Huddling up on the sofa and flicking through the TV channels, one can watch Northumberland on the tele, as Northumberland Tourism is launching a list of films and series to binge-watch during the lockdown.
You can watch magical castles, barely-trodden beaches, jaw-dropping landscapes and more, which make no wonder why Northumberland plays a starring role in world-famous films and award-winning TV shows. Just pop one of the recommendations on:
Harry Potter
Alnwick Castle, otherwise known as Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, has a starring role in Harry Potter and the Philosopher?s Stone and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.
Vera
ITV?s most-watched drama Vera takes full advantage of the county?s jaw-dropping landscapes. Vera showcases the northeast at its finest.
Game of Thrones
Although Game of Thrones wasn?t actually filmed in Northumberland, George R R Martin confirmed that Hadrian?s Wall inspired the giant ice wall. The 73 mile wall was built under the orders of Emperor Hadrian in AD122 and Northumberland holds the longest stretch of it as it rises and plunges across some of the county?s incredible landscapes.
Robin Hood: Prince Of Thieves
A throwback to the early 90s, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves took advantage of more than one of Northumberland?s striking natural settings. Aside from its unusual and striking appearance, Sycamore Gap?s cameo in Robin Hood is probably the reason that it is one of the most photographed trees in the county.
Downton Abbey
Downton Abbey, with its opulent sets, roaring fireplaces and flickering candles in the background of almost every scene, is the quintessentially British series that is perfect to watch on a rainy day. Alnwick Castle was cast as the magnificent Brancaster Castle in Downton Abbey?s 2015 and 2016 Christmas specials, when the Crawley family are invited to stay and scandals, secrets and budding romances play out.
Transformers: The Last Knight
Alnwick Castle made yet another appearance in the fantastical Transformers movie, The Last Knight. Filming then moved to Bamburgh Beach, where Northumberland?s sweeping coastline and the staggering view of Bamburgh Castle can be seen in the background.
The Blackadder
The hilarious, much-loved pseudohistorical British sitcom of the 80s selected Alnwick Castle as the background for its first series? title screen. The series was actually named ?The Black Adder? before it was later changed and saw Rowan Atkinson riding on horseback through the snow-covered grounds of Alnwick Castle.
Image credit: Roger Clegg
