Where was Grace filmed?
Brighton is back on our TV screens again, with the Peter James character Roy Grace solving crime on the city streets.
Last year, when the police detective’s story began to unfold, we tracked down many of the locations by following in Grace’s footsteps.
• Following in the footsteps of Grace
Now Grace is back, and so are we, running our own investigation to reveal some more filming spots in and around Brighton.
We’ve kept it to streets, shops and houses that are publicly accessible and within easy walking distance of each other. Plus, we’ve added some of our favourite refreshment stops along the way, so you can make a day of it!
Here are 14 key locations in Grace you can discover for yourself.
Brighton
Every TV episode begins with at least one spectacular shot, showcasing some of the city’s most famous landmarks.
There’s the brassy and bold Palace Pier, the sad ruins of the West Pier, and the towering Brighton i360.
Though quite how Grace and his colleague Branson manage to eat chips while sitting on the famously stony beach, without being dive-bombed by seagulls, we’ll never know.
Snack attack
Plenty of bars along the prom, and loads of fast food outlets.
Highly recommend the V360 vegan café for its plant-based yet traditional seaside-style ice-cream cone.
Brighton Station
A good place to start any walk around Brighton, the station makes an appearance in several episodes, including one very dramatic chase and fall sequence in Not Dead Enough.
And somewhere down below, near Trafalgar Arches, is the half-forgotten storm drain where the body of a woman was found in Dead Man’s Footsteps.
Jubilee Street
Drop down to the Bohemian North Laine area of Brighton, for eclectic shops, eateries and pre-loved goods. Here is Jubilee Street, home to the city library, and a bustling square. Drop in to Meanwhile café, and you’ll recognise the interior from Looking Good Dead.
Snack attack
Stop off at the Meanwhile café for great coffee. We can vouch for the deliciousness of their vegan chocolate cake.
Bond Street Cottages
At the end of Jubilee Street, turn right and find Bond Street, a shopping area famous for art galleries, designer clothes and unique jewellery. Just off to the right, look for a narrow lane called Bond Street Cottages.
The Sussex County Arts Club is, appropriately enough, used as the studio for Katya’s love interest, painter Barty Chancellor in Not Dead Enough.
Meeting House Lane
Leave Bond Street and head south to get lost in the twisty, turning alleyways of The Lanes and be amazed at its variety of shops.
Hegarty’s stamp shop is here, although it’s an antique store in real life, and nearby is a solicitors’ office on the corner of Prince Albert Street and Meeting House Lane that doubled as the security deposit company where Abby stashes her treasure in Dead Man’s Footsteps.
The Cricketers, Black Lion Street
Diagonally opposite the solicitors’ is the oldest inn in Brighton. The Cricketers pub was established in the 1500s, along with the brewery next door.
It’s the perfect watering hole for Roy and Glen to discuss their private lives.
Snack attack
The Cricketers is famous for its bar menu too. Maybe indulge in coffee roast beef brisket or baked cauliflower steak.
Hotel du Vin
Just south of The Lanes is this boutique hotel near the seafront. Parts of it date back to the 17th century, but it’s mainly Gothic and Mock Tudor.
With its reputation for luxury, it’s not surprising it’s where businessman Kit Bishop holes up for a while, while he’s under suspicion in Not Dead Enough.
Snack attack
Lots of independent cafés and restaurants in nearby Ship Street.
Now you’ve reached the seafront proper, it’s time to take a stroll along the prom.
Shelter Hall
First stop on the seafront, but the last place we see Grace in Season 2.
Shelter Hall was built in the 1880s as part of the King’s Road Arches and, as its name suggests, was designed to provide shelter for holidaymakers on rainy days.
It’s recently been restored and reopened as a vibrant food court featuring dishes from around the world. The top floor houses Riddle and Finns champagne and oyster bar, and it’s where we see Roy and Cleo about to have a romantic meal in Dead Tomorrow as the season ends on a cliff-hanger.
Snack attack
Champagne and oysters at Riddle & Finns, obviously! Not for me, though Pork Belly loves ’em.
Embassy Court
A little further west, and you’ll arrive at an 11-storey block of luxury flats, a Grade II listed building at the junction of Western Street and Kings Road, with stunning views of the West Pier and the recently restored Victorian Bandstand.
In Dead Man’s Footsteps, Abby lives in one of the sea view flats. She doesn’t get much chance to enjoy her surroundings, but spends some time in the lift!
Snack attack
Underneath the Bandstand is a little café serving all-day breakfasts, lunches, cake and coffee.
Now it’s time to turn around and strike out for the Palace Pier and, if you have the energy, Brighton Marina.
If you’re feeling a little footsore, grab a return ticket for a short ride on the Volks Railway, an historic electric train that runs along the seafront between Palace Pier and Black Rock.
The area between Black Rock Car Park and Brighton Marina appears in Dead Tomorrow.
Little East Street
Back in the city, once you’ve had your fill of the sea air, swing inland and find Little East Street, a tiny lane beside the Town Hall.
The vegan restaurant Pipeline was dressed as a chip shop, to form the background to a stabbing incident in Dead Tomorrow.
Cut through Quadrophenia Alley that runs from Little East Street to East Street for our next snack attack.
Snack attack
Check up the side roads up from the seafront for a range of independent eateries.
Hove and beyond
Rockwater
A trendy dining and entertainment venue on the seafront. It’s popular with families, couples and tourists looking for a relaxed seaside vibe.
But for Grace, it’s where he encounters infamous gangster Klinger, as he follows a twisting trail in Dead Man’s Footsteps.
Brunswick Road
Away from the seafront there are some elegant townhouses with iconic Regency style family homes, now mainly converted into flats.
Young professional Sophie thinks she’s the love of a rich businessman’s life, but she winds up as collateral damage in Not Dead Enough.
Shoreham Port
Shoreham Harbour appears frequently in Grace as a place where criminals converge.
In Looking Good Dead, the Bryces wind up in a container on the quayside while the bad guy gets his come-uppance trying to make his getaway by boat.
And much of the grim storyline of Dead Tomorrow takes place in the port and its surrounding seascape.
Snack attack
Once over the lock gates at Southwick, carry on to the beach and stop off at Carat’s Café. It’s a favourite haunt for locals, serving breakfast, brunch and light lunches.
Fan of the books?
If you prefer Grace on the page not the screen, take a stroll like we did, with Blue Badge Guide Lyn Neville to discover the exact locations Peter James had in mind when he began writing the Grace series.
Where to next?
• Fabulous worldwide film locations
• Famous UK film locations
• Fun and unusual places to stay