8 iconic film locations you never knew were right on your doorstep – until now

HARRY POTTER AND THE PHILOSOPHER’S STONE AT ALNWICK CASTLE, NORTHUMBERLAND

Harry Potter stands as one of the most beloved franchises of all time, and to have a slice of the North East integrated into its on-screen scenery feels like a privilege. Watch the first film, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, and you’ll be able to spot Alnwick Castle as the location where Harry has his very first broomstick flying lesson.

1971 AT LOW FORCE WATERFALL, BARNARD CASTLE

This award-winning film, directed by Sam Mendes, features one of the North East’s most dramatic waterfalls. 1917 uses Low Force and its surrounding Teesdale woodland as a striking natural backdrop for the film’s intense World War One setting – and Mendes’ location choices only heightened the drama of the storyline.

28 YEARS LATER AT HOLY ISLAND

For a zombie film with drama and intensity, Holy Island and its tide-washed causeway were the perfect spot for award-winning director Danny Boyle to showcase his zombie-filled storyline with maximum effect. Holy Island’s eerie atmosphere, rugged coastline and isolated setting made it an ideal home for the latest instalment in the post-apocalyptic horror franchise.

Loved the film? We caught up with Sunderland-born filmmaker Carley Armstrong, who worked behind the scenes on set – read our full chat here.

TRANSFORMERS: THE LAST KNIGHT GREY STREET, NEWCASTLE

Hollywood chaos came straight to the heart of Newcastle city centre when car chase scenes for The Last Knight instalment of Transformers were filmed on Grey Street. Arguably one of the most striking streets in the city, its sweeping curved architecture is iconic to locals and visitors alike. The scenes featured luxury sports cars, military vehicles and high-octane stunts, bringing a touch of blockbuster spectacle to a street usually known for its Georgian elegance.

INDIANA JONES AND THE DIAL OF DESTINY AT BAMBURGH CASTLE

If you didn’t think Bamburgh Castle was impressive enough on its own, adding a blockbuster film location to its repertoire boosts its appeal even more. The fifth instalment of this famous franchise took to the Northumberland coast, using the castle as the focal point for some of the film’s opening scenes. With Harrison Ford returning as the legendary adventurer, the historic location provided a fittingly dramatic backdrop for one of cinema’s most iconic characters.

ROBIN HOOD: PRINCE OF THIEVES AT HADRIAN’S WALL

The rugged landscape of Hadrian’s Wall provided a suitably epic backdrop for scenes in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. Starring Kevin Costner as the legendary outlaw, the film used the dramatic scenery along the Wall – including the much-missed Sycamore Gap – to capture the raw and atmospheric feel of medieval England. The historic Roman landmark and rustic Northumberland countryside added an authentic sense of scale and history to the action-packed adventure.

AVENGERS: ENDGAME AT DURHAM CATHEDRAL

The Avengers franchise made its mark on the North East when filming took place at Durham Cathedral, using its impressive architecture as the backdrop and transforming parts of the building into scenes featuring Thor’s homeland of Asgard. It’s yet more proof that our region can hold its own alongside some of Hollywood’s most iconic filming locations.

I, DANIEL BLAKE (2016) AROUND NEWCASTLE

This award-winning Ken Loach drama put Newcastle firmly in the spotlight, with much of its filming taking place in the city centre and its surrounding areas. From Grainger Market to the streets of Byker and the West End, the film used real North East locations to capture an authentic portrayal of working-class life in the city. Its raw, realistic approach resonated with audiences across the country, offering insight into communities close to many Northerners’ hearts.