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Netflix’s Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew is bringing a new version of C. S. Lewis’s fantasy world to the screen, but some of its most recognisable settings are real places in Britain. The production used historic streets and landmarks in Bradford, Manchester and London, turning familiar locations into parts of a story set across different worlds and eras.
That gives fans a practical starting point for a UK filming-location trip ahead of the film’s release. Here is what has been identified so far, what visitors can see, and how the new production fits into Britain’s wider screen-tourism appeal.
Where was Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew filmed?
The British locations identified for the film include Bradford’s Little Germany district, Manchester’s Castlefield neighbourhood and several landmarks in London. VisitBritain’s filming-location overview describes how these places were used to create different visual settings, including streets made to resemble post-war London and historic city environments.
These are real urban locations rather than a single purpose-built visitor attraction. That distinction matters: fans can explore the surrounding streets and public spaces, but access to interiors, working buildings and any areas used as controlled production sets depends on the venue.
Bradford: Little Germany became 1950s London
Bradford’s Little Germany is one of the clearest examples of a British location being transformed for the film. Its Victorian merchant buildings and preserved streetscape stood in for 1950s London. The district’s architecture gives filmmakers a convincing period setting without having to recreate an entire historic street from scratch.
For visitors, Little Germany is a real city neighbourhood, not a studio attraction. Its streets and historic commercial buildings make it worth exploring independently of the film. Bradford also has a wider screen and media identity, including the National Science and Media Museum, which provides useful context for anyone interested in how moving images are made and experienced.
Manchester: Castlefield brings historic city streets to the screen
Manchester’s Castlefield district is another confirmed part of the Narnia location trail. Its canals, old warehouses, bridges and industrial architecture offer a distinctive look that can be adapted for period storytelling. The area has a very different character from Bradford’s Victorian merchant quarter, giving the production more than one kind of urban setting.
Castlefield is also an established part of Manchester’s visitor landscape. The canal-side routes and historic structures can be explored on foot, although visitors should not assume that every building or filming position is open to enter. The best approach is to treat the area as a walk through a real neighbourhood that also appeared in a major film production.
London: three landmarks complete the Narnia trail
London provides several of the production’s most recognisable historic backdrops. The locations identified include the Tower of London, the Royal Exchange and the Old Royal Naval College. Each has a different architectural character, from the capital’s medieval fortress to the grand civic and riverside buildings that have appeared in many screen productions.
The Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich is particularly familiar to film and television audiences because of its formal courtyards and monumental architecture. The Royal Exchange sits in the City of London, while the Tower of London is one of the capital’s best-known historic sites. Visitors should check each venue’s own opening arrangements, ticketing and access rules before travelling; a filming credit does not guarantee that a specific set-up or room can be visited.
Narnia UK filming locations at a glance
| Location | What it contributed | What visitors can explore |
|---|---|---|
| Little Germany, Bradford | Stood in for 1950s London | Historic streets and Victorian merchant architecture |
| Castlefield, Manchester | Historic city setting | Canals, warehouses and public walking routes |
| Tower of London | London filming location | Historic fortress; check official visitor information |
| Royal Exchange, London | London filming location | City landmark; access depends on venue arrangements |
| Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich | London filming location | Historic riverside architecture and visitor areas |
When does Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew come out?
The film is directed by Greta Gerwig and adapts C. S. Lewis’s 1955 novel, which tells the story of Narnia’s creation. Netflix’s official announcement sets the theatrical release for 12 February 2027, followed by its Netflix streaming release on 2 April 2027. Those dates give fans a clear timeline for exploring the places behind the film before and after its cinema debut.
The film’s UK locations are only one part of its production footprint. The British settings are being used to represent places within the story, while the final film will combine location work with studio production, design and visual effects. A real-world filming location is therefore one piece of the finished screen world, not necessarily a literal map of where every scene takes place.
More British filming locations for fantasy fans
The Narnia production arrives as Britain continues to attract major fantasy and television projects. VisitBritain’s guide to British screen locations also covers places associated with other major productions, including the Harry Potter films and series. Treat reported locations carefully: not every place mentioned in fan coverage is a confirmed filming site, so check the status before planning a trip around a particular scene.
For older productions, Britain’s screen map is even broader. The original Harry Potter films used locations including Alnwick Castle, Oxford’s Bodleian Library, Gloucester Cathedral, Durham Cathedral and parts of Scotland. These sites have their own visitor arrangements, and some offer tours or dedicated experiences rather than access to the exact filming area.
Can you visit the Narnia filming locations?
Most of the named locations are recognisable real-world places, but access varies. Bradford’s Little Germany and Manchester’s Castlefield include public streets and outdoor areas. London’s historic venues have their own admission rules, opening times and security arrangements. Check official visitor information before making a journey, especially if you want to see an interior rather than the surrounding exterior.
For fans planning a trip, the most useful approach is to group locations by city. Bradford and Manchester can each form a separate stop, while the three London landmarks can be considered as part of a wider city itinerary. This is more practical than trying to treat the filming locations as one continuous attraction.
Frequently asked questions
Which UK cities were used for Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew?
The identified locations are in Bradford, Manchester and London.
Which part of Bradford appeared in the film?
Little Germany, the city’s historic Victorian merchant quarter, was used to represent 1950s London.
Was Narnia filmed in Manchester?
Yes. Manchester’s Castlefield district, known for its canals and historic warehouses, is among the locations identified for the production.
When will Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew be released?
Netflix has announced a theatrical release from 12 February 2027 and a Netflix release on 2 April 2027.
Can visitors enter every filming location?
No. Public access differs by location. Streets and outdoor areas may be accessible, while historic venues, interiors and private buildings have separate opening and admission rules.
