Supported by KCCs Kent Film Office, the production returned to Herne Bay in June 2025 to film key scenes at Neptune's Arm, Herne Bay Beach, Central Parade and Herne Bay Pier.
The seaside town already holds a special place in Heartstopper history, having featured in a pivotal scene in the Series 1 finale. Producers were keen to return to the location for the film's concluding chapter, not only because of its significance to the story, but also because of the smooth and successful filming experience they enjoyed with Kent Film Office during their previous visit.
The production generated an estimated £99,000 for the Kent economy across one filming day, one preparation day and one strike day, supporting local businesses, suppliers and hospitality providers.
There is a special significance to Heartstopper's relationship with Kent. Creator Alice Oseman was born in Chatham and spent her childhood near Rochester, with the county playing an important role in shaping the world of Heartstopper. The original graphic novels are set in a fictional Kent grammar school and have become one of the most successful British young adult publishing franchises of recent years. With both the story and its creator rooted in Kent, the return to Herne Bay for Heartstopper Forever provides a fitting connection between the county that inspired the series and the locations that helped bring it to life on screen.
“We are proud to support productions of all sizes while ensuring local communities and businesses benefit from the opportunities they create.”
The return of Heartstopper comes as Kent Film Office marks 20 years of championing Kent as a premier filming destination.
Since its launch, the KFO has generated more than £85 million in inward investment through visiting film and television productions, supporting local businesses and creating employment opportunities for Kent-based crew, actors and service providers. Productions filmed across the county have also helped boost tourism by showcasing Kent's distinctive locations to audiences around the world.
Richard Palmer, Cabinet member for Communities and Regulatory Services said: "We are delighted to have welcomed the Heartstopper Forever team back to Herne Bay. The town has become a much-loved location for fans of the series and it's wonderful to see Kent feature once again in the final chapter of this globally successful story.
"The production's return demonstrates the importance of building strong relationships with filmmakers and delivering a positive experience on location. It's a testament to the work of our team and partners across the county that productions continue to come back to Kent.
"Over the past 20 years, Kent Film Office has generated more than £85 million of inward investment and helped hundreds of young people take their first steps into the screen industries. We are proud to support productions of all sizes while ensuring local communities and businesses benefit from the opportunities they create."
A full list of productions filmed in Kent can be explored through the Kent Film Office Movie Map, which highlights the many television and film locations featured across the county.
As Heartstopper Forever prepares to reach audiences worldwide, the production serves as another example of how Kent's locations, talent and film-friendly approach continue to attract major productions while delivering lasting benefits for local communities and the wider creative economy.
Watch the official Heartstopper Forever trailer at: Heartstopper Forever | Official Trailer | Netflix
