Visit Vera, 28 Years Later and Harry Potter filming locations in Northumberland

Begin your adventure at a famous Harry Potter filming location – Alnwick Castle (pronounced “annick”). As well as starring as Hogwarts in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (2001) and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002), it’s also appeared in Downton Abbey and Transformers. Your ticket includes the 30-45 minute ‘Alnwick on Location’ film tour, and look out for the free Broomstick Training workshops too! 

Next, venture up the coast to Bamburgh, whose eponymous scene-stealing castle has featured in countless famous films. Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (2023), Transformers: The Last Knight (2017), Elizabeth (1998) and The BFG (2016) are just a few of them. It also starred in Netflix’s The Last Kingdom (2015-2022) as the fortress of Bebbanburg, and its ‘Uhtred of Bebbanburg’ tour (which departs at 11.30) is chock-full of costumes and props from the show. After the tour, head to the Clock Tower Café for lunch with a mind-blowing view.  

Just off the Northumberland coast, the Farne Islands have featured in everything from David Attenborough’s Wild Isles (2023) to ITV crime drama Vera. Their beauty is legendary, but the resident puffins steal the limelight: take a closer look on a two-hour wildlife cruise with Billy Shiel’s (April to July). You’ll spy puffins, guillemots, cormorants and more, as well as a colony of Atlantic grey seals basking on rocks. Trips depart at 2pm.  

Piled high with steamed mussels, a whole roasted sea bream, pil-pil (garlic and chilli) tiger prawns, Lindisfarne oysters and much more, the sharing platter at The Fish Shack in Amble is the stuff of foodie legend – it even wowed the Hairy Bikers when they visited to film Hairy Bikers Go North (2021). Tuck in for tonight’s dinner. Eagle-eyed Vera fans will also recognise the picturesque fishing town of Amble as the backdrop of several episodes over the years.  

Rest your head tonight in the Red Lion Inn, after a G&T nightcap (made with local Hepple gin, naturally) in its cosy bar or beer garden. This family-run coaching inn dates back to the 18th century, and its breakfast menu ranges from smashed avocado to local kippers. Again, Alnmouth served as a key Vera filming location, and its wide sandy beach is just ten minutes’ walk from the Red Lion. 

Get up early and head south to Hexham. This riverside town doubled as Bentham in the 13th series of Vera, while 28 Years Later (2025) – starring Cillian Murphy – was filmed at nearby Plankey Mill (though it’s not currently open to the public). Spend your morning exploring the spooky 1,300-year-old crypts of Hexham Abbey, learning about the notorious inmates of Hexham Old Gaol, or following the free ‘Medieval Meander’ walking trail (30-40 minutes) on the Visit Hexham app.  

Did you know that Hadrian’s Wall inspired Game of Thrones author George R R Martin when he envisaged The Wall? Lace up your hiking boots and hit the Hadrian’s Wall path, which runs along the Roman Empire’s frontier just north of Hexham. A spectacular spot for a pre-lunch ramble, and without a White Walker in sight – phew.  

Next, choose your adventure at Kielder Water: will you go kayaking, paddleboarding or cruising on this beautiful reservoir? You can also rent bikes or saddle up for a horseback trot on its wild waterside trails, and try archery and air-rifling at the activity centre. Kielder Water has featured in both 28 Years Later and Vera (in 2018’s ‘Darkwater’ episode), while Countryfile profiled its conservation work, osprey nesting sites and outdoor sculptures in March 2025.  

Kielder Forest is one of the world’s biggest Dark Sky Reserves, so this evening join a stargazing talk or event at Kielder Observatory: they’re held almost every night. With minimal light pollution and high-powered telescopes, you’ll explore the night sky with expert tuition – just like Robson Green when he visited for Weekend Escapes (series 3, 2025). If you don’t have to head home straight away, book into Kielder Lodges tonight for a glamping adventure in the forest.