It has been used as a location for a number of blockbuster movies and TV shows known for the stunning views and ‘timeless architecture’ with lots to do for everyone to enjoy
A Northumberland castle, known for its appearances in blockbuster films and hit TV shows, has been named one of the top film locations to visit in the UK.
The castle has been praised for its ‘timeless architecture’ and ‘stunning’ surroundings. For years, the cast and crew of the popular drama Vera have descended upon the North East each summer to film new series of the beloved show.
While Gateshead, Newcastle and South Shields have all featured, it’s Northumberland that has been the primary filming location, with numerous spots in the area taking centre stage as Brenda Blethyn retired from her iconic role earlier this year.
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Northumberland also made waves on the big screen in 2025, following the release of Danny Boyle’s zombie sequel 28 Years Later. The film shot straight to the top of the UK film charts after its summer release.
The Oscar-winning director utilised various locations in the region for his story, including Rothbury, Kielder and Holy Island, reports Chronicle Live.
While it didn’t make an appearance in 28 Years Later, Alnwick Castle is no stranger to the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, having now been named one of the top film locations in the UK by travel gurus at Holiday Cottages.
The castle, which served as the backdrop for key scenes in the first two films, including the iconic flying lesson in The Philosopher’s Stone, has also played host to the cast and crew of big-budget blockbuster Dungeons and Dragons, as well as the acclaimed period drama Downton Abbey and Star Trek: The Next Generation.
In their glowing review of the famous landmark, Holiday Cottages wrote: “Northumberland has long been a favourite location for filmmakers because of its captivating history and landscapes that seem almost otherworldly, and one of its most famous landmarks is Alnwick Castle, which will be instantly recognisable to fans of a certain wizarding franchise as Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in the first two films.
“Visitors can wander through the Outer Bailey, where Harry first learned to fly on a broomstick with Madame Hooch, and children and adults alike can experience the magic themselves by taking part in the castle’s Broomstick Training Lessons, while the courtyards recall the memorable scenes when the flying car came crashing down in the early films.”
The travel site heaps praise on Alnwick, describing it as a ‘joy to explore’ with its enchanting cobbled streets, unique shops and stunning coastline, all contributing to its ‘magical’ staycation appeal.
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