13th May 2025
Why Filming in the North of England Is a Smart Move (And Where to Go)
The North of England has become a magnet for filmmakers and TV producers — and with good reason. From epic rural vistas to gritty urban backdrops, this part of the UK offers a unique blend of versatility, affordability, and authenticity that simply can’t be matched by the South.
Whether you’re producing a high-budget feature film, a period drama, or fashion photography, the North has something to offer. Here's a deep dive into the benefits of filming here — and the incredible range of locations by region.
Why Film in the North?
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Cost Efficiency
Shooting in the North can be significantly cheaper than London or the South East. Accommodation, permits, and local crew rates are often more affordable — meaning your budget goes further. -
Unmatched Diversity
The North crams an extraordinary range of landscapes into a compact area: coastal cliffs, ancient moorlands, bustling cities, and charming market towns. No need to fly across the world when you can fake New York, Iceland, or 1940s Britain right here. -
Experienced Local Crews
As the region gains more industry traction, there's a growing pool of skilled local talent — camera operators, set designers, makeup artists — many of whom have worked on major UK and international productions.
Here’s a breakdown of key areas in the North and what each has to offer:
Yorkshire and The Humber
For sweeping rural drama and historic elegance
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Vibe: Rustic, timeless, natural grandeur
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Why it’s great: North Yorkshire has some of the most iconic landscapes in the UK — perfect for period dramas, literary adaptations, and atmospheric nature photography. York offers cobbled streets and medieval architecture, while the coastline provides moody, gothic energy (think Dracula in Whitby). A great example of this is RES-13197; an extravagent Elizabethan location house that wouldn't look out of place in Downton Abbey.
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Ideal for: Period dramas, fantasy, countryside commercials, fashion editorials
Greater Manchester
For dynamic urban energy with versatile looks
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Vibe: Creative, metropolitan, industrial-chic
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Why it’s great: Manchester is a filmmaker’s chameleon — it's been dressed up as London, New York, and even Moscow. The Northern Quarter is full of graffiti, cobbled streets, and vintage charm, while MediaCityUK in Salford is sleek and contemporary. Take a look here at some of our filming locations in Manchester that are available to hire on Amazing Space Locations.
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Ideal for: Urban thrillers, contemporary drama, corporate shoots, music videos
Merseyside
For waterfront elegance and retro vibes
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Vibe: Nautical, historic, rock ’n’ roll
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Why it’s great: Liverpool’s Georgian architecture and maritime history offer filmmakers a rich playground. It has a cinematic edge — it’s doubled for 1950s Brooklyn and even 19th-century Paris. The waterfront is visually stunning at twilight.
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Ideal for: Period films, music history documentaries, fashion editorials, photography portfolios
Lancashire
For pastoral serenity and faded seaside charm
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Vibe: Earthy, rural, eerie or nostalgic
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Why it’s great: Lancashire filming locations offer rich contrasts. The Forest of Bowland is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, while Blackpool is full of kitschy neon, arcades, and 20th-century seaside nostalgia. Pendle Hill has eerie, folkloric energy — ideal for darker or mythic stories. RUR-13040 is a great example of the ethereal, other-wordly woodland locations that can be found in Lancashire.
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Ideal for: Horror, indie drama, classic British settings, documentary photography
Cumbria (Lake District)
For epic natural landscapes and poetic beauty
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Vibe: Majestic, romantic, wild
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Why it’s great: The Lake District is cinematic in every sense — mountain ranges, vast lakes, misty mornings, and literary heritage (Wordsworth, Beatrix Potter). It’s a favourite for big-budget productions and intimate portrait sessions alike. You can find RUR-12773 available to hire on Amazing Space Locations, offering 500 acres of unspoiled woodland and farmland including picturesque views of the surrounding hills.
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Ideal for: Adventure films, romantic dramas, nature documentaries, travel content
Northumberland
For castles, coastlines, and wild isolation
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Vibe: Dramatic, windswept, mythic
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Why it’s great: Northumberland is one of the most under-filmed yet visually powerful counties in England. From Game of Thrones-style castles to ancient Roman ruins, it’s tailor-made for fantasy, epic stories, or historic documentaries. The vast, empty beaches offer striking contrasts to denser cities.
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Ideal for: Fantasy, historical epics, dark fairy tales, landscape photography
County Durham & Tyne and Wear
For post-industrial drama and urban revival
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Vibe: Tough, soulful, industrial meets modernist
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Why it’s great: This area is perfect for stories grounded in reality. Durham has one of Europe’s finest cathedrals, while Newcastle’s bridges and riverside bring a unique urban drama. There's a blend of old and new that’s visually compelling.
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Ideal for: Social realism, student films, architectural documentaries, local stories
The North of England is not just a stand-in for other places — it’s a character in its own right. With financial advantages, aesthetic diversity, and supportive infrastructure, it’s no surprise that more producers are looking up North for their next big project.
Whether you're after the timeless romance of the Dales or the raw edge of urban Liverpool, there's a story waiting to be told — and the North is ready for its close-up.