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Day 1

Newcastle

Watched over by the Angel of the North, Newcastle is oozing with northern soul. Geordies, as the locals are called, are responsible for some amazing inventions, from the light bulb to the windscreen wiper, and this spirit of innovation is still alive and kicking today. Snap a photo at the Gateshead Millennium Bridge, the first-ever tilting bridge, and settle down for a show at the ultra-modern Glasshouse. Just watch out for those Transformers… 

1 Trip item 1 of 6 for day 1
1 Trip item 1 of 6 for day 1

Discover Newcastle’s historic heart in Grainger town

  • Shopping
  • 1-2 hours
  • Free

Photo by: Ruben Drenth

An outside shot of Grainger Town in Newcastle

Packed with beautiful architecture, lively entertainment and great dining options, this historic quarter is a must-visit on any Newcastle break – and is one of the city’s top shopping spots. Take your pick from designer boutiques, high street favourites and independent retailers, and don’t miss the Victorian-built Grainger Market, with its family-run florists, jewellers and cafes. While it’s normally a pretty peaceful spot, both Grey Street and Grainger Street were the setting of an action-packed car chase in Transformers: The Last Knight (2017).  

2 Trip item 2 of 6 for day 1
2 Trip item 2 of 6 for day 1

Shop and snack at the Grainger Market 

  • Shopping
  • 1-2 hours
  • Low budget

Photo by: NewcastleGateshead Initiative

A fishmonger serving a customer at Grainger Market in Newcastle

This bustling marketplace has been doing business for nearly 200 years, and features more than 100 independent retailers under one roof. The shops and stalls are piled high with everything from artisan pies and freshly baked bread, to hand-made crafts and small-batch gins. Whether you’re searching for unique souvenirs or a gourmet lunch on the go, you’ll find treasures galore in this historic spot.

3 Trip item 3 of 6 for day 1
3 Trip item 3 of 6 for day 1

Pedal past Newcastle’s iconic landmarks

  • Guided Tour
  • 2 hours

Learn about Newcastle’s seven bridges, spot its old town wall and admire Europe’s largest timber structure on this pedal-powered tour of the city. Newcastle Cycle Tours provide your bike, helmet and an expert local guide – all you need to bring is your sense of adventure. You’ll be regaled with tales of the city’s most notable inhabitants, and there’ll be plenty of stop-offs for photos along the way. 

4 Trip item 4 of 6 for day 1
4 Trip item 4 of 6 for day 1

Experience the atmosphere at St James’ Park

  • Guided Tour
  • 1-2 hours

Photo by: estefaniaanzures

Newcastle United Stadium Tour

Immerse yourself in the club’s heritage on a tour of St James’ Park stadium, home to the team since 1892. Or head up on a rooftop tour for stunning views of Tyneside.

5 Trip item 5 of 6 for day 1
5 Trip item 5 of 6 for day 1

Try a craft beer tasting and tour at Brinkburn St Brewery

  • Guided Tour
  • 1-2 hours

Newcastle has a rich beermaking tradition – so it’d be rude not to experience it for yourself, right? Brinkburn St Brewery is a relative newcomer to the scene, opening in 2015, but it’s grown to become a popular taphouse and restaurant in buzzing Byker. Lift the curtain on the brewing process on a behind-the-scenes tour, or treat yourself to a tasting flight. Pair your beer with a dish from the extensive menu – think black pudding bon bons or a chicken parmo burger.  

6 Trip item 6 of 6 for day 1
6 Trip item 6 of 6 for day 1

See a show at The Glasshouse 

  • Performance
  • 1-2 hours

Unmissable in every sense, this magnificent concert venue hosts live performances of every musical genre. Catch opera, pop, folk, classical, and much more – with famous names and new talents alike. The building itself is also impressive, built from sparkling glass and steel. 

County Durham

Steeped in legend, County Durham is bursting with stories. It’s no wonder fantasy favourites Harry Potter and The Witcher are right at home in these scene-stealing landscapes. Step into the drama yourself with a fast-and-furious rafting adventure on the Tees Barrage, or enjoy a slower pace at the region’s historic sights, where hundreds of years of history await. 

1 Trip item 1 of 4 for day 2
1 Trip item 1 of 4 for day 2

Go wild with white-water rafting

  • Experience
  • 1-2 hours

Photo by: Visit Tees Valley/Michael Lazenby

A group of people water rafting in waterproof safety gear

Rafting, powerboating, paddlesports – it's all on the agenda at the Tees Barrage International White Water Centre. The whole family can take advantage of these world-class facilities, which have also been seen on screen in wartime epic 1917 (2019). 

2 Trip item 2 of 4 for day 2
2 Trip item 2 of 4 for day 2

Uncover 2,000 years of history in Bishop Auckland

  • Experience
  • 2-3 hours

Photo by: House of Hues/The Auckland Project

Paintings showing early influences on Spanish Golden Age art at The Spanish Gallery in Bishop Auckland.

A showstopper of a bishop’s palace, uncover history in the Throne Room, St Peter’s Chapel and the transformed state rooms of Auckland Palace. The castle sits at the heart of The Auckland Project and opens from late-February to late-December.

3 Trip item 3 of 4 for day 2
3 Trip item 3 of 4 for day 2

Get lost in the past at Raby Castle

  • Experience
  • 2-3 hours

Photo by: Visit County Durham

Raby Castle

If this medieval castle could talk it would tell tales of Vikings, battles and dynasties. Visit now to see wild deer in the park and art collections inside the castle. For an insider view on the estate that dates back to the 11th century, embark on a 60-minute guided tour that picks out some of the castle’s highlights. It’s also a favourite with filmmakers – see where Oscar-winning 1917 (2019) was filmed in its grounds. 

3 Trip item 3 of 4 for day 4
3 Trip item 3 of 4 for day 4

Admire Low Force Waterfall

  • Sightseeing
  • 1 hour
  • Free

Photo by: Visit County Durham/Critical Tortoise/Andy Jones

Two women and a dog walk a path beside a waterfall

A highlight of the North Pennines National Landscape, Low Force waterfall is a spellbinding spot. The area is also a Dark Sky Discovery Site, so paradise for stargazing. While it may not be as dramatic as nearby High Force, this series of fast-flowing cascades is well worth a visit. Start your walk to the falls at the Bowlees Visitor Centre, which hosts displays from local artists. It’s another one of the filming locations for war epic 1917, and you may also know it from The Witcher, which follows a monster-hunting Henry Cavill.

Durham

Wands at the ready for your day in Durham – or should that be Hogwarts? Durham Cathedral’s cloisters must have that magic touch, appearing in the first two Harry Potter films (2001 and 2002). Plus, see where spellbinding scenes from hit period drama Downton Abbey were filmed at the open-air Beamish Museum, and ride on the very tram that appeared in the Downton movie (2019). 

1 Trip item 1 of 4 for day 3
1 Trip item 1 of 4 for day 3

Time travel to Beamish Museum 

  • Museums and Galleries
  • 3-4 hours

Location: Beamish Museum

The 1900s Town at Beamish Museum

From food to shopping, this ‘living history’ museum recreates English life in the 1820s, 1900s, 1940s and 1950s. Maybe you’ll try old-style fish and chips, meet a pit pony, or take a spin at the funfair? Beamish was also used as a filming location for Downton Abbey, and is set in 300 acres of countryside in County Durham.

2 Trip item 2 of 4 for day 3
2 Trip item 2 of 4 for day 3

Spot rare plants at Blast Beach

  • Experience
  • 1 hour
  • Free

It’s hard to believe this peaceful stretch on the Durham Heritage Coast, blooming with wildflowers, was once on the fringes of Durham’s mining industry. In fact, its name comes from the blast furnaces which once stood nearby. Today, it’s enjoying a new lease of life as a plant haven – look out for the fantastically named bloody cranesbill and dyer’s greenweed. Blast Beach is also a bit of a local celebrity thanks to its big-screen appearances. Spot it in the opening scenes of Alien 3 (1992) and stepping in for an Icelandic beach in The Last Kingdom series two (2017). 

3 Trip item 3 of 4 for day 3
3 Trip item 3 of 4 for day 3

Feel the magic at Durham Cathedral

  • Sightseeing
  • 1-2 hours
  • Free

Photo by: Visit County Durham/Critical Tortoise/Andy Jones

A view of a river with a Cathedral beyond

There’s over 1,000 years of history to discover at Durham Cathedral. Book your spot on a cathedral tour to hear the stories of the people who have influenced its history, before heading up the 325 steps to the top of the central tower. Harry Potter fans will recognise several spots in the cathedral that doubled as Hogwarts locations in the first two films (2001–2002) – but did you know that parts of Avengers: Endgame (2019) were filmed here too?  

4 Trip item 4 of 4 for day 3
4 Trip item 4 of 4 for day 3

Tuck into Durham’s food scene

  • Guided Tour
  • 3.5 hours

A foodie’s haven, dip into the flavours of Durham on a food tour that visits the city’s famous indoor food market and popular eateries. Triple A Food Tour’s offer a journey through Durham’s local produce, alongside a Gin Tour where you’ll sample gins with cheese and charcuterie. 

Northumberland

Get away from it all in Northumberland, home to Britain’s least-populated National Park. You’ve probably heard of the epic Hadrian’s Wall, which is the star of the show in these parts – but did you know that it inspired Game of Thrones creator George RR Martin to create the series’ famous ice wall? Get a different kind of chill watching the stars from Kielder Observatory – a breathtaking way to experience the natural wonders this corner of England has to offer. 

1 Trip item 1 of 5 for day 4
1 Trip item 1 of 5 for day 4

Be spellbound by Belsay’s trio of treasures

  • Experience
  • 2-3 hours

Three fantastic attractions in one, Belsay will keep you busy. Although empty, the stunning Greek revival-style hall is still breathtaking, with its ornate pillars, while the 14th-century Belsay Castle offers a peek at a different period of British history. If you’ve still got some energy, the 30 acres of gardens are well worth exploring.  

2 Trip item 2 of 5 for day 4
2 Trip item 2 of 5 for day 4

Soak in the atmosphere of Hexham Abbey

  • Experience
  • 1-2 hours
  • Free

Step into more than 1,350 years of history at this Northumbrian abbey, one of the earliest seats of Christianity in England. Don’t miss its treasures like the ancient stone Frith Stool and Saxon Crypt (which has a small charge to enter). The Big Story exhibition takes you behind the scenes of the abbey’s past – and young visitors can even dress up as an Augustinian Canon.  

3 Trip item 3 of 5 for day 4
3 Trip item 3 of 5 for day 4

Explore Britain’s Roman roots at Housesteads Roman Fort

  • Experience
  • 1-2 hours

Uncover the stories of Britain’s Roman past at our most complete Roman fort. Can you imagine that 1,000 soldiers were once stationed here? Glimpse into their lives at the museum, where kids will love dressing up like the fort’s former residents. From the fort’s north wall, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of Hadrian’s Wall, the northern frontier of the Roman Empire. Fun fact: Game of Thrones author George RR Martin came up with ‘the Wall’ in his series after a visit to Hadrian’s Wall. 

4 Trip item 4 of 5 for day 4
4 Trip item 4 of 5 for day 4

Get outdoors in the Kielder Water and Forest Park

  • Experience
  • 1-2 hours

Photo by: raineyrebs

Female hiker with a backpack and walking poles, hiking through the countryside of Kilder in Northumberland at sunrise

A haven for hikers, cyclists and art lovers, this wild nature reserve has an outdoor sculpture trail and stargazing observatory. As England’s largest forest and the biggest man-made lake in northern Europe, it has plenty of space to explore – with rare ospreys, red squirrels and more. Just watch out for zombies – film crews for 28 Years Later (2025) have been spotted here. 

5 Trip item 5 of 5 for day 4
5 Trip item 5 of 5 for day 4

See stars at the Kielder Observatory

  • Experience
  • 1-2 hours

Photo by: Visit Northumberland/Kevin Gibson

Location: Kielder, Hexham, England

A family stand with a tour guide at an Observatory

Part of the Dark Skies project, the award-winning Kielder Observatory wants as many people as possible to experience the night sky in its purest form. The main evening event is perfect for ages 12 and up. Visitors will get a tour of the observatory, a presentation and the chance for star gazing along the way. Learn about the secret life of stars, the origins of the universe and our celestial neighbours. 

Northumberland 

How are your broomstick-riding skills? Put them to the test with a training session, Harry Potter-style, at Alnwick Castle, where the boy wizard had his very first flying lesson. After all, they might come in handy when you’re dodging zombies on Lindisfarne, a filming location for 28 Years Later (2025). Elsewhere, see what makes Bamburgh Castle and its sandy beach a favourite with filmmakers. 

1 Trip item 1 of 4 for day 4
1 Trip item 1 of 4 for day 4

Fly high at Alnwick Castle

  • Sightseeing
  • 2-3 hours

Photo by: VisitBritain

Young woman hovering on a broomstick in the Outer Bailey of Alnwick Castle

The camera loves Alnwick Castle. Having starred as Hogwarts in two Harry Potter films, as well as featuring in lots of other productions, this Northumberland-based screen star doesn’t stop there. Its lively events include outdoor theatre, wand-making workshops and sorcery performances, as well as cannon shooting, falconry flights and roaming jesters. You can even try your hand at a broomstick flying class! 

2 Trip item 2 of 5 for day 5
2 Trip item 2 of 5 for day 5

Toast your trip at Ad Gefrin Distillery

  • Experience
  • 1-2 hours

Photo by: VisitBritain/Pinzutu

A tasting session at Ad Gefrin Whisky Distillery

Ad Gefrin has breathed new life into the Northumbrian tradition of whisky distilling, creating Northumberland’s first single malt whisky. Tour its distillery to find out more about its spirits success, or delve into the area’s fascinating history in its immersive museum dedicated to Northumbria’s Golden Age. 

3 Trip item 3 of 5 for day 5
3 Trip item 3 of 5 for day 5

Lift the curtain on Lindisfarne

  • Guided Tour
  • 1-2 hours

Photo by: VisitBritain

Location: Lindisfarne, England

Two people by an elevated causeway at low tide

Where to hide from a zombie apocalypse? The Holy Island of Lindisfarne, which becomes inaccessible to the rest of the world twice a day, is a good shout. Danny Boyle agrees, as filming for his zombie thriller 28 Years Later (2025) took place here. In reality, this tranquil island escape is completely zombie-free (thankfully) and sits proudly off the coast of Northumberland. Take a tour led by island local Mary Gunn, and explore its ancient priory, brave the castle teetering on the edge of the coastline, and become acquainted with its vibrant community. 

4 Trip item 4 of 5 for day 5
4 Trip item 4 of 5 for day 5

Visit Bamburgh Castle

  • Sightseeing
  • 2-3 hours

Photo by: VisitBritain/Chris Ceasar

View from a distance of a castle on hill near a beach

Overlooking the golden sands of Bamburgh beach, this magnificent fortress is one of Britain’s biggest inhabited castles. As well as exploring its historic exhibits and stunning sea views, you can stay overnight in its apartments: a little slice of history, all of your own. Did you know – you’ll be following in the high-octane footsteps of Indiana Jones? The opening scenes of Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (2023) were filmed at the castle.  

5 Trip item 5 of 5 for day 5
5 Trip item 5 of 5 for day 5

Be blown away by Bamburgh Beach

  • Experience
  • 1-2 hours
  • Free

Photo by: VisitBritain/Pinzutu

Castle with beach and sand dunes

With its golden-sand beach, thriving foodie scene and mighty hilltop castle, Bamburgh is not to be missed. Maybe you’ll enjoy long walks, swimming and sandcastles in summer – or cosy up with seafood suppers and festive markets in winter? Local watersports include surfing, paddleboarding, sea kayaking and more. A fittingly dramatic spot, Bamburgh Beach has made cameos in Transformers: The Last Knight (2017) and Macbeth (2015).  

More regional film and TV itineraries

Wherever you look, north Wales is bursting with star power. Bring your binoculars – and your sense of adventure. 

Photo by: Crown Copyright / Visit Wales

Friends having a picnic in grassland by a glacially formed lake.

We think you’ll agree Devon and Cornwall are naturals in front of the camera. Step into the world of Westeros and experience a Bond villain’s lair.

Photo by: Hangloose Adventures

Location: Cornwall, England

Two friends enjoying a zipline experience.

The capital is steeped in cinema and you’re never far from a real-life movie set. Ready to discover London’s A-list landmarks?

Photo by: VisitBritain/The Noodles

Location: London, England

Smiling couple engaged in conversation outside a market hall with an ornate decorated gold ceiling.

Your mission: experience the best of the North West’s blockbuster backdrops, from Cheshire to Cumbria. Do you accept?

Photo by: VisitBritain/Zut Media

Two men taking a selfie inside a large library.

Step into epic rolling hills, stately homes, and historic towns – the East Midlands boasts a melting pot of big-screen backdrops.

Photo by: Visit Peak District & Derbyshire/Tony Pleavin

Location: Matlock Bath, England

Two women walk down a main street in a hillside town

Blockbuster British filming locations

Follow in the magical footsteps of Harry Potter and get behind the scenes of these great British filming locations.

Photo by: Visit CountyDurham

View over Durham City

Filmed on location throughout Britain, step into Downton Abbey and celebrate some of the nation’s most iconic places.

Photo by: Highclere Castle

Exterior view to a heritage castle in the winter

Claire and Jamie's romance isn't the only love story in Outlander – fall head over heels for the show's spectacular setting, Scotland.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Pinzutu Films/Ula Blocksage

A man and two women walking through an apple orchard on castle grounds.

See why Britain is the real star of the show

See why Britain is the real star of the show

You’ve seen us on screen – now see the star of the show for yourself. Britain is rolling out the red carpet, and you’re top of the guest list. 

You’ve seen us on screen – now see the star of the show for yourself. Britain is rolling out the red carpet, and you’re top of the guest list.