Filming Friendly Durham An Amazing County

Not many counties can boast city, countryside and coast, all of which you can experience in a single day.

Durham, in North East England, may be a small county, but it packs a punch when it comes to incredible filming locations.

Just three hours by train from London and less than two from Edinburgh, and with Newcastle and Teesside International airports on our doorstep, this compact county is easily accessible.

Our stunning landscapes and dramatic seascapes have featured in classics such as Get Carter and Alien 3, and blockbusters including 1917. Our characterful buildings have provided the perfect backdrops for TV favourites such as Vera and George Gently, whilst Durham Cathedral has been transformed into both a school of witchcraft and wizardry and an intergalactic palace, in Hollywood hits Harry Potter and Avengers: Endgame. And at Beamish, The Living Museum of the North, you can step into the past, making it an almost ready-made film set for productions including Downton Abbey.

For more location inspiration view our directory.

People walking towards Durham Cathedral

Durham City

Steeped in history with the world-famous Durham Cathedral and Castle UNESCO World Heritage Site at its heart. Buildings of times gone by sit happily alongside stunning examples of modern architecture in this “perfect little city”.

Durham Coast

A dramatic part of the North East coast, which has emerged from its industrial past to become a haven for flora and fauna. Stunning beaches hug the coastline, alongside cliffs, caves, hidden coves and a bustling harbour.

Durham Coast at sunrise
Durham Dales

Durham Dales

A breathtaking landscape of moors, hills, waterfalls and meandering rivers, dotted with market towns and villages. Part of the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it has some of the darkest skies in the country.

Vale of Durham

Steeped in history and home to the birthplace of the railways, you will find an array of attractions that bring to life the county’s fascinating industrial and social heritage, and which allow you to take a step back in time.

Auckland Castle