County Durham school became iconic police station in BBC’s Inspector George Gently

A former school building on a hillside in County Durham once became a familiar sight to millions of television viewers as part of one of the BBC’s most popular crime dramas.

Whinney Hill School, located in Durham, was used as the exterior of a police station in Inspector George Gently, the long-running BBC One series starring Martin Shaw.

Whinney Hill School in Durham, which later served as the exterior police station in BBC crime drama Inspector George Gently (Image: The Northern Echo | Archive)

From series three onwards, the former secondary school — which had already closed — was transformed by the production team into the headquarters of the fictional “North East Constabulary”. Its elevated position provided sweeping views across the city, with Durham Cathedral frequently visible in the background during scenes.

According to the BBC and IMDb, the building appeared regularly throughout later series, continuing to double as the show’s police station beyond its initial appearances.

Inspector George Gently aired from 2007 to 2017 and was filmed extensively across the North East after the early series were shot in Ireland. Locations across Durham, Newcastle and Middlesbrough featured prominently, with the region earning praise from cast and crew for both its scenery and local support.

Martin Shaw as Inspector George Gently during filming for the BBC series, which was shot extensively across the North East (Image: The Northern Echo | Archive)

Martin Shaw often spoke publicly about his fondness for the area, frequently highlighting Durham Cathedral and Finchale Abbey as standout filming locations.

Speaking in 2017 after the series came to an end, he said: “I love the countryside; I think it is absolutely gorgeous. Durham is a very beautiful city and every time I drive down and see the cathedral and the castle on the river, I find it extremely uplifting.

Martin Shaw in character as Inspector George Gently, a role he played from 2007 to 2017 (Image: The Northern Echo | Archive)

“It never fails to inspire me. It’s one of the wonders of the world. Durham was an enormous part of this project for all those years, and I shall miss it very much.”

Whinney Hill School itself closed in 2009 after merging into Durham Johnston Comprehensive School. Although no longer used for education, the building found a second life through its role on television.

The site has since been completely demolished, with a new housing development, Illingworth Road, now built in its place.

Before demolition took place, urban explorers entered the abandoned building and shared images online showing former classrooms and signage used during filming, including doors marked for the fictional North East Constabulary.