Alnwick Castle's sandstone towers and battlements above green lawns in late afternoon sunlight.

Movie And TV Locations In Northumberland

Where Harry Potter, Vera, Transformers and 28 Years Later were filmed, from Alnwick Castle to Holy Island, with tours from Edinburgh and Newcastle.

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The Short Answer

Northumberland is one of Britain's most filmed counties. Alnwick Castle stood in for Hogwarts in the first two Harry Potter films, Bamburgh Castle appears in Indiana Jones and The Last Kingdom, and Holy Island features in Vera and 28 Years Later. Most sites are public and free to view; the two big castles require tickets.

Northumberland's combination of medieval castles, empty beaches and moody countryside has made it a standby location for film and television productions for more than three decades. The county's screen credits range from Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves in 1991 through to the Harry Potter films, the long-running ITV drama Vera, and the 2025 release 28 Years Later.

The result is a county where a single day's driving can take in a Hogwarts double, a Bebbanburg fortress and the island quarantined in a zombie blockbuster. Two of the headline sites, Alnwick Castle and Bamburgh Castle, are ticketed attractions. The rest, including Holy Island, Alnmouth and Sycamore Gap, are free to visit, though some need tide checks or a reasonable walk.

What Was Filmed Here

The productions below explain why Northumberland looks so familiar on screen. Castle exteriors do heavy lifting for historical drama and fantasy alike, while the coastline and rural villages supply detective series and post-apocalyptic settings. Films listed as Alnwick Castle projects include the first two Harry Potter releases, Transformers: The Last Knight and the Downton Abbey Christmas specials shot in 2015 and 2016. Television is equally well represented, with Vera filming across the county from 2011 to 2025.

TitleYearTypeWhat was filmed here
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone2001FilmAlnwick Castle as Hogwarts exterior and flying lesson scenes
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets2002FilmAlnwick Castle as Hogwarts exterior and flying lesson scenes
Vera2011-2025TVMultiple episodes across Alnmouth, Amble, Blanchland, Holy Island, Farne Islands, Bamburgh, Craster and other coastal and rural spots
28 Years Later2025FilmHoly Island, Kielder Forest, Rothbury and surrounding areas for post-apocalyptic scenes
Transformers: The Last Knight2017FilmAlnwick Castle and Bamburgh Beach with castle backdrop
Downton Abbey2015-2016TVAlnwick Castle as Brancaster Castle in Christmas specials
Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny2023FilmBamburgh Castle in opening sequences
Outlaw King2018FilmBerwick-upon-Tweed Old Bridge and Quayside as medieval settings
Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves1991FilmSycamore Gap on Hadrian's Wall
The Railway Man2013FilmBerwick-upon-Tweed and Holy Island
Macbeth2015FilmNorthumberland National Park landscapes and Bamburgh Castle
Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom2018FilmCragside as Lockwood Manor
The Last Kingdom2015-2022TVBamburgh Castle as Bebbanburg
Beowulf2016TVBamburgh, Druridge Bay and other coastal spots
Frontier2016-2018TVBamburgh and Belford areas

Filming Locations Map

12 locations. The map loads when it scrolls into view.

Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors

Locations You Can Visit

Alnwick Castle, Alnwick
Location 01

Alnwick Castle

Northumberland, Alnwick Ticketed

Filmed here: Hogwarts flying lessons, castle exteriors, Brancaster Castle, Transformers scenes

The county's screen heavyweight. It played Hogwarts for the flying lesson scenes in the first two Harry Potter films, stood in as Brancaster Castle in Downton Abbey Christmas specials, and appeared in Transformers: The Last Knight. It is a ticketed attraction with Harry Potter themed experiences for visitors; check current opening times before travelling.

Bamburgh Castle, Bamburgh
Location 02

Bamburgh Castle

Northumberland, Bamburgh Ticketed

Filmed here: Castle backdrops, opening sequences, Bebbanburg, historical drama scenes

Bamburgh's credits run from The Last Kingdom, where it played Bebbanburg, to the opening sequences of Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, plus Macbeth, Beowulf and Transformers: The Last Knight. The castle sits above a wide sandy beach and is open to the public with exhibitions. Tickets are required.

Holy Island (Lindisfarne), Holy Island
Location 03

Holy Island (Lindisfarne)

Northumberland, Holy Island Free to see

Filmed here: Vera episodes, quarantined island in 28 Years Later, Railway Man scenes

Lindisfarne appeared in Vera episodes and served as the quarantined island in 28 Years Later, a role that drew fresh visitor interest after release. It also features in The Railway Man. Access is tidal, so check tide tables before crossing the causeway. Entry to the island itself is free.

Sycamore Gap, near Hexham
Location 04

Sycamore Gap

Northumberland, near Hexham Free to see

Filmed here: Iconic tree scene with Kevin Costner and Morgan Freeman (tree felled 2023, landscape remains)

The famous tree beside Hadrian's Wall appeared in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves with Kevin Costner and Morgan Freeman. The tree was felled in 2023, but the gap in the wall remains a striking spot on the Hadrian's Wall Path and a popular hike. Access is free.

Alnmouth, Alnmouth
Location 05

Alnmouth

Northumberland, Alnmouth Free to see

Filmed here: Multiple Vera episodes in fishing village and beach

This fishing village with colourful houses and a broad beach hosted multiple Vera episodes. It is one of the easiest Vera locations to reach, with public access to the village and shore. Alnmouth pairs well with Amble and Craster on a coastal drive.

Amble, Amble
Location 06

Amble

Northumberland, Amble Free to see

Filmed here: Harbour and village scenes in Vera

Amble's harbour and village streets turned up in Vera filming. The working harbour has seafood spots and makes a practical lunch stop on a coastal locations tour. Access is free and the town sits conveniently between Alnmouth and Warkworth on the coast road.

Blanchland, Blanchland
Location 07

Blanchland

Northumberland, Blanchland Free to see

Filmed here: Cobbled village scenes in Vera

Blanchland's cobbled streets and abbey buildings provided village scenes for Vera. It lies inland in attractive countryside and is quiet and photogenic, which is precisely why production teams favour it. Access is free, and the village is small enough to explore on foot in under an hour.

Kielder Forest, Kielder
Location 08

Kielder Forest

Northumberland, Kielder Free to see

Filmed here: Forest action sequences

This vast forest hosted action sequences for 28 Years Later. Beyond its film connection it is known for stargazing and miles of walking and cycling trails. Access is free, making it a good inland counterpoint to the coastal locations on a longer itinerary.

Rothbury, Rothbury
Location 09

Rothbury

Northumberland, Rothbury Free to see

Filmed here: Filming around town and outskirts

Filming for 28 Years Later took place around Rothbury and its outskirts, and the market town has drawn film tourism interest since. It also sits close to Cragside, so visitors can combine the town with the Lockwood Manor location in a single trip.

Bamburgh Beach, Bamburgh
Location 10

Bamburgh Beach

Northumberland, Bamburgh Free to see

Filmed here: Beach scenes with castle backdrop

Transformers: The Last Knight shot beach scenes here with the castle looming behind. The strand is part of the Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is free to access. Low tide reveals wide sands that photograph the castle at its best.

Berwick-upon-Tweed, Berwick-upon-Tweed
Location 11

Berwick-upon-Tweed

Northumberland, Berwick-upon-Tweed Free to see

Filmed here: Old Bridge and Quayside for medieval and other scenes

Berwick's Old Bridge and Quayside appeared as medieval settings in Outlaw King, and the town also features in The Railway Man. The historic core, bridge and railway station are all freely accessible, and the town sits at the northern edge of the county.

Cragside, Rothbury
Location 12

Cragside

Northumberland, Rothbury Ticketed

Filmed here: Lockwood Manor estate

Cragside played Lockwood Manor in Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom. The National Trust property outside Rothbury is open to visitors with a ticket and offers house, gardens and woodland, so it works as a full half day rather than a quick photo stop.

Studios And Film Tours

Northumberland has no permanent studio complex, but screen production is actively supported. The North East Screen Film Office works with productions and promotes locations across the county, and Northumberland has signed a Film Friendly Charter with North East Screen to attract filming and the tourism that follows it. The official tourism body, Visit Northumberland, promotes self-guided and guided tours of Vera, Harry Potter and other locations, and the release of 28 Years Later prompted a tourism campaign highlighting sites from the film.

Film And TV Tours Here

Most bookable options fall into two groups: castle day trips from Edinburgh that include Alnwick and often Bamburgh or Holy Island, and dedicated Vera location tours from Newcastle and Northumberland itself. Travellers already staying in the county may only need the Alnwick Castle entry ticket, since many locations are free and reachable by car.

Edinburgh Trip With Holy Island

From Edinburgh: Holy Island, Alnwick Castle & Northumbria

The most reviewed option at 4.7 from 1,601 reviews, combining Holy Island and Alnwick Castle on a day trip from Edinburgh.

4.7 out of 5 · 1,601 reviews

PriceLive on listingCheck availability

Holy Island And Castle Day Trip

Edinburgh: Holy Island, Alnwick Castle & Kingdom of Northumbria

A 4.6-rated Holy Island and Alnwick itinerary from Edinburgh based on 540 reviews, well suited to 28 Years Later and Vera fans.

4.6 out of 5 · 540 reviewsEdinburgh

PriceLive on listingCheck availability

Castle Entry Ticket Only

Alnwick: Alnwick Castle Ticket

Straightforward admission to the Hogwarts and Downton filming location, rated 4.7 across 531 reviews. Best for travellers with their own transport.

4.7 out of 5 · 531 reviewsAlnwick

PriceLive on listingCheck availability

Edinburgh Day Trip, Two Castles

From Edinburgh: Day Trip to Bamburgh and Alnwick Castle

Pairs Bamburgh with Alnwick in one day from Edinburgh, covering two of the county's three headline screen castles. Rated 4.6 from 353 reviews.

4.6 out of 5 · 353 reviewsEdinburgh

PriceLive on listingCheck availability

Very Small Group Coastal Tour

Viking Coast and Alnwick Castle Very Small Group Tour from Edinburgh

A very small group format along the Viking coast with Alnwick Castle, rated 4.7 from 177 reviews.

4.7 out of 5 · 177 reviewsEdinburgh

PriceLive on listingCheck availability

Full County Detective Tour

Vera Tour of Northumberland TV Locations

The highest rated Vera option at 4.9 from 89 reviews, touring detective locations across Northumberland.

4.9 out of 5 · 89 reviews

PriceLive on listingCheck availability

Full-Day Filming Locations Tour

Northumberland: Full-Day Tour of Vera Filming Locations

A full day of Vera filming locations for 119.16 USD, drawn from 77 reviews, covering the coastal villages that anchor the series.

4.7 out of 5 · 77 reviews

From$119Check availability

Private Half Day From Newcastle

Private Half Day Vera Tour of Newcastle TV Locations

A private half day from Newcastle focused on city and area Vera locations, rated 4.7 from 50 reviews.

4.7 out of 5 · 50 reviews

PriceLive on listingCheck availability

Private Group Vera Experience

Newcastle: Private Vera Half Day TV Locations Tour

A private half day priced at 1,297.52 USD for groups, rated 4.6 from 41 reviews, aimed at dedicated Vera fans wanting an exclusive guide.

4.6 out of 5 · 41 reviews

From$1298Check availability

Budget Day Tour From Edinburgh

Alnwick Castle, Northumberland & Scottish Borders 1-Day Tour

A lower-priced day tour at 78 USD that folds Alnwick Castle and the Scottish Borders into a single outing from Edinburgh.

4.3 out of 5 · 29 reviewsEdinburgh

From$78Check availability

Winter Castle Adventure

Edinburgh: Bamburgh, Northumberland & Alnwick Winter Adventure

A seasonal winter itinerary taking in Bamburgh and Alnwick, rated 4.8 from 19 reviews.

4.8 out of 5 · 19 reviewsEdinburgh

PriceLive on listingCheck availability

Harry Potter Focus, Small Group

Edinburgh: Alnwick Castle & The Borders Hogwarts Filming Location

Marketed around the Hogwarts filming location specifically, with a perfect 5.0 rating from a small pool of 8 reviews.

5.0 out of 5 · 8 reviewsEdinburgh

From$86Check availability

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Harry Potter scenes were filmed in Northumberland?

Alnwick Castle served as the Hogwarts exterior for the flying lesson scenes in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (2001) and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002). The castle is open to the public with Harry Potter themed experiences, and tickets can be bought in advance.

Can you visit the 28 Years Later locations?

Yes. Holy Island, Kielder Forest and Rothbury are all publicly accessible. Holy Island is tidal, so consult tide times before crossing the causeway. The film's release prompted a tourism campaign highlighting these sites.

Where was Vera filmed in Northumberland?

Vera filmed across the county between 2011 and 2025, with episodes shot in Alnmouth, Amble, Blanchland, Holy Island, the Farne Islands, Bamburgh, Craster and other coastal and rural spots. Most are free to visit, and guided tours from Newcastle cover many of them.

Is Sycamore Gap still worth visiting after the tree was felled?

The tree from Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves was felled in 2023, but the landscape at the gap in Hadrian's Wall remains much as it was on screen. It is a popular hiking spot on the Hadrian's Wall Path with free access.

Are the castles free to enter?

No. Alnwick Castle, Bamburgh Castle and Cragside all require tickets. The coastal and village locations, including Bamburgh Beach, Alnmouth, Amble and Holy Island, are free to visit.

Can you see filming locations without a car?

It is harder but possible. Guided day trips from Edinburgh cover Alnwick, Bamburgh and Holy Island, and Vera tours run from Newcastle. Independent travellers without a vehicle will find the village locations such as Blanchland and Rothbury difficult to reach.

Northumberland rewards travellers who like their scenery with a screen credit attached. A practical plan pairs one or two castle visits with a coastal drive past the Vera villages and, for 28 Years Later viewers, a tide-timed trip to Holy Island. Travellers based in Edinburgh can book a day tour that covers the essentials; those staying locally can manage most of it themselves with a map and a set of tide tables.

Keep Exploring

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