Did you know where Danny Boyle brought back the “rage virus”? Your next UK trip destinations! 🤯 The team behind 28 Years Later picked some of the coolest and scariest places in England.
Forget green screens; they shot in real forests, ruined temples, and even an island that goes under water twice a day!
Where was 28 Years Later filmed?
🏝️ 1. Holy Island (Lindisfarne), Northumberland: The Survivors’ Fortress
- Reason for filming: An island that breaks away from the mainland every day at high tide. Perfect for keeping the virus at bay, right? That’s Lindisfarne! Ancient temples, secluded beaches and spooky roads are all like scenes from a movie.
- Why you should go: It feels magical! Walk the road at high tide (check the time!), visit the magnificent castle 🏰, soak up 1,400 years of history (hermits, Vikings!). Pros: A unique combination of nature + history. Bring waterproof boots!
- Movie vibe: This is where Jodie Comer’s character “Isla” and her family live safely. You’ll recognize this landscape from the trailer.
🌲 2. Kielder Forest, Hexham: Zombie hideout
- Why it was filmed: Dark forests and very secluded areas. Kielder is the largest man-made forest in the UK — perfect for suspense! To hide from infected zombies… or to get lost yourself! 😅
- Why you should go: Adventure Time! Trekking, great biking, stargazing (Dark Sky Park — awesome!), kayaking on a vast reservoir. Pros: Amazing natural area. Feel small under the majestic trees!
- Movie vibe: Where the survivors gallop through the silent forest… and then run! Boyle made great use of this isolation.
🏙️ 3. Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Tyne and Wear: The atmosphere of a deserted city
- Reason for shooting: Wanted a real ruined city location? Newcastle is ready! Bridges like the Tyne Bridge, old factory sites, and cool but old streets feel like “post-apocalyptic UK”.
- Why you should go: Great city visit! World-famous nightlife 🍻, science museums, huge pools, amazing food. Pros: A bustling city but also a friendly Northern England. Explore the quayside!
- Movie vibe: Scenes showing the ruined world of the mainland. A stark contrast to the safety of the island.
⛪ 4. Fountains Abbey, North Yorkshire: Beauty and fear
- Reason for shooting: Magnificent 12th-century abbey ruins and beautiful water gardens. Sounds peaceful… but imagine infected zombies lurking in the shadows! 😱 UNESCO World Heritage Site — the perfect backdrop.
- Why you should go: Eye-popping beauty! Walk the magnificent ruins, explore the gardens, spot deer. Pros: World Heritage + nature. Easy walks, perfect photos 📸.
- Movie vibe: The eerie setting of the “Bone Temple” that was used for the sequel! The eerie beauty fades into horror.
⛰️ 5. Cheddar Gorge, Somerset: The Dark Heart of the Mainland
- Why it was filmed: Deep gorges, caves and dramatic cliffs. It feels like entering another world — perfect for a spooky “Mainland” adventure.
- Why you should go: Like your own adventure movie! Climb the gorges, explore the caves (“Goff’s Cave”), taste the local cheddar cheese! Pros: Dramatic natural splendor. Feels wild and ancient.
- Movie vibe: Where the characters face off against mutated monsters and shocking mysteries are revealed.
🎬 Quick facts about film locations (at a glance):
| Location | What’s cool? | Why is it in the film? | Reasons to visit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Holy Island | Tide Island, Castle, Ancient Temple 🏰 | Survivors’ isolated fort | History, Tide, Coastal Walks |
| Kielder Forest | UK’s largest forest, Dark Sky Park 🌌 | Zombie hideouts, Suspense scenes | Trekking, Biking, Stargazing |
| Newcastle | Pools, Urban Atmosphere, Quayside 🏙️ | City Decline | Nightlife, Culture, Food, Pools |
| Fountains Abbey | Magnificent Abbey Ruins + Water Gardens ⛲ | Spooky “Bone Temple” | History, Gardens, Deer Park |
| Cheddar Gorge | Huge Gorge, Caves, Cheese! 🧀 | Dangerous “Mainland Heart” | Cave Tours, Trekking, Cheese Tasting |
🤯 Some unique behind-the-scenes information!
- iPhone magic? Yes! iPhone 15 Pro Max camera used (with special attachments) — to get the same raw, real feel as the original film! Cool technical trick.
- Shooting in a flash: Filming took place across the north of England between May 7 – July 29, 2024.
- Trilogy alert! This is just Part 1! Parts 2 and 3 are being shot in the same wild locations.
Can I actually visit Lindisfarne/Holy Island?
YES! But CHECK THE TIDE TIMES religiously before driving or walking across the causeway. You do not want to get stranded like a zombie snack! It’s magical when accessible
Where is that super creepy forest from the trailer?
That’s almost definitely Kielder Forest in Northumberland! Huge, dark, and perfect for hiding infected (or just having an awesome hike)
Did they film inside Fountains Abbey?
Filming happened at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal! The ruins and gardens were key backdrops, likely for both beauty and terror
Is Newcastle really in the movie?
Yes! Newcastle-upon-Tyne provided the gritty, ruined cityscape scenes showing the dangerous mainland world
Why choose these places specifically?
Director Danny Boyle needed real isolation, drama, and history. Northumberland and Yorkshire offered wild emptiness, ancient ruins, forests, and cliffs that naturally scream “apocalypse” – no CGI needed!
