28 Years Later Filmed in North Yorkshire
Inside the North Yorkshire locations that shaped a post‑apocalyptic world
- Stories & Inspiration
- 28 Years Later Filmed In North Yorkshire
The 28 Years Later franchise has brought a wave of post‑apocalyptic drama to North Yorkshire, with both the 2025 release and its 2026 sequel, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, making striking use of the region’s atmospheric landscapes.
Explore how these films used North Yorkshire to build their haunting worlds - beginning with the first release and its unforgettable scenes at Fountains Abbey...
Why Fountains Abbey was the perfect setting
Fountains Abbey isn’t just visually stunning; it’s atmospheric, eerie and rich in history, making it the perfect location for 28 Years Later, a film where mood and environment play critical roles. The Abbey’s 12th century ruins provide a haunting beauty that creates a desolate, broken landscape, while the natural drama of shadowy stone vaults contrasts with expansive lawns and the reflective pools of Studley Royal Water Garden, adding layers of depth and moments of calm to balance the film’s darker themes.
This blend of medieval architecture and carefully landscaped Georgian gardens gives the site a timeless, almost otherworldly atmosphere - ideal for immersing audiences in a post-apocalyptic world.
Aysgarth Falls: raw natural power on screen
Another standout North Yorkshire location featured in the 2025 film is Aysgarth Falls. Its dramatic, stepped cascades provided a powerful natural backdrop, helping to convey the scale and chaos of the outbreak. The falls’ rugged beauty and relentless energy made them an ideal setting for some of the film’s most intense outdoor sequences.
Expanding the World: 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple
The newest chapter in the saga pushes deeper into North Yorkshire, making full use of the region’s heritage railways, peaceful villages and beautifully preserved landscapes. While the film transforms these places into dramatic story settings, in reality they remain warm, characterful destinations that are great for exploring!
Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway: heritage line on the big screen
Filming for the railway scenes in 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple took place on the Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway, using its atmospheric heritage steam line and period carriages. The line’s historic station buildings and traditional train carriages provided an authentic setting that fits seamlessly into the film’s world.
The railway features prominently in the film’s trailer, with several key shots highlighting the steam engines, carriages and surrounding Dales scenery. Away from filming, the line continues to operate as a popular heritage attraction, offering steam‑hauled journeys between Embsay and Bolton Abbey through the same landscapes seen on screen.
Redmire: the eerie riverside “Bone Temple”
The village of Redmire became an important new filming location thanks to its remarkably well‑preserved character and peaceful rural surroundings. Its traditional stone buildings, open landscapes and position beside the River Ure offered filmmakers an authentic backdrop that could be adapted for the story. A full “bone temple” set was constructed beside the River Ure, chosen because the natural setting allowed the team to create a visually striking scene without altering the village itself.
Ralph Fiennes: from Voldemort to Viral apocalypse
You may also recognise one of the stars of 28 Years Later, Ralph Fiennes. He is widely recognised for one of his best-known roles as "He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named" Lord Voldemort in the Harry Potter films, which has strong links to North Yorkshire. Goathland Station famously doubled as Hogsmeade in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, and the limestone pavements of Malham Cove appeared in Deathly Hallows: Part 1.
Plan Your Visit
Film fan or not, Fountains Abbey is a must-see. Wander through its haunting ruins, explore the beautifully sculpted water gardens of Studley Royal, and who knows - you might even catch a film crew in action! Then head out to Aysgarth Falls, Redmire or the Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway to see more of the landscapes featured across the 28 Years Later films.
Follow in the footsteps of the stars and visit our Starring North Yorkshire page to discover more filming hotspots across the county.
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