The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole, Aged 13¾ is a TV comedy created by Thames Television in 1985. It is based on the book The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole, Aged 13¾ by Author Sue Townsend. A second series was also created in 1986 called, ‘The Growing Pains of Adrian Mole’. Both series focus on the life and drama of Adrian Mole. From his love obsession Pandora, his ongoing family drama and that of school.
The TV series has some alterations compared to the books but is largely on par. This post takes a look at some of The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Filming Locations as well as The Growing Pains of Adrian Mole Filming Locations. As you can imagine, a lot appear in both.
The Moles House and Close
While a large amount of filming took place in an around Leicester (Braunstone and City), the residence of the Moles was actually located in South Harrow.
Over the years the house has had an extension and changed quite significantly. However this has been confirmed through multiple angle shots and placements of items that have not changed as the correct location.
The house used as the Moles residence was 20 Ludlow Close, South Harrow HA2 8SR
As well as Ludlow Close being the home of the Moles, it is also home to a number of other locations and scenes, such as.
In the Charles and Diana Wedding episode we see Adrian and Pandora welcoming their new Neighbours into 11 Ludlow Close, just opposite Adrian’s house. The have just moved into the former home of Mr Lucas.
To celebrate the wedding of Diana and Charles a street party takes place outside of the Moles. Once again filmed on Ludlow Close, South Harrow.
Pandora’s Home
Pandora’s house is only seen in a couple of episodes. The location of Pandora’s House used for filming is 10, Roehampton Gate, London SW15 5JS. The house is largely the same as it was at the time of filming with the exception of a extension being added to the right and the house and door gates being removed. The neighbouring houses seen in the original pilot episode as part of Adrian’s paper-round also helped confirm this location.
Neil Armstrong Comprehensive
Pheonix Academy in Hammersmith is used as the external location for Neil Armstrong Comprehensive. At the time of filming Pheonix Academy was called Hammersmith School. Over the years the building has been expanded and undergone quite a bit of redevelopment. However some of the buildings are still the same and can be seen below compared with Google Street view.
In this scene Adrian, Pandora and their friends are walking to their school gates in red socks. You can see the side entrance of Wormholt Park Primary School to the right of them as they approach the main gates of Neil Armstrong Comprehensive (Pheonix Academy). If you spin around the street view around you will see this location too.
Sainsbury’s
Sainsbury’s pops up in a couple of episodes throughout the series. The Sainsbury’s used for filming was located at 58 Humberstone Gate, Leicester. It remained as a Sainsbury’s until shutting its doors in 2022.
Clock Tower
The Clock Tower in Leicester City centre (3 E Gates, Leicester LE1 5YA) appears in a couple of episodes. Firstly where we see Adrian contemplating life without Pandora. The building where Adrian is writing is now the home of TK Maxx and can be seen in the street view below.
Secondly we see Adrian leaving Abbey National in a later episode having collected £200 from his savings account to go towards the telephone bill.
Canal Barge Trip
Adrian’s mother invites Adrian on a barge holiday with her and Mr (Creep) Lucas. This was filmed on location on the River Wey and Pyford lock. The pub which they stop at is The Anchor Country Pub and Restaurant.
The Anchor Country Pub & Restaurant, Pyrford Lock, Lock Ln, Wisley, Woking GU23 6QW
The British Museum
Adrian and has class mates take a coach trip to the British Museum which is probably not surprisingly filmed at the British Museum.
The British Museum, Great Russell St, London WC1B 3DG
Westminster Bridge
Following the school trip to the British Museum, we see the coach pick them up on the south side of Westminster Bridge.
Westminster Bridge, The Queen’s Walk, London SE1 7GA (Next to South Bank Lion)
Braunstone Civic Centre
We see Pandora running to past the Braustone Civic Centre to meet Adrian who has just let her know that Bert has been kidnapped by social services.
Braunstone Civic Centre, 209 Kingsway, Braunstone Town, Leicester LE3 2PP
Braunstone Civic Centre, Braunstone Town, Leicester LE3 2PP
Shops (Location 1)
Throughout the programme there are two sets of shops that are frequently used in filming. The first set of shops used is at the end of Edward Avenue, Braunstone. Below are some screenshots of where they shops popped up in episodes.
Shops (Location 2)
The second set of shops used is on Henley Crescent, Braunstone. Below shows some photos from episodes where this location was used. I have also included a Google Street view as well as a photo from what it looked like in 2016
Lewis’s
When Adrian is due to go into hospital to have his tonsils removed he visits Lewis’s with his dad to buy a new dressing gown and pyjamas. Unfortunately Lewis’s is no more and most of its former premises has been redeveloped. The former Lewis’s Tower, part of the originally building was kept however as part of the new development and can be see in the photo below.
Humberstone Gate, Leicester LE1 3PJ
Hampton Court
While on his barge holiday with his mum Adrian together with his mum, her partner, as well as a newly made American friend and his parents visit Hampton Court.
Skegness
Adrian goes on what turns out to be a very short holiday to Skegness. During their stay they stay and a Hotel on the Sea Front. At the time of filming this was a working hotel called Brighton House. It is now however a residential home.
38 S Parade, Skegness PE25 3HW
Hospital
In ‘The Growing Pains of Adrian Mole’, Mrs Mole gives birth to Adrian’s sibling. Shortly afterwards Adrian and Pandora go to visit them in the hospital. These scenes were filmed at Northwick Park Maternity Hospital. Although the hospital has expanded and gone through a fair amount of refurbishment, it is still very recognisable.
Locations To Find
Alderman Cooper Sunshine Home
When Bert gets kidnapped by social services he ends up in the Alderman Cooper Sunshine Home.
I am still looking for this location.
Bert and Queenie’s Bungalow
Following Bert and Queenie’s marriage they move into a new bungalow.
I have yet to find this location.
Bert’s Original Home
When Adrian first meets Bert he is living in a very uncared for house. I have yet to find this location.
Church and Crematorium
I have yet to find this location.
Barry Kent’s Home
The home of school bully Barry Kent.
Horse Field
Do you know the field where Pandora used to ride her horse and Bert and Adrian went to visit?
Bus Stop
In the pilot episode we see Adrian get on the bus and then get off at the shops in Braunstone Town. Do your recognise where he got on the bus though? Not likely to be that far away but not found it yet.
Thank You
I hope that you enjoyed this post, if you did or if you know of any additional locations from The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole, please comment below.
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