4 TV and film set locations to visit in Northern England and the Midlands

2 Discover the cinematic magic behind Manchester’s trendy Northern Quarter

Nestled within Manchester’s industrial heritage, the Northern Quarter is a compact and walkable district. Its cobbled alleyways and red-brick buildings were once used as the atmospheric setting for 19th-century London in Sherlock Holmes (2009). The quarter’s mix of old brick and ironwork gives the place a distinctive look. Often compared to New York City (and dubbed ‘Manc-hattan’ by locals), it was used as the setting for 1940s Brooklyn in Captain America: The First Avenger (2010).

It’s worth setting aside time to take in the area’s ever-changing vibrant street art especially in Stevenson Square. Used as a Manhattan location in The Crown, its home to independent boutiques, galleries, cafes and cocktail bars. 

Other Northern Quarter highlights include Afflecks is a multi-level emporium stacked with vintage clothing, handcrafted jewellery, vinyl records and quirky curiosities, and the Craft and Design Centre, a hub for local artisans selling handmade goods. 

A short walk from here, you’ll find Manchester Town Hall on Albert Square. Its grand Gothic Revival interiors with sweeping staircases and intricate stonework were transformed into the Houses of Parliament for key scenes in Sherlock Holmes. visitmanchester.com

3 Channel your inner wizard at Alnwick Castle in Northumberland

Nestled in the rolling Northumberland countryside, not far from the Scottish border, Alnwick Castle stands as a striking medieval landmark with a history as rich as its reputation as a film location; most famously for the first two Harry Potter films, where its courtyards set the scene for Harry’s first broomstick lesson and the unforgettable flying car crash.

Visitors can wander through art-filled state rooms, climb ancient battlements and relax in lush gardens, all while discovering the castle’s transformation from medieval stronghold to stately home and the stories of the Percy family, who have lived here for generations. 

The Alnwick on Location tour adds another layer, revealing filming locations and tales from not only Harry Potter, but also Robin Hood and Downton Abbey.

For those looking to channel their inner Hogwarts student, broomstick training on the very lawn where Harry learned to fly is an option, and throughout July and August 2025, talks and demonstrations on medieval crafts and falconry take place across the castle grounds. alnwickcastle.com 

4 Traverse Bamburgh Castle’s legendary walls where cinema meets the coast

Perched high above the Northumberland coast, Bamburgh Castle commands sweeping views over the golden sands of Bamburgh Beach and the North Sea, making it one of Britain’s most striking landmarks.

Its dramatic setting has drawn filmmakers for decades, transforming its imposing walls and regal interiors into the backdrop for blockbusters and period dramas, including Transformers: The Last Knight (2017), Elizabeth (1998) and Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (2023).

Originally a Celtic fort with a history dating back 1,400 years, Bamburgh is one of the largest inhabited castles in the country, a nine-acre estate brimming with stories of kings, knights and legendary heroes. Guided tours last 45 minutes, offering insights into its history and role as a film location, and for fans of TV drama The Last Kingdom, two-hour themed tours led by Viking experts bring the historical saga to life. 

From the castle’s towering battlements, a short walk leads down to Bamburgh Beach, where the shoreline stretches for miles, framed by dunes. bamburghcastle.com

Large drawing room, Bamburgh Castle, Northumberland / ©VisitBritain/Pinzutu

For more information, visit www.visitbritain.org/travel-trade and Starring Great Britain – A Premium Collection 2025 and download the guide here