ITV’s new crime drama, McDonald and Dodds, debuted on Sunday 1st March. Set against the stunning backdrop of Bath, the programme sees DCI McDonald (Tala Gouveia) and DS Dodds (Jason Watkins) become an unlikely, but surprisingly successful, detective duo. Here’s our rundown of must-see spots from the first episode of the series…
1. Bath Skyline Walk
The first episode of McDonald and Dodds is packed with stunning skyline shots of the city, several of which were filmed from Bathwick Meadow. These wonderful views can be enjoyed as part of the National Trust’s Bath Skyline Walk, a six-mile circular route which also takes in sights including Sham Castle and Prior Park Landscape Garden.
2. Alexandra Park
Another skyline spot featured in McDonald and Dodds is Alexandra Park. Just a 25-minute walk from the city centre, this 11-acre park set on a wooded hillside is a tranquil green space with magnificent views over the city.
3. Bath Abbey Tower Tour
Another of the programme’s favoured city views can be taken in as part of a Bath Abbey Tower Tour. Climb 212 steps to the top of Bath Abbey’s tower for spectacular 360° views of the city. On your way up, you’ll visit the ringing chamber, bells and clock, giving you a unique insight into one of the city’s most recognisable buildings.
Image: ITV
4. Bath Abbey
While the tower of Bath Abbey offers spectacular views, the Abbey is a must-see in its own right. Founded in the seventh century and rebuilt in the twelfth and sixteenth centuries, Bath Abbey can be admired from the York Street spot from which McDonald and Dodds theorised over a night-time cup of coffee.
5. Royal Crescent
One of Bath’s most iconic sights, the eighteenth-century Royal Crescent, can be spotted throughout the episode. Designed and built by John Wood the Younger, the Royal Crescent consists of 30 Grade I listed terrace houses, including the five-star Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa and No.1 Royal Crescent, which offers an authentic insight into Georgian Bath.
6. The Circus
If you watch the opening montage of the episode carefully, you’ll spot the Circus, an eighteenth-century construction comprising three curved segments of Grade I listed townhouses which form a circle with three entrances. The Circus is said to represent the sun, with the Royal Crescent representing the moon.
7. Pulteney Bridge
You can spot Pulteney Bridge, one of Bath’s most remarkable architectural gems, in several scenes in the first episode of McDonald and Dodds. One of only four bridges in the world to have shops lining its full span on both sides, the eighteenth-century Palladian bridge was also used in the 2012 film version of Les Misérables.
8. The Guildhall
As a member of the local council, we see Megan Wattal (Rosalie Craig), at work in the Guildhall, an eighteenth-century building that has been at the heart of Bath’s administrative life for over 350 years. Today, the Guildhall is home to the Bath and North East Somerset Council chamber, a registry office and the Mayor’s parlour.
9. Lansdown Crescent
You’ll find the home of wealthy Megan Wattal and her husband, Pete Wattal (Navin Chowdhury), in Lansdown Crescent. Designed by John Palmer and built in the eighteenth century, Lansdown Crescent is one of seven crescents in the city, and enjoys wonderful views over central Bath – you may even spot a flock of sheep grazing on the field in front of the crescent.
10. Pickled Greens
The bakery owned by Elenora Crockett (Ellie Kendrick) and Kasha Perry (Cassie Bradley) is in fact Pickled Greens, a family-run deli, café and wine bar on Abbey Street. Tuck into hearty soups, warming curries and tasty tarts whilst admiring the view out to leafy Abbey Green.
11. Parade Gardens
Situated in the city centre, on Grand Parade, Parade Gardens is the perfect spot to enjoy green space and wonderful views of the iconic Pulteney Bridge. Throughout the summer months, you can enjoy concerts in the bandstand, and admire the annual 3D floral feature.
12. Crowe Hall
At the centre of the action of the first episode of McDonald and Dodds is the family home of Max Crockett (Robert Lindsay). This idyllic country mansion is in fact Crowe Hall in Widcombe, a Grade II listed building which was built around 1760, and is surrounded by several hectares of terraced gardens which are included on the Register of Historic Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in England. Although Crowe Hall is a private property, its beautiful garden is open to visit on a select few days a year.
