Parts of a popular seafront were used once again as a filming location for the latest hit film on Netflix.
Viewers will be able to spot parts of Herne Bay in Hearstopper Forever, which was released on the streaming platform last week.
Heartstopper Forever was released on Netflix last week. Picture: Netflix/Heartstopper Forever trailer
The feature film – currently number three in the top 10 films in the UK on Netflix – is the finale to the internationally acclaimed Kent-based coming-of-age series Heartstopper, bringing the loved series to a close.
Supported by Kent County Council’s (KCC) Kent Film Office (KFO), the production returned to Herne Bay in June 2025 to shoot key scenes.
These were at Neptune’s Arm, Herne Bay beach, Central Parade and the town’s popular Pier.
The seaside town previously featured in a pivotal scene in the finale of the first season of the show, which is based on the Heartstopper webcomic and graphic novel series written and illustrated by Alice Oseman about an openly gay teenage boy and his romance.
Alice herself has Kent roots – the writer was born in Chatham and spent her childhood near Rochester, with the county playing an important role in shaping the world of Heartstopper.
Part of the seafront was used as a location for filming the new film. Picture: Netflix/Heartstopper Forever trailerActors on the beach in Herne Bay. Production took place last summer. Picture: Netflix/Heartstopper Forever trailer
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.
The production generated an estimated £99,000 for the Kent economy across one filming day, one preparation day and one packing up day.
These supported local businesses, suppliers and hospitality providers.
The return of Heartstopper comes as KFO marks 20 years of championing the county as a premier filming destination.
The production team returned to Herne Bay in June 2025 to film key scenes at Neptune’s Arm, Herne Bay Beach, Central Parade and Herne Bay Pier. Picture: Netflix/Heartstopper Forever trailerAlice Oseman, creator of the Heartstopper series. Picture: Alice Oseman
Since its launch, the KFO has generated more than £85 million in inward investment through visiting film and television productions.
Richard Palmer, KCC 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.
Kent County Council’s Richard Palmer welcomed the return of the Heartstopper production team to KentHerne Bay Pier was one of the locations for the film Heartstopper Forever
“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.”