As demand for filming in the North East continues to accelerate, We’re ramping up efforts to champion the region’s most cinematic locations to top UK industry professionals. Our ongoing series of Scout About familiarisation trips places iconic landscapes and heritage sites centre stage, demonstrating why the North East is fast becoming a leading TV and film production hub in the UK.
These curated two‑day scouts are specifically designed for influential Location Managers – many with credits on global hits such as House of Dragon, Bridgerton and Outlander – giving them first‑hand access to the North East’s unmatched range of filming environments.
Here are just some of our showstopper locations ready for their close-ups:
Tees Barrage, Stockton-on-Tees
From Oscar winning epic 1917, where George MacKay’s river escape was filmed safely in controlled rapids, to ITV’s gripping drama, After The Flood, which shot its intense rescue sequences at the site, Tees Barrage has become the goto location for productions needing big, cinematic water moments.
With its unique manmade bowl, fully controlled water flows, and specialist crew on hand, Tees Barrage offers something no other UK location can: safe, repeatable and spectacular water action.
Teesside International Airport
Teesside International Airport has quickly established itself as a flexible, reliable filming location for both UK and international productions. It has successfully doubled as ‘New York International Airport’ in Amazon Original film, Upgraded, and has the capability to completely transform the terminal with altered signage, digital displays and check-in desks. Despite being a functioning airport, filming can be successfully accommodated without disrupting its primary use.
Beamish Museum
Beamish Museum continues to shine as one of the North East’s most iconic filming locations. From Downton Abbey to All Creatures Great and Small, choosing to film here because of its immersive 1900s streets, 1940s settings and newly expanded 1950s town. Its ability to transform into different eras, often within the same day, makes it one of the most flexible locations not just in the North East, but in the UK.
Durham Cathedral
Towering over the city skyline, Durham Cathedral offers instantly recognisable medieval majesty and is a cinematic icon of the North East. It’s Norman architecture, cloistered walkways and atmospheric interiors have captivated global audiences, earning it a starring role in some of the world’s biggest film and TV productions, including Harry Potter, Avengers: Endgame, Elizabeth, Inspector George Gently, and most recently, I Fought the Law. It is one of our most extraordinary screen assets and the team continue to welcome and accommodate productions from across the world.
The Raby Estate
The Raby Estate remains a magnet for film and TV productions with its breathtaking landscapes and authentic historic settings. From the medieval castle and sweeping parklands to the raw natural drama of High Force and Low Force on the Estate, Raby is one of the North East’s most versatile and production-ready locations. With global period hits such as Victoria and Elizabeth using the Castle’s stunning interiors and exteriors, to 1917, The Gorge and The Witcher using the waterfall’s iconic settings, you can see why this remains a go-to destination for filming.
Lindisfarne (Holy Island)
The tidal island is one of the North East’s most iconic landscapes, with its rugged beauty and unique tidal causeway. It has emerged as a powerful presence on screen, playing major roles in both blockbuster cinema and longrunning British drama: from its haunting use as the ‘survivors’ home in the BAFTA nominated 28 Years Later to its central place as DCI Stanhope’s ‘home’ in ITV’s Vera, it is one of our region’s most distinctive assets.
The next series of Scout Abouts are fast approaching, with a number of these iconic locations featuring. Locations Managers looking to attend should register their interest through this Expression of Interest form.
For any productions considering the North East as their next filming destination, please get in touch with our Film Office who will support your enquiry.
