How to Date Billy Walsh is an adorable story of friendship and one-sided love. The Prime Video film follows a teenager named Archie who is in love with his childhood best friend Amelia, but just as he is about to express his feelings, Amelia falls in love with the school heartthrob Billy Walsh. Archie then makes great efforts to keep the two away from each other. Apart from the fun storyline, the film is also catching attention for the beautiful locations that feature in it, from lush greenery to the historical school building. If you are also thinking about the filming locations of How to Date Billy Walsh, here is all you need to know.
York, England
How to Date Billy Walsh was primarily filmed in York in the northeast part of England. The scenes involving the school of Archie and Ameli were actually filmed at Ampleforth College boarding school in York. Situated near Ampleforth Abbey in North Yorkshire, England, it is a renowned co-educational boarding and day school founded in 1802 by Benedictine monks.
The school boasts a picturesque campus with modern sports facilities, wooded areas, and lakes. Notably, it features the oldest purpose-built school theatre in the UK. Originally a boys’ school, it transitioned to co-education in stages, fully integrating girls by 2010. With boarding fees at £43,290 annually, it has maintained its prestigious status among Catholic educational institutions. Ampleforth College has historically attracted students from Catholic aristocratic families.
Interestingly, the school also served as a filming location for several scenes of the Harry Potter film scenes. The 2019 film Downton Abbey also utilized the property for the shoot of a few sequences. Many famous personalities have graduated from the school, including King Letsie III of Lesotho, James O’Brien, James Norton, Lawrence Dallaglio, and Piers Paul Read.
Apart from the school, the production crew of How to Date Billy Walsh also carried out the filming at various other spots in York. The city is an ideal location for filming due to its picturesque scenery, rich history, and well-preserved architecture. The city’s medieval streets, lined with timber-framed buildings and ancient walls, provide an authentic backdrop for different projects.
Iconic landmarks like York Minster, Clifford’s Tower, and the Shambles offer unique settings that transport viewers back in time. Additionally, York’s diverse landscapes, including parks, gardens, and riverside views, cater to a variety of filming needs, from romantic scenes to action sequences. The city’s compact size and pedestrian-friendly layout make it convenient for film crews to navigate, while its proximity to major transportation hubs ensures easy access for equipment and cast members.
Furthermore, York’s welcoming community and supportive local government make it a desirable destination for filmmakers seeking an immersive and collaborative filming experience. Hence, a number of films and shows have been shot there earlier. These include Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, Transformers: The Last Knight, The Secret Garden, Death Comes to Pemberley, Victoria & Abdul, Sometimes Always Never, Father Christmas Is Back, All Creatures Great and Small, Mad to Be Normal, The Creature Below, Werewolf Castle, and The Broken Key.
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