Britain’s film and TV by region: the north-east of England
Stop 1 - Durham
Durham Cathedral
Hogwarts, anyone? This cathedral and UNESCO World Heritage Site doubled as the famous wizarding school in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and Chamber of Secrets. It also made a cameo in Avengers: Endgame as part of New Asgard. Built in 1093 and considered one of the finest examples of Norman architecture in Europe, it’s been watching over the city for nearly a thousand years. Climb the 325 steps of the central tower for panoramic views – or stay grounded and admire the medieval stained glass, 12th-century tombs, and vaulted ceilings.
Durham Castle
Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, this 11th-century Norman fortress now houses a college for lucky Durham University students. With its wood-panelled halls, towers and 17th-century Black Staircase, it still has plenty of medieval charm. Originally built to project Norman power in the North, it became the palace of the Prince Bishops, who ruled the region. Guided tours (when students aren’t busy studying for exams) take visitors through the Great Hall, Norman Chapel and centuries of scholarship and stately living.
The Auckland Project
The Auckland Project is a cluster of attractions centred around Auckland Castle – the former palatial home of the Prince Bishops of Durham. After a comprehensive restoration, the castle is now open to the public, showing off its gothic revival architecture and centuries of history. Visitors can stroll through the Walled Garden, dive into local heritage at the Mining Art Gallery, explore religious storytelling at the Faith Museum, or marvel at masterpieces in the Spanish Gallery – the UK’s first museum dedicated to Spanish art outside London.
Beamish, The Living Museum of the North
History comes to life at Beamish, The Living Museum of the North, an open-air museum which recreates life in the north-east of England from the 1820s to the 1950s. Set across 350 acres of open countryside, this museum features recreated farms, sweet shops, towns and villages, and even a coal mine. With its cinematic charm and attention to detail, it’s no wonder Downton Abbey chose it as a time-travel-worthy backdrop. Hop aboard a vintage tram or explore recreated villages straight out of a period drama.
Durham Mining Museum
Durham Mining Museum in Spennymoor offers an honest and moving insight into the coal mining heritage that shaped north-east England. Here your clients can learn the true stories that shaped communities and inspired gritty northern dramas. In this volunteer-led museum, visitors will find a rich collection of artefacts including coal mining equipment, tools and photographs. Interactive displays delve into the harsh realities of life underground and the impact of pit disasters on local families. It gives context to countless working-class dramas and documentaries filmed in the region. Entry is free, making it an accessible stop for those exploring County Durham’s industrial past.
Rockliffe Hall Hotel, Golf and Spa
When it’s time to swap scripts for slippers, Rockliffe Hall offers five-star luxury. Located in Hurworth-on-Tees, this award-winning resort with 61 guest rooms has a championship golf course, a spa with a hydrotherapy suite, hot tub and Roman sauna, and top-tier dining – a true star’s retreat. Guests can indulge in continental delights from head chef Adam Molloy at the French Bistro at Terra or enjoy Sunday roast and 65-day salt-chamber aged steaks in the more relaxed atmosphere of The Clubhouse. It’s a prime destination for some downtime between adventures.
Faith Museum
Located within The Auckland Project in Bishop Auckland, this modern museum explores British history through the lens of faith – from prehistoric spirituality to contemporary belief. Opened in 2023, it blends rare artefacts with immersive displays that are both thought-provoking and visually stunning.
Low Force Waterfall
Tucked into the North Pennines National Landscape, this picturesque waterfall tumbles over the River Tees. The Witcher and 1917 captured its wild energy on screen. Park at Bowlees Visitor Centre and follow the short trail to see the falls. Your clients can wander across the nearby Wynch Bridge too, said to be one of the oldest suspension bridges in England.
Raby Castle, Park and Gardens
Built in the 14th century and once home to the powerful Neville family, this towering medieval stronghold is a fairytale castle surrounded by 200 acres of deer-dotted parkland. Its grand interiors featured in 1917 and Victoria, adding regal weight to both productions. Your clients can tour the castle, enjoy a walk through the formal gardens, or stay in one of the estate’s luxury cottages.
getting around
Getting around: The nearest major airport to Durham is Newcastle International Airport – around 30 minutes by car or just under an hour by train and metro from Durham. Once in the region, travelling between Durham and Newcastle is quick and easy. A direct train takes just 15 minutes. Prefer to drive? The A690 and A1 offer a scenic 30-minute journey through the countryside.
Stop 2 - Newcastle
Grainger Town and Grey Street
Transformers: The Last Knight brought explosions and robot battles to Newcastle’s elegant Georgian quarter. Today, it’s all theatre, nightlife and old-school glamour. Grey Street curves down towards the River Tyne and is often hailed as one of England’s most beautiful streets. Many of the buildings here, including the Theatre Royal, date back to the 1830s and form a striking ensemble of classical architecture designed by Richard Grainger and John Dobson. Grainger, a visionary developer, and Dobson, a leading architect of his time, were instrumental in shaping 19th-century Newcastle into the grand cityscape seen today. Their collaboration produced over 450 buildings across Grainger Town.
Grainger Market
Opened in 1835, this indoor market is a living slice of Newcastle’s history. Still bustling with traders selling everything from artisan bakes to local cheeses, it remains a vital hub for independent businesses and everyday shopping. Visitors can also find indie boutiques, vintage stalls, and even the original Marks & Spencer penny bazaar – where everything once cost just one penny, a revolutionary retail idea that launched one of Britain’s biggest high street names. It’s a charming spot to browse between bites and soak up some real Geordie charm.
The Sage
Perched on the Gateshead side of the Tyne, this gleaming concert hall was designed by Norman Foster and looks like it landed straight from a space opera. Renowned for its acoustics, it hosts everything from symphony orchestras and jazz quartets to chart-topping bands and local choirs. Inside, your clients can discover three performance spaces, alongside views of the river and city skyline. Pop in for a gig, a coffee with a view, or simply to admire the architecture – it’s open daily and right next to the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art and the Millennium Bridge.
Newcastle United Football Club Stadium Tours
Take a behind-the-scenes tour of St James’ Park, one of England’s most historic football grounds, and the home of Newcastle United Football Club. Walk the tunnel, visit the dressing rooms and learn how football fandom has shaped Newcastle’s identity. Sporting drama? Guaranteed. Tours also offer panoramic views from the top of the Milburn Stand – a gem for any football fan or budding sportscaster.
Brinkburn Street Brewery, Bar and Kitchen
This creative brewery in the heart of Ouseburn serves small-batch ales, from hoppy pale ales to rich porters, and top-notch food in a converted industrial space. Think brick walls, neon signs, and a vibe straight out of a gritty British indie flick. The menu spans comforting pub classics like burgers to a la carte dishes like spiced lamb tacos and tempura prawns. Outside, the spacious beer garden hosts regular live music, DJ sets and pop-up events throughout the year.
Triple A Food Tours
These guided food experiences from Triple A Food Tours cover the city’s best bites, from regional favourites to global cuisine. Expect everything from stotties (soft, round flatbreads often filled with savoury delights) and pease pudding (a creamy spread made from split yellow peas) to craft cocktails and sweet treats – all served with fascinating backstories. Tours typically last around three hours and include stops at hidden gems as well as award-winning eateries, with plenty of samples for your clients to enjoy along the way.
Newcastle True Crime Walking Tour
Explore the city’s dark underbelly with tales of Victorian murderers, gangsters and more recent misdeeds. This spine-tingling venture from the Newcastle Tour Company is aimed at those who like a touch of noir with their sightseeing. Your clients can expect real-life drama to rival any Netflix thriller.
Victoria Tunnel Tours
Go underground for a wartime adventure. This preserved 19th-century wagonway turned WWII air-raid shelter adds eerie thrills to a visit – part history, part horror film set. The immersive guided tours mix pitch-black corridors with vivid storytelling – taking your clients on a descent into Newcastle’s subterranean past, and into a setting ripe for thrillers or horror productions.
Go Ape Newcastle
Action hero moment incoming – swing through the trees at this high-rope adventure course. Located in Matfen, just outside the city, this treetop adventure course includes ziplines, rope bridges and Tarzan swings. One for the more daring, your clients can think of it as their own action set – minus the stunt double.
Newcastle Cycle Tours
Saddle up for a two-wheeled adventure through Newcastle with the Newcastle Tour Company’s private cycling tours. Led by knowledgeable local guides, these tours offer a fun way to explore the city’s rich history and culture. Routes include the ‘Posh Parks and The Toon’ tour, which takes visitors past iconic landmarks and hidden gems, and the ‘Tynemouth, Fish Quay and Seafood’ Tour, where your clients can enjoy fresh seafood along the scenic River Tyne. Tours typically last around three hours and all necessary equipment is provided. Multilingual options are also available.
getting around
Getting around: Northumberland is just a stone’s throw from Newcastle. By car, Alnwick is a 45-minute drive north, or the journey to Bamburgh takes just over an hour. Prefer public transport? Trains from Newcastle Central Station run regularly to key Northumberland towns like Alnmouth and Berwick-upon-Tweed.
Stop 3 - Northumberland
Alnwick Castle
Wands at the ready – we’re at Hogwarts again. A family home for more than 700 years and still owned by the Duke of Northumberland, Alnwick Castle is one of Britain’s most filmed locations. It starred as Hogwarts in the Harry Potter series, featured in Downton Abbey, Dungeons & Dragons: Honour Among Thieves, and even played a role in Transformers: The Last Knight. The grand halls and sweeping grounds are pure magic. Broomstick lessons for your clients? Yes, they actually offer them here.
Bamburgh Castle
Perched overlooking the North Sea, the 6th-century fortress of Bamburgh Castle is a screen favourite – from Outlander and The Last Kingdom to Indiana Jonesand the Dial of Destiny. Inside, visitors can explore opulent state rooms, an armoury, and a museum dedicated to local aviation pioneer William George Armstrong. With panoramic coastal views and windswept drama in every direction, it’s a blockbuster in every sense. For those who want to soak it all in after the day-trippers have gone, it’s even possible to stay in the grounds of Bamburgh Castle itself. Book one of the Clock or Neville Towers through Bamburgh Holidays.
Lindisfarne (Holy Island)
Also known as Holy Island, this tidal isle was the haunting setting for 28 Weeks Later. Accessible only at low tide (please check the safe crossing times), the island is mysterious and wildly cinematic. The ruins of Lindisfarne Priory, founded in the 7th century, offer a glimpse into the island’s early Christian heritage. Operated by English Heritage, the site includes a museum detailing the priory’s history and the famous Lindisfarne Gospels. For a comprehensive experience, join a guided boat tour that explores the Farne Islands before arriving at Lindisfarne.
Hadrian’s Wall
Stretching 73 miles from coast to coast, this ancient Roman barrier and UNESCO World Heritage Site is a top attraction for history fans and film buffs alike. It’s been the inspiration for many fictional walls (Game of Thrones, of course), and filming occasionally occurs in the surrounding forts and moorland. Notable productions include Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves with Kevin Costner and the folk horror film Tam Lin with Ava Gardner. Your clients can walk sections of the wall, explore immersive museums at Vindolanda and Housesteads, and imagine life on the Roman frontier – with sheep as extras and sweeping landscapes as a backdrop.
Belsay Hall and Gardens
This neoclassical mansion with lush gardens and medieval castle ruins has the grandeur of a Jane Austen adaptation, and the romance to match. Managed by English Heritage, the estate has hosted multiple shoots – and every corner feels like it belongs in a costume drama. Encourage your clients to wander through the Quarry Garden, explore the elegant Grecian-style interiors of the Hall, and climb the tower of the medieval castle for sweeping views over the Northumberland countryside. Seasonal events and exhibitions add even more reasons to linger.
Twice Brewed Inn
Situated right by Hadrian’s Wall and just a short stroll from The Sill, the National Landscape Discovery Centre, this pub-brewery-planetarium combo is a hub for hikers and stargazers alike. The Twice Brewed Inn’s on-site observatory hosts regular events – a top spot for sci-fi fans and night-sky dreamers. Your clients can also enjoy hearty food, house-brewed ales, and guided stargazing sessions led by expert astronomers, all with the rugged beauty of Northumberland as a backdrop. Meanwhile, The Sill next door hosts exhibitions and interactive displays that delve into the region’s landscapes, history and dark skies.
Hexham Abbey
Founded in 674 AD and later rebuilt in a Gothic style, Hexham Abbey is both peaceful and striking. Its atmospheric interior and stained-glass windows make it a go-to for British heritage filming. Your clients can explore the Anglo-Saxon crypt and interactive exhibitions before refuelling at the charming on-site café in the former monastery.
Ad Gefrin Distillery
New on the scene but steeped in Anglo-Saxon heritage, the Ad Gefrin Distillery tells ancient tales with a modern twist – and a tasting room to match. Opened in 2023, this whisky distillery in Wooler is inspired by the Anglo-Saxon royal palace once located nearby. With cutting-edge design and immersive storytelling, it’s part history lesson, part cocktail hour.
Langley Castle Hotel
Your clients can sleep like royalty in this 14th-century castle-turned-hotel, where four-poster beds, arrow slits, and battlements transport guests straight into a historical drama. It’s not just about looks – the luxurious castle offers fine dining in its intimate restaurant, lush woodland grounds, and even daily battlement tours to complete the noble experience.
Adventure Northumberland
From kayaking on the Coquet River to coasteering along sea cliffs, Adventure Northumberland offers all the outdoor action your clients could ask for. On these guided adventures, visitors will explore hidden coves and secluded beaches, with the stunning Northumbrian landscapes providing an idyllic backdrop for an adrenaline-packed journey. Operating from Craster, all necessary equipment and safety guidance is provided, with single and tandem kayaks available.
Kielder Forest
Kielder Forest is England’s largest man-made woodland and is part of Northumberland International Dark Sky Park. Spot wildlife, stargaze with astronomers, or cycle through movie-worthy wilderness in this sci-fi or thriller location waiting to happen. With attractions including the Kielder Observatory and interactive art installations along the Lakeside Way, it’s as inspiring by day as it is dazzling by night.
