Netflix’s long-awaited TV series One Day has just dropped on the streamer, and it’s been getting great reviews: the Standard called it, “gorgeous take on David Nicholls novel”.
Set from 1988 to 2007, it tells the story of Dexter and Emma (Leo Woodall and Ambika Mod), who meet on their last night at university. Across 20 years, we see them fall in and out of love, across a backdrop of some of London’s most famous parks, country houses and hotels. But where exactly was it filmed? We break down some of the series’ key locations.
Emma’s University Flat, 17 Rankeillor Street
Where was it filmed? Viewforth, Edinburgh
The place where Emma spends her last year at university with housemate Tilly, and where she brings Dexter back to after their end of year ball. It’s also the place the pair don’t have sex – instead, they spend the night discussing what they want from life.
The trek up Arthur’s Seat
Where was it filmed? Arthur’s Seat, Holyrood Park, Edinburgh
The morning after they don’t sleep together, Emma and Dexter go for a hungover walk to the top of Arthur’s Seat outside Edinburgh (after Dexter admits he’s never climbed it before). Arthur’s Seat is a huge rocky outcrop located on the edge of the city: an ancient volcano that is still daily climbed by tourists and locals.
Emma and Dexter meet up at Primrose Hill
Where was it filmed? Primrose Hill, London
At the end of a long shift at Mexican restaurant Loco Caliente, Emma heads to Primrose Hill to meet up with Dexter and share a bottle of wine with him. It’s something Londoners have been doing at Primrose Hill for decades: located north of Regent’s Park, the hill was bought from Eton College in 1841 to give London’s poor a place to relax. These days, it’s also home to one of six ‘protected viewpoints’ in the city.
Loco Caliente
Where was it filmed? Old Suffolk Punch, London
Emma’s part-time job is at this restaurant, where the staff are obliged to dance La Cucaracha once every 15 minutes and the salsa burns a hole in her shoe. It’s also where she meets Ian, who she gets together with.
The Old Suffolk Punch itself is one of Hammersmith’s oldest pubs. In January 2023, it was announced that the site was going to be demolished and redeveloped into a pub and hotel.
Brixton Nightclub
Where was it filmed? Fire Nightclub, London
The place Dexter enjoys a drug and booze-fuelled night out before he makes a disastrous trip to see his ill mother. Fire itself is a club tucked underneath a railway arch in Vauxhall; it’s still open today.
Dexter’s afternoon at the train station
Where was it filmed? Worplesdon Station, Woking
This is the place where Dexter is dropped off after a disastrous visit to his parents. Stranded without his car keys, he makes an emotional phone call to Emma. The station itself is located in Surrey and opened all the way back in 1883; these days, it’s a common commuter stop for people travelling into London.
Emma’s first date with Ian
Where was it filmed? Smith & Wollensky, The Adelphi, London
Emma’s first date with Ian takes place at Forelli’s Italian restaurant, which Ian describes as cheap – though the décor is decidedly upmarket. It’s no surprise to learn that the real-life venue is Smith & Wollensky, an American steakhouse located on London’s Strand.
Emma and Dexter fall out
Where was it filmed? Quaglino’s, London
In the middle of the series, Dexter and Emma go for a lavish but ultimately disastrous dinner together, which results in the pair not speaking for three years. This was filmed in Quaglino’s, a brasserie-style restaurant in St James, Mayfair – originally founded in 1929, it has closed multiple times and was a popular haunt for the aristocracy and royal family in its heyday between 1930 and 1950.
Cope Residence
Where was it filmed? Benington Lordship Gardens, Hertfordshire
After Dexter gets together with Sylvie, he goes to visit her very upper-class family for the first time – which yields mixed results. The Cope family home, though, was filmed in Benington Lordship Gardens: an old country estate which was built in the 1700s and is about an hour’s drive from London, in Stevenage, Hertfordshire.
Tilly gets married
Where was it filmed? Hatfield House, Hertfordshire
After years of separation, Emma and Dexter finally meet again at the wedding of Tilly, Emma’s old university friend. The wedding, and wedding breakfast afterwards, was filmed at Hatfield House: a Grade I listed country house set in a large park, which can actually be booked as a wedding venue (in case any fans were wondering).
Natural Stuff
Where was it filmed? Maoz, London
After his life collapses, Dexter finds himself working at Natural Stuff, a sandwich shop run by his old friend Callum. Maoz itself is a Middle Eastern deli and restaurant based on Old Compton Street in Soho, that (yes) does sell sandwiches. Mostly falafel ones.
Emma’s swimming
Where was it filmed? Charlton Lido, London
Emma’s swimming pool of choice: the breezy Charlton Lido. Located in Greenwich, the pool is on the edge of Hornfair Park and is a popular spot for weekend swimmers – and for those especially brave, it’s open year-round.
Pizza time with Dexter, Emma and Jasmine
Where was it filmed? Bella Roma, London
Later in the series, Dexter, Emma and Dexter’s daughter Jasmine all go out for a pizza together. This was filmed at the family-run Italian restaurant Bella Roma, located a short walk from Lewisham train station.
Café Belleville
Where was it filmed? Maison Bleue, London
Later in his life, Dexter finds some measure of peace, owning and running his own café. That would be Maison Bleue, a café in Islington, located just off Highbury Fields.
Dexter’s flashback sequence
Where was it filmed? The Old College, Edinburgh
At the end of the series, Dexter reflects back on his long relationship with Emma, all the way back to the first night that they met in Edinburgh, when they promised to meet every year on July 15. This was filmed at The Old College: a late 18th century Georgian building that is still part of the university and has a rather lovely quadrangle.
