28 Films and TV Shows You Didn’t Know Were Shot in the North East

The UK's newest post-apocalyptic thriller, 28 Years Later, is in cinemas now and the North East of England takes centre stage throughout! For the past year, the region has been teaming with the movie's star-studded cast while filming for the iconic movie has taken place, and now the wait for the final release is over! Directed by the legendary Danny Boyle, 28 Years Later is an incredible example of just how stunning, dramatic and unique the North East landscape is.

But did you know that the North East has set the scene for a whole host of films and TV shows? To celebrate the region taking centre stage in 28 Years Later, we've delved deep into the cinematic archivs to put together this list of 28 top film and tv shows you probably didn't know were filmed right here in Newcastle, Gateshead and the wider North East of England!

From the spellbinding scenes of Harry Potter at Alnwick Castle and Durham Cathedral, to the gritty investigations of detective Vera Stanhope set against a plethora of Newcastle-based city and coastal backdrops - the North East has played a starring role in more productions than you might think.

So, to all the film fanatics and binge-watchers, why not embark on a thrilling cinematic adventure in and around the North East? Walk in the footsteps of your favourite characters, relive the drama and immerse yourself in the iconic surroundings.

Read on to discover 28 Films and TV shows you didn’t know were filmed in the North East of England.

Danny Boyle’s debut feature film is a sharp, stylish thriller about three flatmates who discover their new roommate is dead, with a suitcase full of cash.

It features shots of Newcastle, including the Tyne Bridge, which substitutes for Sydney Harbour Bridge on TV.

Harry Potter stands as one of the most iconic fantasy film franchises of all time! The story spans over seven years with themes of magic, adventure, bravery, friendship and the battle between good and evil at the heart of it.

The film brought a little bit of the magic to the North East, with scenes shot at:

• Durham Cathedral
• Alnwick Castle

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Downton Abbey is a much-loved period drama, set in the early 1900s, that follows the lives of the aristocratic Crawley family and their dedicated staff, all living under one roof at Downton Abbey.

The show has made use of some North East locations to help capture the rich periodic essence and dramatic flair that Downton Abbey is known for:

• Beamish Museum
• Alnwick Castle

Infinity War sees the Avengers and their allies race against time to stop the powerful villain Thanos from collecting all six Infinity Stones, which would give him the power to wipe out half of all life in the universe.

Featuring stars like Chris Hemsworth, the film showcases some scenes filmed at the beautiful Durham Cathedral.

Featuring stars such as Mark Wahlberg and Anthony Hopkins, the eighth Transformers film follows the chaos that erupts as Optimus Prime turns against Earth. The fate of the planet depends on an ancient secret, a legendary weapon, and an unlikely alliance between humans and Autobots.

Newcastle city centre was featured in the nail-biting, action-packed car chase scene in Transformers:

• Grey's Monument
• Grey Street

The gripping crime drama following Detective Chief Inspector Vera Stanhope as she solves complex murder cases in Northumberland and the surrounding North East areas.

Vera is nothing short of an icon, and here are just some of the stunning locations you can view through her lens:

• Hadrian’s Wall
• Holy Island
• Jesmond
• Ambleside
• Tynemouth Priory
• Newcastle City Centre

Get Carter stars Michael Caine as Jack Carter, a London gangster who returns to Newcastle after his brother's suspicious death. Unconvinced by the official story of a drunk-driving accident, Carter sets out to uncover the truth and seek revenge.

The film is strongly associated with Newcastle and its urban landscape and here are just a few locations from the many scenes filmed in and around the city that you can explore:

• Tyne Bridge
• Newcastle Racecourse
• High Level Bridge
• City Centre
• Central Station
• Lower Ouseburn Valley

Billy Elliot follows a young boy in a Northern mining town who discovers a passion for ballet, challenging the expectations of his family and community. Set during the 1984 miners' strike, the film explores class and identity and ambition.

The film features the following North East locations:

• Easington Colliery
• Easington Square
• Langley Park Primary School
• Allotment Yard-North Hill Allotments

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Robin of Sherwood blends the classic Robin Hood legend with some supernatural elements and a mythical twist. Chosen by the forest god Herne, Robin leads his band of outlaws against the Sheriff of Nottingham to fight injustice.

The TV series was filmed across several iconic and scenic locations such as:

• Alnwick Castle
• Bamburgh Castle
• Boulmer
• Brinkburn Priory

Alien 3, starring the fantastic Sigourney Weaver, follows Ripley as she crash-lands on a remote prison planet, only to discover a deadly alien has followed her.

Known for its industrial setting, parts of Alien 3, were filmed across NewcastleGateshead adding to the film’s gritty, dystopian look:

• Blast Beach & Colliery
• Blyth Power Station

The BFG tells the magical story of a young girl named Sophie who befriends a kind-hearted Big Friendly Giant. Together, they embark on an adventure to stop the other giants from terrorizing the human world.

With themes of friendship, courage and wonder, the film features the following locations:

• Bamburgh Castle
• Bamburgh Beach
• Northumberland National Park

The teen drama series, Byker Grove is set in a youth club in Byker. Known for launching the careers of Geordie legends like Ant & Dec, Byker Grove became an iconic part of 90s UK television.

The show follows the lives of local teenagers as they navigate the ups and downs of growing up, with scenes filmed across various North East locations. Here are just a few of the spots featured in the series:

• Metrocentre
• Whitley Bay
• Beamish Open Air Museum
• Grey's Monument
• Kielder
• Discovery Museum
• St Mary's Lighthouse

Set in 19th-century Northumberland, The Glass Virgin follows Annabella Lagrange, a young woman from a wealthy family who discovers a devastating secret about her true origins.

It’s a story of love, hardship, and finding yourself - all set against striking Northern backdrops:

• Beamish Open Air Museum
• Alnwick Castle
• Craster Towers
• Hanover Street in Newcastle

Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves follows nobleman Robin of Locksley, who escapes imprisonment during the Crusades and returns to England to find his home destroyed and his people oppressed by the evil Sheriff of Nottingham.

Packed with dramatic scenes and the iconic performance by Alan Rickman as the Sherrif, some filming locations from the action-packed film include:

• Alnwick Castle
• Hadrian’s Wall
• Hulne Park

Cold Feet follows the lives of three couples navigating live, love and relationships and it is the perfect mix of comedy and drama. In the final episode, some North East locations are used as the backdrop to the storyline in series 2:

• Lindisfarne Castle
• Holy Island

Goal! tells the story of the extremely talented Santiago Muñez who is spotted by a Newcastle United scout and given a chance at professional football.

The city serves as a backdrop for the film’s action and puts the spotlight on landmarks and stunning locations such as:

• St. James’ Park
• Longsands Beach, Tynemouth
• River Tyne

Filmed partly in the North East The Railway Man features stars like Colin Firth and Nicole Kidman. It’s more than just a war story, the film explores how people cope with past trauma and the power of forgiveness.

Locations used as the scenic backdrops in the film:

• Berwick-upon-Tweed
• Holy Island

Classic comedy-drama, Auf Wiedersehen, Pet follows a group of British construction workers who leave the UK to find work abroad, starting in Germany. The series explores their friendships, struggles, and adventures as they navigate life far from home.

Auf Wiedersehen, Pet showcases the following North East spots:

• Tyneside
• Bigg Market

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Set right here in Newcastle, Purely Belta follows two teenagers, Gerry and Sewell, who are determined to raise £1,000 to buy season tickets for their beloved Newcastle United football team. The film showcases many locations throughout Newcastle and its surrounding areas:

• Northern Promenade
• Whitley Bay
• Shiremoor Metro Station
• Spanish City, Whitley Bay
• Strawberry Place
• Grey Street
• Monument
• Northumberland St
• Swing Bridge
• High Level Bridge

Our Friends in the North follows four friends from Newcastle as their lives unfold over 30 years. The drama explores friendship, ambition, and hardship. The series is deeply rooted in the North East and remains a TV classic:

• City Centre
• Tyne Bridge
• Civic Centre
• Wallsend
• Whitley Bay
• Quayside
• Free Trade Inn Pub
• Rendez-Vous Café
• Beamish Open Air Museum

A reality TV series set in the North East, Angels of the North follows the lives of staff working at Longlox Salon, PureInk Tattoo Studio, and Bilton Hall Boxing Club. The show follows their journeys as they take on life's ups and downs, deal with personal dramas, and chase their creative goals.

The locations of the businesses featured in the reality series include:

• Newcastle City Centre – Pure Ink Tattoo Studio
• Gateshead – Longlox Salon
• Jarrow – Bilton Hall Boxing Club

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The six-part BBC drama, starring Jimmy Nail, follows his characters fall from fame as he faces legal troubles, imprisonment, all while trying to clear his name.

Set between Newcastle and London, it is an emotional drama with a strong North East identity:

• Gateshead: Design Works at Felling
• Hoults Yard
• Tynemouth
• Warkworth Harbour

The Sci-Fi TV series follows a group of rebels led by Roj Blake as they fight against the tyrannical Terran Federation. Known for its gritty storytelling and complex characters, the show has become a cult classic in the science fiction genre and it has featured Bamburgh beach within the show.

The crime drama follows Detective Sergeant Nicky Cole, a London officer who is transferred to Newcastle upon Tyne after exposing police corruption in his department.

The series features various backdrops in and around NewcastleGateshead:

• Newcastle City Centre
• Whitley Bay
• Tynemouth
• Gateshead
• Newcastle Suburbs

Based on Catherine Cookson’s novel, the period drama is set in 19th-century Newcastle. It follows Millie, a young girl raised by a rag and bone woman, as she navigates hardship, identity, and buried secrets. The stunning backdrop of Beamish Village is used in scenes throughout the mini series.

A romantic comedy which follows Leo, a young man, and Judy, a transgender woman, as they navigate love and family in Newcastle. The series includes shots of the Tyne Bridge and places under the bridge too.

The historical drama series captures the early life and reign of Queen Victoria. The show begins with her unexpected ascension to the throne at age 18 and delves into her personal and political challenges. The drama explores themes of monarchy, love, and power uses the stunning location of Raby Castle within the series.

The gripping TV film is set in Newcastle during World War II and follows Joe Maddison, a shipyard worker and World War I veteran. Feeling past his prime, and too old to enlist, he joins the Home Guard after his wife leaves him for a sailor.

The TV film highlights a number of picturesque locations throughout the North East:

• Beamish Open Air Museum
• Swan Hunters
• Whitley Bay
• Dunston
• Hulne Park