 2 introduces new characters as Ridley tackles more complex cases.
Ridley is praised for its authentic rural northern England atmosphere, gripping storylines, and strong performances, making the locations almost a character in their own right.