It’s been nearly 20 years since the groundbreaking teen comedy-drama set in Bristol, ‘Skins’, debuted on our screens. Spanning seven seasons, 61 episodes, and launching the Hollywood careers of actors such as Dev Patel, Daniel Kaluuya, Nicholas Hoult, Hannah Murray and Kaya Scodelario, it paved the way for everything from The Inbetweeners to HBO’s Euphoria.
Yet, despite premiering back in 2007 (God, don’t we feel old), the series remains ever-popular. Particularly for young students moving to Bristol for the first time. Several iconic Bristol locations feature throughout the TV show. Some that spring to mind first include Park Street, where we first meet Freddie skateboarding down the road in Series 3, Episode 1. Doesn’t sound that believable now we say it, does it?
Brandon Hill is also used, time and time again, most memorably in the Series 1 finale, where Sid and Cassie hold hands on a bench. Locations from all over Bristol feature throughout ‘Skins’. Sometimes as far out as Tyntesfield House and Blaise Castle. Most locations in ‘Skins’ unsurprisingly take place in the City Centre, however, with College Green, St Nicholas Market, and Castle Park all getting screentime.
Unfortunately, there are too many Bristol locations in ‘Skins’ to list here, but luckily, we don’t have to. Someone has marvellously made a map highlighting the complete list of ‘Skins’ locations and the scenes they feature in, in and around Brstol. From where Tony drives a car into the river by the Cumberland Basin to where Matty and Nick hug before Matty turns himself in to the police on Nelson Street.
Other locations mentioned include the rave in Redcliffe Caves, Cook’s Uncle Keith’s pub i.e Fishponds Tavern (now sadly closed), and, of course, the big engagement party the gang crash at Thekla. So if you’ve ever wondered where a scene was shot or wanted to recreate one with your mates, make this map your ‘Skins’ bible.
Again and again, from Teachers to The Outlaws, Bristol-set TV shows have captured the imagination of the wider public. But few have been as influential and groundbreaking as ‘Skins’.
To see the complete map of ‘Skins’ locations around Bristol head here.