Introduction:
TV and film companies love Northumberland. Easy to access, spectacular landscape and locations as varied as anyone could wish for, this is a film maker’s dream. So step into the limelight and follow in the footsteps of some famous stars of stage and screen.
Start: Alnwick
End: Alnwick
Journey Times:
Alnwick to Warkworth 25 min
Warkworth to Amble 10 mins
Amble to Woodhorn 35 mins
Woodhorn to Alnwick 40 mins
Arrive: Alnwick
Here’s why: In 1983 actor Rowan Atkinson brought Blackadder to Alnwick Castle and a TV legend was born. The castle was also the setting for the first scenes of “Elizabeth” starring Cate Blanchett in 1997 and a certain young wizard learn to fly a broomstick and play Quidditch here in 2001.
Depart: Alnwick
Here’s how: A1068 (direction Alnmouth) – continue on A1068(s) - Warkworth
Arrive: Warkworth
Here’s why: Part of the impressive ruins of Warkworth castle doubled as the Tower of London in the film “Elizabeth” (1997) and William Shakespeare set some scenes of Henry IV Part 2 here.
Depart: Warkworth
Here’s how: A1068(s) – Amble
Arrive: Amble town centre (follow unclassified coast road to Low Hauxley)
Here’s why: The town of Amble, like some film stars, has had a face lift in recent years transforming the Town Square and Marina into areas fit for filming whilst Low Hauxley and Druridge Bay to the south of the town starred in the 2011 TV crime series “Vera” with award-winning actress Brenda Blethyn taking the main role.
Depart: Amble
Here’s how:A1068 (s) – Ellington – A1068(s) - A189 –Woodhorn (nr. Newbiggin-by-the-Sea)
Arrive: Woodhorn
Here’s why: A great place to discover the social history of Northumberland’s coal mining past. But the “must see” is The Ashington Group of works by the Pitman Painters, which inspired the internationally acclaimed play of the same name written by playwright Lee Hall and staged in London and New York.
Depart: Woodhorn
Here’s how: A197 (direction Morpeth) – Ashington – continue on A197 - at Morpeth join A1(n) - Alnwick
Arrive: Alnwick
Where to stay
Macdonald Linden Hall Golf and Country Club is an impressive 18th century manor house nestled in 450 acres of private grounds. Whether you fancy a round of golf on the 18 hole course or would prefer to be pampered in the health club you are sure to enjoy your stay. In the evening choose from fine dinign in the AA rosette Dobson restaurant or an informal meal in the Linden Tree pub.
Walk Options:
- Warkworth – enjoy an easy stroll along the River Coquet (accessible from village centre) and see the 14th century fortified bridge.
Did you know…
- Hadrian’s Wall – a lone tree standing at Sycamore Gap on Hadrian’s Wall appeared in the Kevin Costner film “Robin Hood Prince of Thieves”.
- Craster – the drama comedy TV series “Distant Shores” starring Peter Davison and Samantha Bond was set in and around Craster harbour.The mermaid from the series remains in the harbour area even today.
- Corby Crags was used as the backdrop for the Peter Jackson Hobbit movie.
Nearest Tourist Information Centres:
- Alnwick +44 (0) 1665 511333
Useful Websites:
www.visitnorthumberland.com
www.northumberland.gov.uk
www.disabledgo.com
www.traveline.info
www.alnwickcastle.com
www.experiencewoodhorn.com
