Filming locations in Northumberland

See us on the big screen

Magical castles, barely-trodden beaches and staggering landscapes; no wonder Northumberland has a starring role in world-famous films and TV series. From broomstick lessons to murder mysteries, it has been the backdrop for all kinds of storylines.

Discover Alnwick Castle

Spells, witches and golden snitches

Alnwick Castle (Hogwarts School) is the backdrop for the first Flying Lesson in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, when Neville’s broomstick goes off-piste and Harry flies through the grounds to catch his ‘Remembrall’. Meet wizards and witches from the Harry Potter films and have a broomstick lesson on the very same spot when you visit.

No need for a green screen on Vera

ITV drama Vera takes full advantage of jaw-dropping countryside and coastal landscapes across the North East. Vera is the protagonist of a British crime drama and Northumberland is her staggering side-kick, including the cobbled village of Blanchland, fishing villages Alnmouth and Amble and on the rocky outcrops of The Farne Islands and Holy Island. Follow in the footsteps of the star studded television cast and of Vera herself, and plan your stay and visit some of the destinations showcased within the different series of Vera.

Blanchland

Beneath a woodland cloak in a fairytale setting amongst the fells, sits the storybook, small village of Blanchland. Built from the stones of Blanchland Abbey in 1165, it seemingly hasn’t changed since, and murmurings of its fascinating history echo in the moors.

Alnmouth

With its colourful houses, wildlife aplenty, and tranquil beach, Alnmouth sits within one of Northumberland's Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. There's always an opportunity to appreciate the coastline here, be it walking, cycling, or horse riding.

Amble

Home to a harbour filled with fish shacks, seafood eateries, and pastel-painted beach huts, the waterfront town of Amble hugs the River Coquet estuary at the southern gateway to the Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Kielder Reservoir

As a haven for wildlife, Kielder Water & Forest Park will never fail to amaze you. With red squirrels, ospreys, and water voles calling the park home, beauty awaits you around every corner. Kielder is also perfect for those who want to stargaze.

The Farne Islands

On this group of islands off Northumberland's coast in The North Sea, birds rule the roost, seals laze on rocks, and dolphins skim the surrounding waters. Regular boat trips run from Seahouses harbour between March - October for a day trip filled with wonderful wildlife.

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Winter is coming

We admit that Game of Thrones wasn’t filmed in Northumberland, but George R. R. Martin has confirmed that Hadrian’s Wall inspired his giant ice wall — and that’s more than enough of a claim for us. There are clear parallels between the two, as the real wall stretches 73 miles, rising and plunging through our dramatic northern landscapes.

A throwback to the 90s

Sycamore Gap’s cameo in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves helped make it the most photographed tree in the country. The dramatic dip in our National Park landscape was once home to the iconic sycamore, where Kevin Costner and Morgan Freeman battled villainous knights. Though the tree was felled in 2023, the spot remains just as striking.

Discover Hadrian's Wall

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Why visit Alnwick?

Scandals and secrets

Downton Abbey, with its opulent sets, roaring fireplaces and flickering candles, is the quintessentially British series that is perfect for a rainy day. But did you know that Alnwick Castle was cast as the magnificent Brancaster Castle in the 2015 and 2016 Christmas specials?

Hundreds of plastic daffodils

In Transformers: The Last Knight. Mark Wahlberg, Laura Haddock and Sir Anthony Hopkins stand before Alnwick Castle, where hundreds of plastic daffodils were planted to replicate the castle grounds’ annual, spring daffodils. Filming then moved to Bamburgh Beach, with a staggering view of Bamburgh Castle. Step in the footsteps of famous film stars as you explore the dramatic destinations across Northumberland that act as the backdrops of popular film franchises and television series.

Alnwick Castle

The second largest inhabited castle in the UK, home to the Percy family for 700 years and filming location.

Bamburgh

A pristine beach, drifting sand dunes, snug eateries tucked away on street corners, and a magnificent castle view everywhere you turn. These are just a few of Bamburgh’s draws, not to mention its coastal setting in the county's AONB.

Bamburgh Castle

Experience a different level of Northumberland at England's finest fortress Bamburgh Castle, home of the real Last Kingdom of Bebbanburg.

Horror and Thrills: Northumberland’s Cinematic Haunts

Cragside, Northumberland's iconic National Trust property, made a dramatic appearance in Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (2018). The estate's Victorian architecture and expansive grounds served as the backdrop for Lockwood Manor, the mansion of character Benjamin Lockwood. Fans can now visit Cragside and experience the cinematic setting firsthand.

Looking ahead, Northumberland is set to feature prominently in the highly anticipated sequel, 28 Years Later (2025), releasing on June 20, 2025. Directed by Danny Boyle and written by Alex Garland, the film continues the post-apocalyptic saga, with scenes filmed across the region, including Holy Island, Kielder Forest and Rothbury. The star-studded cast includes Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jodie Comer, and Ralph Fiennes.

Tales from Northumberland

Robson Green's Weekend Escapes

If you want a taste of Northumberland while you’re relaxing at home, flick Robson Green's Weekend Escapes on. Showcasing the best of Northumberland, Robson explores the county with a focus on mental health and the healing power of nature, meeting remarkable characters and discovering outstanding landscapes en route. Series 2 of Robson Green's Weekend Escapes has been confirmed for 1st January 2024 and we can't wait.

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