Run Away is racing up Netflix’s global charts after landing on New Year’s Day – and for viewers in the North West, half the fun is spotting just how many familiar places made it on screen.
The eight-part Harlan Coben thriller was filmed extensively across Greater Manchester, Liverpool and surrounding areas, turning parks, universities, courts and cafés into key parts of the drama. Produced by Manchester’s Quay Street Productions (part of ITV Studios), the series continues the author’s long-running relationship with the region.
While the book was originally set in New York, the Netflix adaptation has again been shifted to a fictionalised Northern English town and in doing so showcased just how versatile the region has become for high-end drama. From leafy parks and cobbled streets to grand homes and city centres, we’ve pulled together as many filming locations as we could spot…
Alexandra Park, Oldham
The park where Simon first sees his daughter Paige busking – a pivotal scene replayed throughout the series.
Evelyn’s, Northern Quarter (Finch & Leaf Café)
Used for scenes set in Finch & Leaf Café, run by Maria. Its greenery-filled interior and concrete car park exterior make it instantly recognisable.
Manchester Crown Court, Crown Square
The imposing exterior doubles as the show’s police station, frequently seen in scenes with Isaac and Ruby.
Heaton Park, Prestwich
The observatory on the hill with its distinctive decorative stone mini-walls was used as an outside cafe area in one of the episodes, as spotted by long-time Prolific North reader John Ardern.
Altrincham & Alderley Edge (Greene family home)
The Greene family’s affluent lifestyle is rooted here. The exterior is a large Edwardian house in Altrincham, with interior scenes filmed in nearby Alderley Edge.
St John’s Gardens, Manchester
A quiet park used for a key conversation between Simon and Paige’s friend Judy.
Northern Quarter streets & King Street area
Used for chase scenes and driving sequences through the city centre.
Alderley Science & Technology Park
Used for hospital interiors and exteriors, including scenes involving Ingrid, Simon’s wife.
Spinningfields
The setting for Simon’s office, reinforcing the financial world his character inhabits.
University of Manchester
One of several universities used to create the fictional Lanford University, with its arches and ivy-lined walls featuring in tense moments.
Stockport – The Underbanks
Cobbled streets and bridges form the backdrop to several of Elena Ravenscroft’s chase scenes.
Hill Street, Dukinfield
The estate flats where Paige and Aaron live. The production dressed the location with temporary graffiti and litter to create a rougher feel.
Tatton Park, Knutsford
Used as the Corval Inn Animal Park.
Prestbury, Cheshire
The setting for Sebastian Thorpe’s manor house.
Former Great Western Inn, Saddleworth Moor
Appears as the remote pub where Simon meets Aaron’s stepmother.
Central Docks, Liverpool
The dramatic scene where Dee Dee and Ash blow up a car was filmed near the new Everton stadium.
Pier Head
Used for a scene featuring Simon and Katie in conversation.
Liverpool Hope University, Childwall
Another stand-in for Lanford University, representing Paige’s student life.
Wavertree Police Station
Appears as one of the series’ police locations.
The Slaughter House, Fenwick Street
The interior of the venue is used in the show.
Thornbridge Hall Estate, near Bakewell
Used as the Shining Light Cult mansion, one of the series’ most striking locations.
