Exploring the Call the Midwife Location Tour in Chatham: An Honest Look
If you’re a fan of the beloved series Call the Midwife, chances are you’ve dreamed of stepping into the world of poplar docks and vintage streets. This Call the Midwife Location Tour in Chatham offers just that—a guided peek behind the scenes, set amidst the historic surroundings of Chatham Dockyard. While we haven’t personally taken this tour, the reviews and details paint a pretty engaging picture.
What we love about this experience is how it combines nostalgia with local history. First, the guide dressed as a midwife adds a charming touch that keeps the atmosphere authentic and fun. Second, the chance to walk through recognizable filming locations, with insider stories about how scenes were created, makes it a treat for dedicated fans. On the flip side, some reviews mention that the outdoor sets sometimes feel a bit plain when not actively filming, which could be a little disappointing if you’re expecting full-on set recreations.
This tour is best suited for those who love the show, prefer a walk-and-talk style experience, and are interested in a mix of TV history and local heritage. It’s not a full-scale studio experience, but it delivers a good dose of Call the Midwife charm in a historic setting.
Key Points
- Authentic filming locations in Chatham Dockyard give a real-world backdrop for the show.
- The guide dressed as a midwife adds a fun, immersive touch.
- The tour includes behind-the-scenes stories about filming tricks and set design.
- You get full access to the dockyard afterward for further exploration.
- The experience is roughly one and a half hours long, making it a manageable visit.
- It’s a guided walking tour, so comfortable shoes are recommended.
What to Expect from the Tour
The tour kicks off at the Memorial within Chatham Dockyard, where you’ll meet your guide—dressed as a midwife—alongside fellow fans. From there, it’s a leisurely walk around the exterior sets used in Call the Midwife, as well as some of the historic dockyard buildings. Our understanding is that the tour isn’t about stepping inside filming studios but exploring the outdoor filming locations that viewers recognize from the series.
Your guide will share entertaining anecdotes and behind-the-scenes facts about filming scenes, the show’s production tricks, and the history of the dockyard itself. It’s a nice balance of TV lore and local heritage, giving context to how the dockyard was transformed into the streets of Poplar.
The Walking Tour of Exterior Sets
The highlight is walking along streets and buildings that appear on screen as the busy East End of London, circa 1950s-60s. As some reviewers pointed out, these locations aren’t permanently set up for filming, so they may look a bit ordinary when not in use. One reviewer humorously noted that much of the filming seems to be done back in the studio, so the outdoor sets are more about visual recognition than elaborate recreations.
That said, the guide’s storytelling helps bring the scenes to life, and many visitors enjoy seeing familiar spots like the school, shops, or the care home exteriors. Plus, you’ll find plenty of photo opportunities and can ask questions about how scenes were shot.
Behind-the-Scenes Insights
The guide, often described as knowledgeable and enthusiastic, reveals interesting facts about the show’s production. For example, some reviews note that the guide, a retired nurse, brings a personal touch to her recounting of the series’ medical details, adding depth to the storytelling.
You’ll learn that many of the outdoor scenes are actually shot in these real locations, but the series also relies heavily on studio sets and props. One reviewer mentioned that the last part of the tour includes a display of props, costumes, and photos, giving a real sense of the production value.
Post-Tour Access and Additional Activities
After the guided part, you’re free to explore Chatham Dockyard at your own pace. The dockyard itself is an 80-acre site packed with historic buildings, museums, and warships, making it a worthwhile visit even outside the Call the Midwife theme. This flexibility is a plus, especially if you’re traveling with history buffs or just want to wander around the scenic grounds.
The Itinerary in Detail
Start Point: The Memorial inside Chatham Dockyard, nearby historic ships like HMS Cavalier and HMS Ocelot. Here, you’ll meet your guide—who’s dressed as a midwife—and gather with fellow fans for the walk.
First Stop: The exterior filming locations of Call the Midwife. These streets and buildings represent the fictional Poplar area, and your guide will point out recognizable features from the series. Expect stories about how scenes were shot and insights into the filming process.
Further Walks: The tour continues as you stroll through other locations used in the show, with your guide sharing interesting trivia. Some reviews note that the outdoor filming areas may appear somewhat plain, but the stories make up for it.
Prop and Costume Displays: The tour usually concludes with a visit to a collection of props, costumes, and photos that bring the series’ production to life. This part gets high praise for offering tangible connections to the show.
End Point: The tour wraps back at the starting area, but you’re encouraged to stay and explore the dockyard further — which includes historic ships, galleries, and exhibits.
Pricing and Value
At just over $55 per person, this tour offers a solid experience for fans willing to spend a little time on a guided walk. When you think about what’s included—the 90-minute guide-led tour plus full access to the dockyard—it’s a reasonable price for the depth of content and the opportunity to see filming locations in person.
Many visitors, including one reviewer who called it a “full day of fun,” find it more than worth the cost. The combination of learning about the series, seeing historic sites, and the chance to ask questions makes it a well-rounded experience.
However, the tour is primarily outdoors and involves walking, so comfortable footwear and weather-appropriate clothing are advisable. The good news is that, since it’s operated by Brit Movie Tours, it’s a professionally run experience with clearly defined cancellation policies—free cancellations are allowed up to 24 hours before the tour.
Who Will Love This Tour?
This experience is ideal for dedicated fans of Call the Midwife, especially those interested in the production process or visiting filming locations. It also appeals to history and architecture enthusiasts, thanks to the historic dockyard setting. It’s less suited for those expecting a full studio tour or indoor set reconstructions, but if you love the show and enjoy walking through historic sites, you’ll find plenty to enjoy here.
Final Thoughts
The Call the Midwife Location Tour in Chatham offers a charming glimpse into the world of the series, with a knowledgeable guide bringing the outdoor filming locations to life. It’s a perfect blend of TV nostalgia and local heritage, best suited for fans eager to see where their favorite scenes were shot and learn some behind-the-scenes secrets.
While some may find the outdoor sets a bit underwhelming without active filming, most reviews highlight the guide’s enthusiasm and storytelling as the real highlight. If you’re looking for a relaxed, informative experience that combines TV history with a visit to a historic dockyard, this tour stands out as a worthwhile option.
Remember, it’s a guided walk, so plan for comfortable shoes and some patience with the outdoor scenery. For fans of the series wanting to connect more deeply with the show’s setting, this tour is a charming way to spend an afternoon in Chatham.
Call the Midwife Location Tour in Chatham
“You will have a great time, not only on the Call the Midwife Tour but at the Historic Dockyard. It was a full day of fun and I am so glad that I ma…”
FAQs
Is this tour suitable for children? While not explicitly stated, the tour is a walking outdoor experience that could appeal to older children who enjoy the show. However, it’s best for those who can walk comfortably and are interested in history and filming locations.
How long does the tour last? The guided part is approximately 1 hour 30 minutes, giving enough time to enjoy the storytelling without feeling rushed.
Do I need to book in advance? Yes, the tour is popular and typically booked an average of 66 days ahead. Booking early ensures you get a spot, especially during peak times.
Can I visit the dockyard after the tour? Absolutely. The ticket includes full access to the dockyard, so you can explore more at your own pace afterward.
What’s included in the price? Your fee covers the professional guide, the guided walking tour, and entry into Chatham Dockyard.
Are there any additional costs? Photos taken during the tour are free, but downloading them might incur a small extra fee, as some reviews mention.
Is transportation provided? No, the tour does not include hotel pickup or transportation to the dockyard. Plan to arrive by public transport or taxi.
What should I wear? Comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended, as most of the experience is outdoors.
Is the tour accessible for people with mobility issues? The information doesn’t specify, but since it involves walking around outdoor locations, it may not be suitable for those with mobility challenges.
What if the weather is poor? The tour is weather-dependent. If canceled due to bad weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Whether you’re a seasoned Call the Midwife fan or just curious about the historic dockyard’s cinematic role, this tour offers a friendly, insightful glance at a beloved show’s filming backdrop. It’s not the most elaborate set tour, but it’s genuine, well-reviewed, and worth considering if you’re in the area.
