Netflix’s After Life stands out as one of the most emotionally grounded British series of recent years. Created by and starring Ricky Gervais, the show blends dark humour with honest portrayals of grief, friendship, and everyday life. While the characters drive the story, the setting plays a quiet yet powerful role in shaping the mood and realism of the series.
Many viewers quickly find themselves asking where is afterlife filmed, as the locations feel authentic rather than staged. The streets, cafés, homes, and public spaces look familiar to UK audiences, creating a strong sense of relatability. This realism is no accident, as the series relies heavily on real English towns to construct its fictional world.
Where Is Afterlife Filmed? Understanding the Fictional Town of Tambury
To fully answer where is afterlife filmed, it is important to clarify that Tambury is not a real town. Instead, it is a fictional setting created specifically for the series. The production team carefully combined several real locations across England to bring Tambury to life in a believable and cohesive way.
Rather than building sets or relying heavily on studio filming, the creators chose existing towns that reflect the quiet rhythm of British daily life. This approach allows Tambury to feel authentic, lived-in, and emotionally grounded. The choice of locations reinforces the themes of loss, routine, and community that run throughout the series.
Hemel Hempstead as the Central Filming Location
Hemel Hempstead in Hertfordshire is one of the most important answers to the question where is afterlife filmed. Much of the series’ town-centre footage was shot here, particularly in the Old Town area. Its mix of historic streets and modest commercial spaces made it an ideal stand-in for Tambury.
The Tambury Gazette office, where Tony works, was filmed in a real building in Hemel Hempstead. Surrounding streets, cafés, and public walkways appear frequently throughout the series. These familiar-looking locations help ground the show in reality and give viewers the sense that Tambury could be almost anywhere in England.
Beaconsfield and the Series’ Emotional Locations
Beaconsfield in Buckinghamshire plays a crucial role when exploring where is afterlife filmed, particularly during the show’s most emotional scenes. St Mary’s Church and its surrounding graveyard were used for several key moments that reflect Tony’s grief and emotional isolation.
Beyond the church, Beaconsfield also provided filming locations for the care home and other community spaces. These quieter, more traditional settings enhance the reflective tone of the series. The town’s understated character allows emotional scenes to breathe without visual distraction, reinforcing the show’s intimate storytelling style.
Hampstead, London and Tony’s Home Environment
Another significant answer to where is afterlife filmed lies in Hampstead, North London. Tony’s house, a location frequently searched by fans, is situated in this area. Hampstead’s residential streets offer a peaceful, slightly removed atmosphere that mirrors Tony’s emotional withdrawal from the world.
Nearby Hampstead Heath was also used for outdoor scenes, providing open spaces that contrast with the more confined town settings. These locations add visual variety while maintaining the quiet, contemplative tone of the series. The balance between urban and suburban environments strengthens the realism of the show’s world.
Other English Locations Used in After Life
In addition to its main filming areas, the production team expanded to other parts of England to enrich the visual landscape. Rickmansworth was used for select scenes, adding further depth to the fictional town’s surroundings and helping Tambury feel more expansive and believable.
One of the most visually striking locations appears in the beach scenes filmed at Camber Sands in East Sussex. These moments provide emotional release and visual contrast, reinforcing why viewers continue to ask where is afterlife filmed. Each additional location serves a clear emotional and narrative purpose.
Why These Locations Were Perfect for After Life
The filming locations chosen for After Life succeed because they feel ordinary in the best possible way. They reflect real British environments rather than idealised or overly polished settings. This choice allows viewers to connect more deeply with the characters and see elements of their own lives reflected on screen.
Ricky Gervais has often emphasised authenticity in his work, and the filming locations support that vision. The towns used feel familiar, quietly beautiful, and emotionally resonant. This thoughtful approach to location selection is a major reason the series feels so genuine and impactful.
Conclusion: Bringing Tambury to Life Through Real UK Towns
So, where is afterlife filmed? The answer lies across several carefully chosen English locations, primarily Hemel Hempstead, Beaconsfield, Hampstead, and parts of East Sussex. Together, these places form the fictional town of Tambury and provide the emotional foundation of the series.
By filming in real UK towns rather than constructed sets, After Life achieves a level of realism that resonates deeply with viewers. The locations are not just backgrounds but active contributors to the show’s tone, making them an essential part of its lasting appeal.
Frequently Asked Questions About After Life Filming Locations
Many viewers continue to search for where is afterlife filmed due to the show’s realistic settings. Tambury is not a real town, but a combination of several English locations. Hemel Hempstead, Beaconsfield, and Hampstead form the core of the fictional town.
Fans often ask whether they can visit the filming locations, and many of them are publicly accessible. From church grounds to town streets and beaches, these places remain part of everyday life, allowing viewers to experience the world of After Life firsthand.
You may also read: How Many Episodes of Trigger Point Are There in Each Series?
