
North-east of England film and TV itinerary
Trip idea
4-5 days
North East England
Adventure and sport
Arts and culture
Food and drink
Starring Great Britain
History and heritage
Outdoors and nature
Relaxation and wellbeing
Royalty
Shopping
Fall under the spell of the north-east of England on a set-jetting journey that’s laced with magic. Don’t forget to pack your broomstick for a visit to the real-life Hogwarts, Alnwick Castle, where you’ll learn to fly just like a certain boy wizard in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (2001). Explore spellbinding filming locations from The Witcher (2019–) in County Durham, discover the living museum which stole the show in Downton Abbey (2010–2015) and see the very streets where the Transformers (2017) took over Newcastle.
If horror is more your thing, you’ll be pleased to hear that Northumberland’s scene-stealing scenery is the star of 28 Years Later (2025). But we promise its filming locations are anything but frightful – the only screams you’ll hear today are from the zipwire riders at Kielder.
Ready for your close-up? Strap in for a stellar tour of the north-east of England’s filming locations.
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…
Discover Newcastle’s historic heart in Grainger town
- Shopping
- 1-2 hours
- Free

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).
Shop and snack at the Grainger Market
- Shopping
- 1-2 hours
- Low budget

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.
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.
Experience the atmosphere at St James’ Park
- Guided Tour
- 1-2 hours

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.
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.
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.
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Day 2
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.
Go wild with white-water rafting
- Experience
- 1-2 hours

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).
Uncover 2,000 years of history in Bishop Auckland
- Experience
- 2-3 hours

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.
Get lost in the past at Raby Castle
- Experience
- 2-3 hours

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.
Admire Low Force Waterfall
- Sightseeing
- 1 hour
- Free

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.
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Day 3
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).
Time travel to Beamish Museum
- Museums and Galleries
- 3-4 hours

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.
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).
Feel the magic at Durham Cathedral
- Sightseeing
- 1-2 hours
- Free

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?
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.
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Day 4
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.
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.
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.
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.
Get outdoors in the Kielder Water and Forest Park
- Experience
- 1-2 hours

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.
See stars at the Kielder Observatory
- Experience
- 1-2 hours

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.
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Day 5
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.
Fly high at Alnwick Castle
- Sightseeing
- 2-3 hours

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!
Toast your trip at Ad Gefrin Distillery
- Experience
- 1-2 hours

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.
Lift the curtain on Lindisfarne
- Guided Tour
- 1-2 hours

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.
Visit Bamburgh Castle
- Sightseeing
- 2-3 hours

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.
Be blown away by Bamburgh Beach
- Experience
- 1-2 hours
- Free

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).
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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.