Surprise locations revealed for Apple TV drama set in Oxford
You expect bike bells on Broad Street, punts on the Cherwell, college quads catching the light. But here's the twist: the new Apple TV+ crime drama set in Oxford didn't actually film in Oxford.
The series is Down Cemetery Road, based on the 2003 novel by Mick Herron, who really does live in the city (movies and tv series) he writes about. It's an eight-episode adaptation that follows the earlier Zoe Boehm books - the ones Herron wrote before Slow Horses took off.
The cast is serious: Dame Emma Thompson (movies and tv series) and Ruth Wilson (movies and tv series) share top billing. And yes, it's streaming on Apple TV+.
So where did they film?
The production used stand-ins - locations that look and feel like Oxford on screen without being Oxford. That's the reveal. No college gates shutting for a take. No late-night rigs outside The White Horse. The city's mood is there, but the streets aren't.
If you're used to Morse, Lewis, and Endeavour dropping you right into real pubs and quads, this will feel different. You'll still get spires and stone and academic hush - just recreated elsewhere through careful location picks, set builds, and a little post-production polish.
Why skip the real thing?
There are a few likely reasons, and they're pretty practical. Oxford can be a tough place to lock down: narrow streets, busy term times, and limited access to historic sites. It's pricey, it's slow, and permits can drag. Recreating the look in a more flexible town often means more shoot days and fewer headaches.
Maybe it's just timing, but productions do this a lot - especially when the story needs multiple looks that Oxford can't give you in a tight schedule. And honestly, if the stand-ins are good, most viewers won't notice. They'll feel Oxford, even if they aren't standing in it.
What this means for fans (and location nerds)
- You'll spot the vibe, not the literal streets. Don't expect your favorite quad to pop up on cue.
- It opens the door for a cleaner visual style - controlled sets, fewer compromises, slicker night scenes.
- It's a departure from the Morse/Lewis/Endeavour playbook, which treated Oxford itself like a main character.
The basics
- Title: Down Cemetery Road
- Format: Eight episodes
- Leads: Dame Emma Thompson, Ruth Wilson
- Based on: Mick Herron's 2003 novel set in Oxford
- Where it streams: Apple TV+
Here's what this could mean: if the show lands, don't be shocked if a future season brings the cameras to the real city for a big moment. Or not. The industry trend leans toward flexible builds and lookalike streets that give productions speed without sacrificing mood.
For now, go in with your eyes open. The story's Oxford is the point - the secrets, the silences, the way trouble hides in plain sight. The map pins can wait.
