The whimsical world of “Ann Droid” premiered on July 17, 2026, as a six-part comedy BBC series. The futuristic show stars Diane Morgan as Linda, a humanoid robot purchased to help a widowed woman, Sue (played by Sue Johnston), live a more independent life. Paul Ready portrays Sue’s son Michael, who believes Linda should find a home elsewhere after he moves in with his mother.
Rather than highlighting an overly tech-inspired landscape, the production focused on familiar British streets, parks, businesses and public spaces to ground Linda’s distinctive presence in an otherwise ordinary world. Much of the filming took place in Hertfordshire, in the East of England. Particularly, areas around Hemel Hempstead and St Albans were the primary focus of production. For travelers interested in a trip centered on “Ann Droid” filming locations, keep reading to discover the best stops with plenty to see and do.
Hemel Hempstead’s Dacorum District Is The Show’s Primary Filming Location
Key Scenes: As The Herts Advertiser reports, episode two includes Sue volunteering at a charity shop before Linda turns the day into a disaster. Rennie Grove Charity Shop was the site of this scene. Other confirmed locations include residential Wootton Drive, Grovehill Community Centre, Bunkers Park and the more industrial Cupid Green Depot. Production also ventured into greener surroundings at Chipperfield Common and Apostles Pond. Hemel Hospital was another production zone for several clinical scenes.
Best Time to Visit: Late spring through early fall is an especially appealing time to plan your trip. Longer daylight hours make it easier to combine locations around Hemel Hempstead with Chipperfield Common, parks, and the surrounding Hertfordshire countryside. Fall can be another strong option for travelers who prefer woodland scenery and cooler walking conditions.
Transportation Options: Hemel Hempstead is an easy day trip from London. Direct rail services connect London Euston with Hemel Hempstead, with the fastest trips taking just over 20 minutes most days, although schedules vary by service and travel date. A rental car is useful for a dedicated filming location tour because the confirmed sites stretch from central Hemel Hempstead into Grovehill, Apsley and Chipperfield. Public transportation is also still workable for travelers combining Hemel Hempstead with St Albans. Hertfordshire’s Intalink network lists the 300 bus between Hemel Hempstead and St Albans, and travelers should check the current timetables before departing, as local services can change.
Hemel Hempstead was a focal point for filming, especially within the Dacorum district. This borough provided many of the locations seen throughout “Ann Droid.” Dacorum Borough Council confirmed that production used Shendish Manor, Grovehill Community Centre, the Rennie Grove Charity Shop in Henry Wells Square, Wootton Drive, Bunkers Park, Cupid Green Depot, Chipperfield Common, Apostles Pond and Proms n Things at Riverside Shopping Centre.
Things to Do: Once the screen hunt is finished, Hemel Hempstead offers enough to fill out a day or weekend.The Old Town Hall is an arts venue on the historic High Street with shows such as the Live at The Old Town Hall showcases, and a variety of regular theater plays. Travelers can also walk sections of the Grand Union Canal or explore the Hemel Green Walking Loop. For something more active, the XC Centre at Jarman Park offers yoga, rock climbing, escape rooms, skate facilities and more. For travelers looking for a slower countryside day, Chipperfield Common is a vast park with plenty of scenic woodland, a War Memorial and the historic St Paul’s Church easily accessible.
Where to Eat: For a waterside stop, The Fishery Inn sits alongside the Grand Union Canal with a vast menu of desserts and lighter bites with stunning canal views. The Bricklayers Arms in Flaunden is also a popular choice. The 18th-century pub has a solid selection of sandwiches, salads and more.
Where to Stay: The easiest themed stay may be one of the actual “Ann Droid” locations. Shendish Manor Hotel & Golf Club in Apsley has 70 rooms, formal gardens, an 18-hole golf course and 160 acres of grounds. For a smaller property, Boxmoor Lodge is a privately owned hotel on London Road in Hemel Hempstead. Aubrey Park Hotel is another option positioned between Hemel Hempstead and St Albans, which may be convenient for travelers planning to visit filming locations in both areas. The hotel includes on-site dining options, including a 24-hour lounge.
Did You Recognize The Stunning St Albans In ‘Ann Droid’?
Key Scenes: The Music Department is the essential stop for “Ann Droid” fans in St Albans because its screen purpose is directly documented. Local reporting confirms that the store became “Off the Scale,” the workplace of Sue’s son, Michael. The production’s art department began preparing the property two days before filming and planned to restore it to its usual appearance afterward. While travelers shouldn’t expect to enter the full “Off the Scale” store, they will be met with the actual shop and surrounding streets. The London Road area also places visitors close to St Albans’ historic center, making the filming stop easy to combine with the city’s major attractions.
Best Time to Visit: St Albans works as a year-round destination, but spring through early fall allows visitors to spend more time outside at Verulamium Park, the cathedral grounds and the historic center. Wednesday or Saturday can be particularly lively because the St Albans Market operates on those days, filling the city center with street food and independent vendors. Summer also makes it easier to build a full walking itinerary between London Road, the cathedral and Verulamium Park.
Transportation Options: St Albans is highly accessible without a rental car. Thameslink, the local train system, operates regularly from London St Pancras, with fast services reaching St Albans in roughly 20 to 25 minutes. Those combining both “Ann Droid” filming hubs can use local buses to easily get back and forth between St Albans and Hemel Hempstead, while driving a rental vehicle offers more flexibility for locations such as Chipperfield Common and Shendish Manor.
St Albans supplied one of the show’s most clearly documented filming transformations. The Music Department, located at the corner of Lattimore Road and London Road, became the fictional business “Off the Scale” for “Ann Droid.” The shop represents Michael’s workplace, with both interior and exterior filming taking place there on Oct. 16 and 17, 2025.
Things to Do: The city developed from the Roman settlement of Verulamium, and visitors can explore St Albans’ rich history. The Verulamium Museum houses a wealth of Roman artifacts and exhibits, perfect for aspiring researchers. St Albans Cathedral is another essential stop, known for its medieval wall paintings and centuries of history. Nearby Verulamium Park covers about 100 acres, making it a natural place to slow down after checking off filming spots. The medieval Clock Tower, local shops and historic market can round out the day.
Where to Eat: St Albans has plenty of choices within walking distance of its historic attractions. Lussmanns sits near the cathedral. For Turkish eats, Tabure on Spencer Street is perfect, serving a modern sharing-style menu.
Where to Stay: Sopwell House offers a luxury option close to St Albans. The Georgian country house hotel is positioned on 12 acres and has 126 rooms and suites. Additionally, there are on-site restaurants, bars and even the Cottonmill Spa, making it a one-stop shop for a vacation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Diane Morgan write “Ann Droid”?
Diane Morgan co-wrote “Ann Droid” with Australian comedian and writer Sarah Kendall, while also starring as the humanoid robot Linda. Boffola Pictures and Witchcraft Industries produced the series for the BBC.
Where can I watch “Ann Droid”?
All six episodes of “Ann Droid” became available on BBC iPlayer beginning July 17, 2026, with the series also airing on BBC One.
