Key Points
- Location Transformation: Portland Square in St Paul’s, Bristol, has been transformed into 1870s Baker Street for the filming of the second series of Amazon Prime Video’s drama Young Sherlock.
- Production Schedule: Filming is scheduled to commence on Thursday, August 6, 2026, following set preparation including the laying of a loose temporary road surface and street market stalls.
- Set & Prop Details: Victorian-era set dressing includes fruit and flower market stalls across the square and new signage for “Mrs Wright’s Institute for Trained Nurses” on a building adjacent to Circomedia.
- Key Returning Talent: Filmmaker Guy Ritchie returns to direct the series, with Hero Fiennes Tiffin reprising his lead role as Sherlock Holmes and Dónal Finn returning as James Moriarty.
- Broader Production Scope: Production for the second series follows recent location filming in Cheltenham and earlier series one filming across several Bristol heritage sites.
Portland Square (Brisrol Express News) August 6, 2026 – Historic Portland Square in the St Paul’s area of Bristol is undergoing an extensive architectural transformation to replicate 1870s London ahead of filming for the second series of Amazon Prime Video’s Young Sherlock. As reported by journalist Thomas Billson of Bristol24/7, local production crews began preparing the Georgian square on Wednesday, laying down temporary loose road surfaces to cover modern tarmac and disguise contemporary urban infrastructure before principal photography starts on Thursday.
- Key Points
- What Set Transformations Are Underway at Portland Square for Young Sherlock Series 2?
- Who Are the Key Cast and Creative Team Members Returning for the Sophomore Series?
- How Does Bristol Fit into the Broader Filming Logistics for Young Sherlock?
- What Is the Historical Context and Production Background of Young Sherlock in the Region?
- How Will This Development Impact Local Residents, Businesses, and the Regional Screen Economy?
What Set Transformations Are Underway at Portland Square for Young Sherlock Series 2?
As detailed by Thomas Billson of Bristol24/7, the physical alterations to Portland Square feature detailed period set dressing designed to transport the location back to late 19th-century Baker Street. Central to the set construction is a temporary, loose road surface laid across the paved areas to mirror the unpaved streets of Victorian London.
Furthermore, as reported by Thomas Billson of Bristol24/7, the public square in St Paul’s has been configured into a period street market. The arrangement includes wooden market stands offering a range of mid-Victorian goods, spanning fresh flowers and produce. Additional architectural modifications include new period signage erected on a property adjacent to the Circomedia venue, designating the building as
“Mrs Wright’s Institute for Trained Nurses”.
Who Are the Key Cast and Creative Team Members Returning for the Sophomore Series?
As confirmed by Thomas Billson of Bristol24/7, director Guy Ritchie has returned to helm the second series of the Amazon Prime Video drama. The production continues the origin story adaptation based on the early life of Arthur Conan Doyle’s fictional detective.
As reported by Thomas Billson of Bristol24/7, actor Hero Fiennes Tiffin reprises his starring role as the young Sherlock Holmes. Alongside Fiennes Tiffin, actor Dónal Finn is confirmed to return in his role as Sherlock’s antagonist, James Moriarty. Production details indicate that Motive Pictures (YS2) Ltd is handling the physical production for the Amazon Prime Video title.
How Does Bristol Fit into the Broader Filming Logistics for Young Sherlock?
As reported by Oxford Mail, the Bristol shoot follows recent location work elsewhere in the South West. Filming for the second series was recorded at Cheltenham’s Promenade in early August 2026, where historic Regency properties were temporarily adapted to double as an Eaton Square residence. Planning documents cited by Oxford Mail showed that production company Motive Pictures (YS2) Ltd scheduled set preparation, filming, and site restoration across late July and early August before shifting crews to Bristol.
As outlined in previous production releases from the Bristol Film Office and Visit West, Bristol served as a primary filming hub for the first series between September 2024 and January 2025. Locations used during the initial series included Broad Street, Small Street, Corn Street, St Nicholas Market, Queen Square, Frog Lane, The Georgian House Museum, Bristol Cathedral, and Underfall Yard.
What Is the Historical Context and Production Background of Young Sherlock in the Region?
How Has Bristol Previously Supported the Production of Young Sherlock Series 1?
As reported by Visit West, the first eight-part series of Young Sherlock premiered on Amazon Prime Video in March 2026 following five months of principal photography across Bristol. During the shoot for series one, upwards of 110 cast and crew members operated on location per day, with specific scenes incorporating up to 90 supporting artists in period wardrobe.
As reported by Deon Du Preez, Supervising Location Manager for the production, via Visit West, Bristol’s architectural framework provided versatile double locations for both Victorian Oxford and London. Du Preez stated that historic Old City areas such as Broad Street and Corn Street required minimal set intervention to capture 19th-century backdrops, supported by logistics coordinated through the Bristol Film Office and local authority partners.
As reported by Sarah Murray, Director of Underfall Yard, via Visit West, hosting major film productions provided direct financial support to local heritage sites. Murray stated that income generated from location hire during series one contributed significantly to Underfall Yard’s ongoing recovery and reinstatement funds following a 2023 arson attack at the historic floating harbour site.
How Will This Development Impact Local Residents, Businesses, and the Regional Screen Economy?
The commencement of filming for Young Sherlock series two in Portland Square brings multi-faceted implications for local residents, businesses, and the wider South West screen sector:
- Impact on Local Residents and Access: Residents around Portland Square and St Paul’s will experience short-term adjustments to daily traffic, parking, and pedestrian routes during filming days. Temporary road surfacing, equipment vehicles, and security personnel necessitate managed access, though production location managers historically coordinate with community groups to limit disruption.
- Economic Boost for Local Businesses and Suppliers: The influx of cast, crew, and supporting artists creates immediate commercial demand for local hospitality providers, catering services, trade suppliers, and accommodation in Bristol. High-budget television productions generate substantial local expenditure during multi-day location shoots.
- Heritage Site Funding and Exposure: As demonstrated during series one, location fees paid to local landmarks directly fund maintenance and restoration projects. Continued exposure on a worldwide streaming platform like Amazon Prime Video enhances screen tourism for Bristol’s Georgian and Victorian heritage sites.
- Solidification of Regional Film Infrastructure: Continued repeat business from high-profile directors like Guy Ritchie reinforces Bristol’s position as a leading UNESCO City of Film. Successful management of large-scale period shoots encourages future international productions to choose the South West, driving sustained investment in local crew and filming infrastructure.
