What are your reasons for watching long running medical-drama, Casualty? Do you sit through every episode hooked by the plot and tense drama? Or, like me, do you watch it so that you can play the 'guess what shocking accident is going to befall the unknown actor' game? Whatever your reasons are, I'm sure you are aware that the exterior shots in Casualty are all filmed here in Bristol (The City of Bristol College is one of their most popular locations). However, did you know that comedy classics, Only Fools and Horses and The Young Ones were also shot in Bristol? You did? Oh….ok, but do you know the exact locations? Ha! Thought not. Fear not dear reader. Cast a glance at this cut out n' keep guide and your ignorance will soon be put to rest!

Filming Locations in Bristol

For decades, the goggle box has played a vital part at Christmas. Every year, the television companies churn out the same old tired formula- and that's just the Queens speech (Only joking, Liz!). Can you imagine Yuletide without a 'Christmas special' of your favourite soap/comedy/cookery programme etc etc? Only Fools and Horses is by far the worst offender to exploit the Christmas special genre. Don't get me wrong, I am a huge fan of the early episodes which were produced in the 1980's, but in recent times its writer, John Sullivan has scraped out barrels and flogged dead horses without mercy. Anyway, the series owes a lot to Bristol. Here are the areas used by the BBC as Peckham's stunt double: + The tower block used for Nelson Mandela House was originally based in East Acton, London. However, after the shows popularity increased, fans began to besiege the council estate and a new location was required. Whitemead House in Bristol was chosen and it can be found on Duckmore Road, just south of the city centre. Many of the market scenes were filmed in nearby Bedminster. + The Nags Head was filmed at several locations. In Bristol, The Wagon and Horses pub (on Stapleton Road) and the Goose at the Flyer (Gloucester Road) were both employed as the South London 'battle cruiser' (that's 'boozer' to anyone outside the M25!). + One of the programmes most famous scenes occurred when Del Boy embarrassed himself by tumbling through a serving hatch in a trendy yuppie bar. This scene was filmed at The Old Granary Building down by the city docks. This location has also been used as a casino in other episodes. + In one episode, Rodney, being the plonker he is, attracts the unwanted attention of some local thugs. They consequently chase him in his three-wheeled van through the mean streets of Peckham. The hectic car chase actually took place along Brabazon Road in Filton. + In a later episode entitled 'Heroes and Villains', Del and Rodney are going to a fancy dress party dressed as Batman and Robin when they intervene to prevent a street robbery. The sequence in which they chase the mugger was shot in Broadmead.

Nelson Mandela House - actually in Bristol!

Only twelve episodes of this comedy were made; one series in 1982 and the other in  1984. Despite it's short run, The Young Ones became a cult classic and is still popular with the 'yoof' of today thanks to its portrayal of poverty stricken, lecture dodging students. Although the show was set in North London, most of The Young Ones was filmed here in the wild west. - The actual house which was used can be found on Coddrington Road in Bishopston. We won't tell you which number though; the occupier wouldn't be too chuffed! - In the episode called Bomb (in which an unexploded nuclear weapon lands on the house!), Rik goes to use a phone box so that he can contact Maggie Thatcher and threaten her with his new found toy. However, when he gets there he discovers that a gang of old ladies have vandalised it. In the same scene, he makes a naughty gesture behind a policeman's back! This sequence was filmed on Codrington Road. - In one of the most famous episodes, the students appear on University Challenge. Before catching a train to the television studio, they cause havoc at Bristol Temple Meads station. - 'The Kebab and Calculator' (the local pub seen in Boring) can be found in Henleaze. In real life, it is called The Cock O' the North. How the landlord arrived at this name I do not know! - In Summer Holiday (the final episode), the desperate students end up robbing the 'Fascist Pig bank' before fleeing in a red double decker bus (please note, we at The Mutt's Nuts do not recommend armed robbery as practical solution to student debt!). The bank was actually Bristol North Swimming Baths on Gloucester Road (it is a very old fashioned building, just in case you were wondering why it was chosen for this purpose!). The subsequent get away scene and car crash was also filmed on Gloucester Road; the heart of studentville. So, what are you waiting for? Grab an A-Z and off you go! (Alternatively, you could just nip down the pub and amaze your mates with this useless trivia!) Rob Lordan