David Croft
1922 - 2011
1922 - 2011
David Croft lived for most of his life at Honington Hall, near Bury St Edmunds, famously arranged for his hit television series to be filmed in East Anglia so he could work from home.
Dad’s Army was shot on location in and around Thetford while the classic holiday camp series Hi-de-Hi was filmed at Dovercourt.
He was one of the few writers who also directed his own shows. David Croft was famous for his “You Have Been Watching” photo captions at the end of his shows. In addition to his own series, he produced the Frankie Howerd series Up Pompeii scripted by Carry-On writer Talbot Rothwell.
But for many Dad’s Army will remain his masterwork.
It was a towering achievement which is still being screened 40 years on.
Dad’s Army was shot on location in and around Thetford while the classic holiday camp series Hi-de-Hi was filmed at Dovercourt.
He was one of the few writers who also directed his own shows. David Croft was famous for his “You Have Been Watching” photo captions at the end of his shows. In addition to his own series, he produced the Frankie Howerd series Up Pompeii scripted by Carry-On writer Talbot Rothwell.
But for many Dad’s Army will remain his masterwork.
It was a towering achievement which is still being screened 40 years on.
DAD'S ARMY
While the younger generation is fighting the Second World War, a ragtag group of men volunteer for the Home Guard.
The series started out based on some true events retold with a little comedic licence.
Dad’s Army is one of the UK’s favourite and most long-running sitcoms.
It was set in a village on the south coast, where the Home Guard kept an eye out for invading Germans.
However, most of the filming was done around Norfolk and the Home Counties.
While the younger generation is fighting the Second World War, a ragtag group of men volunteer for the Home Guard.
The series started out based on some true events retold with a little comedic licence.
Dad’s Army is one of the UK’s favourite and most long-running sitcoms.
It was set in a village on the south coast, where the Home Guard kept an eye out for invading Germans.
However, most of the filming was done around Norfolk and the Home Counties.
FILM LOCATIONS in Suffolk & Norfolk for Dad's Army
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All Saints Church, Honington, Suffolk
The parish church of fictional town Walmington-on-Sea was called St Aldhelm's. All Saints Church in the village of Honington in Suffolk was used as the location. This small church is hidden down a narrow road and surrounded by trees. It’s worth visiting to see the pretty baroque features and 13th-century tower. Honington provided many locations for the series. Co-writer David Croft lived in the village for many years. Tiberham Airfield, Norwich, Norfolk
The former RAF station of Tibenham Airfield can be spotted in a couple of episodes. Perhaps most notable is when the characters attempt to build a big wheel. The airfield is now home to the Norfolk Gliding Club and hosts several events, including classic car shows. River Waveney, Beccles, Suffolk
When the group took to the water to improve their rowing skills, the crew found a spot on the River Waveney. The river runs through Suffolk and into Norfolk. The area used for filming was in the town of Beccles. You may spot the Waveney House Hotel in the background. |
Honington Primary School, Honington, Suffolk
Honington Primary School was used as the exterior of the church hall where the Home Guard would meet. This village school was built in the 19th century and is still there today. Thetford Guildhall, Thetford, Norfolk
The episode where a German Luftwaffe pilot becomes entangled in a clock tower was filmed outside Thetford Guildhall, making it a popular location with fans. It’s now the Dad’s Army Museum. When you visit, you can see all manner of memorabilia, from uniforms to a recreation of the set of Captain Mainwaring’s office. You can even see Jones’ butcher’s van. It’s a must-visit for Dad’s Army fans. Oxburgh Hall, Oxburgh, Norfolk
In an early episode, the Home Guard realise they are low on weapons, so they visit the Peabody Museum to find some vintage items to use. This scene was filmed at Oxburgh Hall, a National Trust owned country home in Norfolk. A grand Tudor home with formal flower gardens and grounds, Oxburgh Hall has some unique features including a priest's hole, dating to Elizabeth I’s persecution of Catholics. |
DAD'S ARMY MUSEUM, THETFORD
A little history
Since it opened in December 2007, the Dad's Army Museum has gone from strength to strength. Today thousands of visitors make their way to Thetford (Walmington-on-Sea) each year to see where the series was filmed and to learn more about one of the most enduring comedy programmes ever produced.
The museum is independently run by an enthusiastic and dedicated platoon of volunteers and the current opening hours are Saturdays, other days as advertised. We also organise private visits for coach groups, talks and tours - by prior arrangement only and subject to availability. We are a dog friendly museum.
Marigold Tea Rooms
The beautiful 1940s style Marigold Tea Rooms opened in 2011 and is an essential part of any visit to the Museum. You'll love our home-made wartime recipe cakes and tea from British made Brown Betty teapots.
Last orders are taken at 2.30pm, all cakes are subject to availability. See the specials board in the tea room.
The museum has now closed for the winter break.
We will reopen on Saturday 15 March 2025 at 10am - 6 December 2025.
Opening days & times - Saturday 10am-3pm plus Sundays in July & August 10am-1pm
Address - The Old Fire Station, Cage Lane, Thetford, IP24 2DS
Telephone - 07470 165795
A little history
Since it opened in December 2007, the Dad's Army Museum has gone from strength to strength. Today thousands of visitors make their way to Thetford (Walmington-on-Sea) each year to see where the series was filmed and to learn more about one of the most enduring comedy programmes ever produced.
The museum is independently run by an enthusiastic and dedicated platoon of volunteers and the current opening hours are Saturdays, other days as advertised. We also organise private visits for coach groups, talks and tours - by prior arrangement only and subject to availability. We are a dog friendly museum.
Marigold Tea Rooms
The beautiful 1940s style Marigold Tea Rooms opened in 2011 and is an essential part of any visit to the Museum. You'll love our home-made wartime recipe cakes and tea from British made Brown Betty teapots.
Last orders are taken at 2.30pm, all cakes are subject to availability. See the specials board in the tea room.
The museum has now closed for the winter break.
We will reopen on Saturday 15 March 2025 at 10am - 6 December 2025.
Opening days & times - Saturday 10am-3pm plus Sundays in July & August 10am-1pm
Address - The Old Fire Station, Cage Lane, Thetford, IP24 2DS
Telephone - 07470 165795