Currently celebrating its 45th year on our screens, we went on a tour at the Emmerdale Studio Experience
Get ready for a unique experience as groups embark on a tour of one of the UK’s much-loved fictional villages, Emmerdale.
Emmerdale has graced the screens of British homes for 45 years, and has captured the hearts of millions with its extravagant storylines.
Groups are now able to visit the famous village, see costumes and props, pull up a stool in The Woolpack and see the famous Emmerdale village sign.
Run opening credits
The experience is separated into two parts, a studio experience tour and a village tour. They are in different locations, so visitors will need separate tickets for each attraction. The Studio tour offers group rates of £18.75pp for 15 or more people.
On the studio tour you will see replica sets including the living room belonging to the Dingle’s and get an inside peek at what goes into making the dramatic stunts you see on your screens.
Upon arrival at the studio in Leeds, you will be assigned a tour guide who will provide you with little facts about the cast and show as your group travels through different areas of the set.
First watching a film of the most memorable scenes from the years go by, you will be whisked down memory lane and transported back to when you sat watching them in the comfort of your home.
Production room
This is where you really start to see the making of the episodes.
Pinned on the walls are images of all the actors, and storyboards are drawn in markers on a whiteboard. In this section you get to see first-hand how the writers work.
When we visited, we saw a model version of the fateful helicopter crash from 2015 sitting on the desk next to the computers, and we learned that it’s a way for the writers to envision the scene and assist with writing a gripping storyline.
Dressing room
As you walk in to the room which is storing the costumes, you will begin to notice some very recognisable fashion items, including: Edna Birch’s famous hat, shoes and jacket; Kerry’s jewellery; Moira’s red wedding dress and Annie Sugden’s pinny from the very first episode, among many other iconic items of clothing and accessories.
Ever watched an episode and thought, ‘I have that top’? That’s because the characters depicted in the soap are to be relatable, so their clothes are bought from high-street stores. Sam Dingle’s wardrobe is George at Asda and Matalan, and Eric Pollard’s shirts are all M&S.
On the tour, we learned a little secret about Lisa Dingle’s jacket. They are bought in bulk, as are most of the costumes, therefore when one needs to be replaced, there is a little tactic used to get that worn look to keep it looking like the same used jacket. It is taken outside and driven over– That’s just one of many behind-the-scene facts our group heard.
Mirror, Mirror…
We next moved on to the beauty room where three large mirrors don the wall. Here you get a chance to sit in one of the beautician’s chairs as the guide informs you about the beauty happenings of Emmerdale.
We learnt how some looks were created including everyday make-up on female characters and bruises on some of the male ones.
The walls also feature images of the cast getting their make-up topped up while on set.
This room is a great photo opportunity for groups to sit in the chairs with the gowns on.
Aisle of props
Our group was next whisked off to a very exciting part of the experience, the aisle of props. A long corridor, with signage for ‘Hotten Crown Court’ and other places is on one side and a long rack filled with props, some more memorable than others – this is another fun photo opportunity, if the props can be picked up, you are allowed to use them for photos – the favourite is the (foam) brick that killed Carl King.
Main studio
Here is where groups will see replicas of sets.
The first is Berenice’s beauty salon. We learn more facts of the show, such as where the wallpaper is from and what really goes on when someone is getting their nails done.
The group also learns about the clever camera angles and lighting techniques used in order to get the perfect set in an interactive part of the experience.
The second set the groups comes across is the Dingle’s living room. See the iconic sofa with the statement knitted throws, along with outfits belonging to Lisa, Zack and Sam.
On this set the group learns a secret about the staircase.
The third set is Rona’s living room. The is the only replicated set that groups can sit on for their pictures. There is also the opportunity to film a little clip while sitting on the sofa. Once filmed, you can email your message to yourself, friends and family.
The forth is the famous Woolpack, the most recognisable symbol of Emmerdale. Jump behind the bar and pose for a professional image which can be purchased at the end.
Groups can take a seat anywhere in The Woolpack as they wait for their turn for a photo. It’s a great opportunity to take in all of the intricate details.
Behind the scenes
The Emmerdale Studio Tour is an interesting and exciting way to learn about a much-loved iconic show.
Visitors get to engage with their surrounds and really delve into the makings of it. From editing a scene to learning about how the weather impacts an episode, all details are uncovered.
There is also a miniature replica of the village so visitors can see the exterior too.
As the tour draws to a close, groups can visit David’s shop to buy a souvenir and their picture.
