Felixstowe has served as the backdrop for numerous TV shows and films over the years. This ongoing series aims to document those productions, complete with filming details, local locations, and insider information.

We begin with an episode from the BBC crime drama The Inspector Lynley Mysteries, specifically Season 5, Episode 2, titled “One Guilty Deed”, which originally aired on 27 July 2006 on BBC One.

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Series Overview: The Inspector Lynley Mysteries

Based on the novels by Elizabeth George, this British crime drama stars Nathaniel Parker as the aristocratic Detective Inspector Thomas Lynley and Sharon Small as the working-class Sergeant Barbara Havers. The show is known for its mix of gritty murder investigations and class-clash tension between the two leads.

Running for six seasons (2001–2008), the series produced 24 episodes, including a feature-length pilot. It built a loyal fanbase and was praised for its character-driven plots and stunning location work around the UK—including right here in Felixstowe.

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Episode Summary: “One Guilty Deed”

When a man named Roger Pollard is found dead on the beach with a bullet wound to the head, Inspector Lynley and Sergeant Havers are drawn into what initially appears to be a gangland killing. Pollard was once part of Michael Shand’s London criminal network, and suspicion naturally falls on his old associates.

However, as the investigation unfolds, the case becomes far more complex. The detectives discover that Pollard was living a quiet life in the area and had seemingly disconnected from his criminal past. As Havers walks the holiday camp terrain, childhood memories resurface—she had once visited this very location.

The mystery deepens when Havers uncovers the forgotten case of Martin McRae, a boy who died at the same camp over twenty years earlier. She becomes convinced that this cold case is linked to Pollard’s murder and that someone is hiding long-buried secrets that connect both tragedies.

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Felixstowe Filming Locations

• Mannings Amusements – Seen in several shots, giving the episode a strong seaside vibe
• Sea Road – Used for driving sequences and background scenes
• Sands Bar & Manor Terrace – Key areas for background action and character movement
• Suffolk Sands Caravan Park – Stands in for the fictional holiday camp
• The Manor Club (now demolished) – Used for indoor scenes and character interactions

Locals may remember crews filming along the promenade and actors walking along Sea Road. If you have photos, memories, or behind-the-scenes info, I’d love to include them in future updates.

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Episode Cast

• David Hepple – Roger Pollard
• Gabrielle Palmer – Tess Pollard
• Sharon Small – Sergeant Barbara Havers
• Nathaniel Parker – Detective Inspector Thomas Lynley
• Shaun Parkes – DC Winston Nkata
• Ian Burfield – DS Hansford
• Trevor Byfield – Frankie Baker (credited as Zig Byfield)
• Esther Hall – Carly Baker
• Paul Hickey – Lafferty
• Diana Payan – Maureen
• Stuart Laing – Daniel Gill
• Jodi Albert – Sally
• Deborah Sheridan-Taylor – Erika Pollard
• Abby Rakic-Platt – Nicky Warren
• Michele Moran – Receptionist

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In Summary

“One Guilty Deed” stands out not just for its twisting plot and emotional weight, but also as a proud moment for Felixstowe on national television. The familiar landmarks and coastline provide a dramatic backdrop to a dark and complex case, making this one of the most visually memorable episodes in the series.

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