The North East on screen: Famous filming locations across the region
The North East has long provided the perfect backdrop for films and TV shows, with its dramatic coastline, historic landmarks, bustling city centres and picturesque countryside. From award-winning films, like Harry Potter, to beloved TV dramas, the region has appeared on screens across the world. Immerse yourself into the unique and wonderous film locations across the North East.
This blog reveals some of the most recognisable spots and even better, how to get there by public transport (no brooms included!).
You can use our journey planner to help plan your journey to all the places listed below.
1. Sycamore Gap and Hadrian’s Wall
Although its namesake tree was sadly felled a few years ago, Sycamore Gap still stands as one of the most iconic film locations along Hadrian’s Wall. One of its most notable moments was in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, where by Kevin Costner, Morgan Freeman and Dan Newman star in a scene backdropped by the tree. The director of the film described the location as “One of the most quintessentially idyllic spots in the world”, choosing it for this scene, following a first sighting during his first ever visit to the UK from the US, many years prior.
Another, more recent feature of Hadrian’s Wall was in 28 years later. Northumberland hosted a lot of filming for this film, and the region takes a central role in the story’s dark mood and suspense. The long-awaited zombie sequel notably features the cinematic views around the wall, shining it in a spookier light.
Nearest bus stop to the gap: The Sill
Nearest bus stop for Hadrian’s Wall and its museum is: Birdoswald Visitor Centre
2. Newcastle
In 2016, Grey Street and Grainger Town became the backdrop to a high-speed car chase featured in the action-packed film, Transformers: The last Knight. CGI devastation struck Newcastle’s Georgian streets with super cars and military vehicles among the damage.
3. Gateshead
Classic gangster film Get Carter starring Michael Caine had famous scenes filmed across Gateshead. An iconic moment was on Coburg Street in Gateshead where Carter’s main room, The Las Vegas boarding house, was located. The road is archietcturally unchanged unlike the Trinity Square Car Park, demolished in 2010, which featured tense scenes in the film. There was also foot-chase sequences featuring the High-Level Bridge and Swing Bridge too.
Nearest Metro station: Gateshead
Nearest bus station: Gateshead Interchange
4. Whitley Bay
Filmed across many North East locations, TV series, Vera, is a truly iconic North East production. Notably featured is the seaside town of Whitley Bay, where the author Ann Cleeves is from. Head down to the coast and feel the inspiration that Cleeves got from this picturesque place. Watch the drama series to see how ITV adapted the crime novels.
Nearest Metro station: Whitley Bay
Nearest bus stop: Park Avenue – Whitley Road
5. Alnwick Castle
Alnwick Castle is already prepared for film-fanatics, with exhibitions and events celebrating its place in iconic productions. Downton Abbey Christmas special was filmed in the grounds and now you can see the costumes and props from the series in a special exhibition at the castle.
The most famous role of Alnwick Castle was when it became Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in the first two Harry Potter films. Lovers of these films can try their hand at a broomstick flying lesson in the very location the lessons in the film took place.
Nearest bus stop: Alnwick Playhouse
Nearest rail station: Alnmouth
6. Bamburgh Castle
Bamburgh Castle is the UK’s largest inhabited castle. It has been the host of internationally acclaimed films, including Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, Macbeth (1971 and 2015) and The BFG. The dramatic coastal setting is a natural choice for filmmakers with the dune-lined beach below providing a breath-taking backdrop. Head to the castle and explore its history before taking a walk along the idyllic coastline.
Nearest bus stop: Lord Crewe Hotel
7. Low Force, Durham
Famous directors love the North East for its atmospheric settings. Steven Spielberg filmed one of the most dramatic scenes in his World War 1 epic “1917” at Low Force waterfall in Durham.
Low Force is situated within the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is the younger sibling to High Force waterfall, both have glistening pools and are a fabulous day out in nature.
Nearest bus stop: Bowlees Visitor Centre
8. Durham Cathedral
UNESCO World Heritage Site and regarded as the finest Norman building in Europe, Durham Cathedral’s impressive medieval architecture provides the perfect backdrop for period dramas and fantasy films.
Whether its Professor McGonagoll’s classroom in Harry Potter or in 1998 film Elizabeth, Durham Cathedral is the perfect spot to step into the world of film.
A fun fact about films at this location is Durham Cathedral almost became a Marvel setting, as Asgard’s palace interiors in Avengers: Endgame however these scenes this didn’t make the final cut!
Nearest bus stop: Leazes Road- Millburngate Bridge
Nearest rail station: Durham
