Filming locations for 28 Years Later in Northumberland
The long-awaited sequel to Danny Boyle’s cult classics 28 Days Later and 28 Weeks Later has arrived — and much of 28 Years Later was filmed right here in Northumberland, home of Shepherds Walks.
Renowned for its haunting landscapes and dramatic skies, Northumberland is the perfect backdrop for a post-apocalyptic story. From tidal islands to ancient castles and vast forests, the county’s scenery plays a starring role. And for us at Shepherds Walks, this connection is especially meaningful — not only were some scenes shot in our hometown of Rothbury, but one key filming spot, Knowesgate, is where Jon (the shepherd behind Shepherds Walks) first farmed over 30 years ago. His “local pub” during his Young Farmers’ days? None other than the Knowesgate Hotel — which appears on screen.
If you’re planning a visit, here are the key 28 Years Later filming locations in Northumberland and beyond, along with ways you can explore them on foot with Shepherds Walks.
Holy Island of Lindisfarne – the “island location”
The film’s central setting is the strictly-quarantined island of Lindisfarne (Holy Island). Isolated by its famous tidal causeway, it provides both sanctuary and danger for the survivors.
Visitors today can explore Lindisfarne Priory, Lindisfarne Castle, and its wild coastline. Just like in the film, timing the tides is crucial — check safe crossing times before you go. Shepherds Walks runs self-guided holidays along the St Cuthbert’s Way, which finishes on Holy Island, giving walkers the same sense of arrival that the film captures.
Kielder Water & Forest Park – forest encounters
The dense forests of Kielder set the scene for several tense encounters. With its vast plantations and huge reservoir, it was the perfect place for Danny Boyle’s vision of survival and danger.
Today, Kielder is known for its Dark Sky Park, stargazing, and walking trails. We feature Kielder in our day walks and events — but rest assured, you’re more likely to encounter red squirrels than infected.
Bamburgh Castle – coastal drama
Seen in establishing shots, Bamburgh Castle looms over the North Sea, creating a dramatic atmosphere in the film. It’s one of the most iconic castles in the UK, and forms part of the Northumberland Coast Path, one of our most popular holiday trails.
Hadrian’s Wall & Sycamore Gap – resilience and loss
Characters trek across Hadrian’s Wall in the film, a UNESCO World Heritage Site symbolising endurance. The famous Sycamore Gap tree, tragically felled in 2023, was digitally recreated for 28 Years Later.
We offer guided and self-guided holidays on Hadrian’s Wall, where you can walk through 2,000 years of history — and stand where the film’s cast did.
Rothbury – Shepherds Walks’ home town on screen
In July 2024, cast and crew descended on Rothbury, with filming taking place at Cow Haugh Car Park, Blaeberry Hill, and Jubilee Crescent. Director Danny Boyle himself praised the town, saying:
“We’ve had a great time in Rothbury… it’s a wonderful place to come and chill – I mean the whole of Northumberland, but Rothbury’s particularly nice.”
We couldn’t agree more. Rothbury is also the base for Shepherds Walks Holidays — and the perfect place to start or finish a walking adventure.
Knowesgate – local ties to Shepherds Walks
One of the film’s most striking mainland locations is the old Happy Eater café and filling station beside the Knowesgate Hotel. For Jon, founder of Shepherds Walks, this was more than just a film set — it was part of his own story. When he first came to Northumberland, he worked as a shepherd at Cornhills Farm near Knowesgate, with the Hotel as his “local” during his Young Farmers days.
Other filming locations
- Plankey Mill Farm (near Hexham) – featured in a tense farmhouse sequence
- Newton-on-the-Moor (Jubilee Hall) – stood in for Holy Island’s gathering hall
- Bellingham and Waskerley – village backdrops
- Fountains Abbey (North Yorkshire) and Cheddar Gorge (Somerset) – key scenes filmed outside Northumberland
Explore Northumberland like the cast of 28 Years Later
Northumberland’s role in 28 Years Later highlights the county’s wild beauty, historic landmarks, and sense of isolation. But unlike the film’s grim dystopia, visitors will find a warm welcome, cosy pubs, and endless opportunities for adventure.
At Shepherds Walks, we offer walking guides, challenge walks, and walking holidays that let you explore these iconic landscapes for yourself — safely, and at your own pace. Whether you want to stride along Hadrian’s Wall, cross the sands to Lindisfarne, or wander through Rothbury, we’ll help you create your own unforgettable Northumberland story.
Other films/ TV programmes filmed in Northumberland
1. Vera
2. Harry Potter Movies
3. Indiana Jones
4. Transformers
5. Outlaw King