Walk Through the Apocalypse: “28 Years Later” Filming Spots in Northumberland

*28 Years Later © Columbia Pictures, courtesy of Everett Collection*

More than two decades have passed since director Danny Boyle and writer Alex Garland released fast-moving zombies to the big screen with 28 Days Later. Now, the long-awaited sequel, 28 Years Later, hits the big screen. If you’ve been watching the buzz around the sequel “28 Years Later”, you might have spotted some seriously familiar landscapes. This time, Northumberland takes the centre stage in the much-anticipated zombie sequel, “28 Years Later”.

Northumberland’s dramatic coastlines, historic landmarks, and wild landscapes provided the perfect eerie backdrop for this post-apocalyptic thriller. And the best part? You can visit these locations by yourself.

Here’s a rundown of the Northumberland filming locations featured in “28 Years Later”:

Holy Island (Lindisfarne)

This haunting tidal island off the Northumberland coast takes centre stage in 28 Years Later, turning its ancient ruins and dramatic causeway into a cinematic stronghold.

In the film: Holy Island serves as the refuge for protagonists Jamie and Spike. Most island sequences were filmed on location, with the tidal causeway which is a critical plot element that brings heightened tension as it cuts the island off at high tide.
Trailer sights: The official trailer highlights several action-packed scenes featuring the island and its woodland settings.
Production notes: Film crews were present on Holy Island for at least three weeks in spring 2024, recruiting hundreds of local extras for crowd scenes on the island
Real-world impact: Following filming, the Seahouses RNLI issued a safety reminder stressing the dangerous tides of the causeway, a natural hazard underscored by the movie’s dramatic use of the environment.

Kielder Forest & Kielder Reservoir

Nestled in the heart of Northumberland, Kielder’s dense forest and sprawling reservoir were used for some of the film’s most tense and visually stunning scenes.

In the film: Characters are seen sprinting through the dense, misty woodland during intense chase scenes. Sweeping aerial shots showcase the vastness of Kielder Reservoir, emphasizing the scale of isolation in the story.
Fun fact: The night sky featured in the eerie nighttime causeway scene was captured using real footage from Kielder Observatory, renowned for its dark skies.

Sycamore Gap (Hadrian’s Wall)

This iconic lone tree, made famous worldwide, makes a striking appearance in 28 Years Later.

In the film: The tree appears in two cinematic landscape shots, its iconic silhouette framed against Hadrian’s Wall, symbolising resilience and solitude amidst the desolation.
A sad note: Either captured on film before its unlawful felling in 2023 or digitally recreated with the help of CGI, Sycamore Gap was tragically felled in 2023 in an act of vandalism that shocked the nation. Its loss was felt deeply by locals and visitors alike, but its presence is beautifully immortalised on screen in 28 Years Later, forever preserving its image against Northumberland’s dramatic skyline.

St Cuthbert’s Cave

Tucked away near Lindisfarne, this ancient sandstone cave adds a sense of history and quiet refuge.

In the film: The cave is used as a shelter, offering the characters a moment of calm amidst the apocalypse. Covered in moss and surrounded by woodland, it perfectly captures the film’s balance of beauty and eeriness.

Rothbury (Blaeberry Hill & Village Streets)

The picturesque village of Rothbury and its stunning surrounding hills were both featured prominently in 28 Years Later.

In the film: The charming streets of Rothbury are transformed into a haunting post-apocalyptic setting. Its quaint stone buildings and peaceful lanes take on an eerie atmosphere, standing in stark contrast to their usual warmth. You’ll also spot the dramatic, sweeping countryside around Blaeberry Hill, used for intense trekking scenes as the characters navigate the abandoned world. This is also where intense scenes of lead actress Jodie Comer were filmed, capturing both the raw emotional weight of the story and the rugged beauty of the Northumberland landscape.

Plankey Mill Farm

The film 28 Years Later features Plankey Mill Farm in Northumberland as one of its key filming locations. Situated between Langley and Bardon Mill, close to Rothbury, the farm’s surrounding woodland sets the stage for several intense action scenes seen in the trailer.

Fancy Walking in the 28 Years Later” Filming Spots in Northumberland?

These Northumberland locations were carefully woven into 28 Years Later to enhance its emotional and visual depth. If you're planning your own “movie location tour,” these are the must-see spots with each delivering its own slice of cinematic magic. It isn’t just movie magic, it’s real, and it’s waiting to be explored. Whether you’re a film enthusiast, a history lover, or someone seeking your own peaceful escape (minus the apocalypse), these landscapes offer beauty, drama, and adventure.

Why not retrace the 28 Years Later filming spots in Northumberland while enjoying the comfort of Northumberland Luxury Stays?

Our stays are perfectly located to explore these iconic filming spots with luxury, tranquillity, and no sprinting zombies in sight. After wandering through cinematic history, you can return to the comfort of your stay, where the only drama you will encounter is deciding between a hot tub soak or a countryside walk.

Book your stay with Northumberland Luxury Stays, the perfect base to explore both movie magic and the natural beauty of our region.