Where was Andor filmed? Discover Andor filming locations, from Ferrix to Niamos, and the real-world sets behind the show.
If you’re a Star Wars fan who appreciates the finer things in life — such as impeccable writing, moral complexity, and a main character who has mastered the art of brooding — then Andor is your show.
With Andor Season 2 looming like the Death Star over Scarif, fans are wondering: Where was Andor filmed? Well, dear rebels, prepare to embark on a journey across some of the most cinematic locations in our own galaxy — no hyperdrive required.
Table of Contents
What is Andor About?
For the uninitiated (seriously, what are you doing?), Andor tells the story of Cassian Andor before he became the rogue hero we met in Rogue One.
Set in the Star Wars timeline before the events of the original trilogy, the Andor show delivers one of the most compelling, grounded narratives in Star Wars history.
The Andor cast, including Diego Luna, Stellan Skarsgård, Forest Whitaker, and Fiona Shaw, brings their A-game, making it clear why Andor reviews have been nothing short of stellar.
Where was Andor Filmed?
While Andor may take place in a galaxy far, far away, its filming locations are very much Earth-bound. Andor took full advantage of real-world locations to create some of the most immersive settings in Star Wars history.
If you’ve ever watched an Andor episode and thought, Wow, that looks suspiciously like the Scottish Highlands, congratulations — you have a keen eye, and you’re correct. Here are a few standout filming spots worth mentioning:
#1. Scotland: The Planet Aldhani
In Andor Season 1, the breathtaking Scottish Highlands replaced Aldhani, the remote, mountainous planet on which Cassian Andor is roped into a high-stakes heist.
It’s the perfect backdrop for intense stares, morally gray decision-making, and Nemik delivering some of the most inspiring rebellion speeches on this side of the Outer Rim.
“The pace of repression outstrips our ability to understand it.”
Say it louder for the Imperial Senate, Nemik!
Notable Locations:
- Cruachan Dam: Yes, the real-life hydroelectric power station that doubled as the Empire’s Aldhani garrison. Its unique design, especially the dam and underground power station, was selected for resembling Darth Vader’s mask and the Empire’s aesthetic. Apparently, even in Star Wars, oppressive regimes are really into brutalist architecture.
- Glen Tilt: A stunning location that made us want to hike through the Scottish wilderness — until we remembered the Empire tends to leave TIE Fighters lying around.
These Andor filming locations in Episode 4 and Episode 5 in Scotland showcase the beautiful yet dangerous landscapes of Cassian Andor’s latest rebellion-adjacent bad decision and more evidence that he really should have read the rebellion’s onboarding manual.
#2. London: Coruscant and Ferrix
London is basically the Coruscant of Earth — minus the organized government (or the cool floating billboards). Andor filming locations in Episode 7 gave us a deeper look at Coruscant (London).
The Andor show filmed many of its Coruscant scenes in the UK capital, where Imperial bureaucrats like Syril Karn struggle with their mommy issues in breathtakingly dystopian settings.
Key London Locations:
- The Barbican: That’s right, the iconic brutalist structure in London played a role in Andor filming locations. The Andor characters brooded here while contemplating the cost of rebellion (and probably their rent).
- Canary Wharf: Previously seen in Rogue One, Canary Wharf once again stands in for the sterile, soul-crushing interiors of the Empire’s offices. Who knew that working for the Empire and working in corporate finance would have so much aesthetic overlap?
#3. Cleveleys, England: Niamos
Cassian Andor gets arrested on the tropical resort planet Niamos in Andor Season 1, Episode 7 (“Announcement”).
This beachfront location – the Empire’s version of a spring break gone wrong – was filmed in Cleveleys, England, a seaside town near Blackpool on the northwest coast of the UK.
The coastal promenade in Cleveleys was transformed into the sandy shores of Niamos, complete with sci-fi-style structures and an Imperial presence that apparently doesn’t take vacations.
The Jubilee Gardens and Promenade were used for the sequence where Cassian is falsely accused of being part of an “illegal gathering” (which, to be fair, is classic Empire behavior).
So, next time you’re in Cleveleys, channel your inner Cassian Andor—just maybe avoid looking too suspicious near shore troopers.
Fun fact: Despite its tropical look in the show, Cleveleys is not known for warm, sunny beaches — so there’s a good chance Diego Luna was freezing while filming.
Getting to Cleveleys depends on your starting location, but here are the travel options:
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- By Train: Take a train to Blackpool North Station (the nearest major railway station). From Blackpool North, take the Tramway service towards Fleetwood and get off at Cleveleys tram stop.
- By Car: From Manchester or London, take the M6 motorway, then the M55 towards Blackpool. Follow signs for Fleetwood/Cleveleys on the A585. Parking is available near the promenade and town center.
- By Bus: Blackpool Transport runs bus services 3, 4, 7, 9, and 24 from Blackpool to Cleveleys.
- By Air: The nearest airport is Manchester Airport (MAN). From there, take a train to Blackpool North, then a tram or bus to Cleveleys.
Once there, visit the Cleveleys Promenade, where Andor filmed the Niamos beach scenes!
#4. Black Park, England: Ferrix’s Scrapyard & Streets
The rugged, industrial world of Ferrix, where Cassian Andor begins his journey, was brought to life at Black Park, a well-known filming location near Pinewood Studios.
This gritty, dust-covered planet, filled with scrapyards, towering industrial ruins, and the ever-present sound of clanging metal, set the stage for Cassian’s less-than-legal dealings and the slow-burning rebellion taking shape around him.
While Ferrix’s scrapyard was a massive set build, the dense woodlands and natural terrain of Black Park helped ground the world in realism.
The park’s muddy paths, scattered foliage, and worn-down landscape gave Ferrix the perfect “lived-in” Star Wars aesthetic, making it feel like a real, functioning world rather than just another sci-fi backdrop.
If Ferrix feels oddly familiar, it’s because Black Park has a star-studded filmography — it was also used in Harry Potter, James Bond, and Batman movies. Clearly, if a story needs mystery, danger, or a rebellious rogue plotting his next move, Black Park delivers.
While there’s no guarantee you’ll stumble upon a hidden Rebel network or a scavenged starship, Black Park still offers a taste of Andor’s gritty, rebellious world — minus the looming Imperial threat!
#5. Coryton Refinery, Essex: Imperial Facilities & Prison Scenes
The decommissioned Coryton Refinery in Essex played a key role in Andor, standing in for various Imperial facilities and possibly even parts of Narkina 5, the infamous high-security prison.
With its looming industrial towers, endless pipelines, and stark, metallic structures, Coryton required little dressing to evoke the cold, oppressive nature of the Empire — it was practically built for it.
While CGI enhancements transformed Narkina 5 into a nightmarish, sterile detention center, it’s rumored that some ground-level scenes — where prisoners shuffle barefoot through cold corridors and obey the dreaded “On Program” orders — were shot here.
Given the refinery’s vast labyrinth of pipes and steel, it’s easy to see why it was chosen to represent the Empire’s soulless efficiency. The refinery is not open to the public, but you can explore nearby areas for an Imperial-style industrial aesthetic.
How to Get to Coryton Refinery:
- By Car: From London, take the A13 towards Basildon, then follow signs for Coryton and the former refinery site.
- By Train & Bus: Take a train to Stanford-le-Hope Station from London Fenchurch Street. From Stanford-le-Hope, take a local taxi or bus towards Coryton.
While you won’t be forced into assembly-line prison labor, visiting Coryton Refinery offers a chilling glimpse into the heartless machinery of the Empire — and a newfound appreciation for Andor’s stunning, grounded realism.
#6. McLaren Technology Centre, Surrey: Coruscant’s ISB Headquarters
Yes, you read that right. The McLaren Technology Centre, a sleek, futuristic Formula 1 headquarters, was the filming location for the ISB (Imperial Security Bureau) building on Coruscant in Andor.
Its ultra-modern architecture and reflective glass surfaces made it a perfect stand-in for the heart of the Empire’s intelligence operations.
To fully integrate it into the Star Wars universe, the visual effects team made key modifications, including increasing the building’s height and adding a moat along the edge, enhancing its imposing presence.
This is where Dedra Meero, the ISB officer everyone loves to fear, conducted some of the most chillingly precise Imperial strategy meetings, ensuring no rebellion would go unnoticed.
The McLaren Technology Centre is located in Woking, Surrey, England, and while it’s not open to the public, you can still visit the surrounding area. Here’s how to get there:
- By Train: Take a train to Woking Station, which is well-connected to London and other major cities. From Woking Station, grab a taxi or take the McLaren shuttle service (if available for pre-arranged visits).
- By Car: From London, take the M25 motorway and exit onto the A320 towards Woking. The McLaren Technology Centre is located off Chertsey Road, about 10 minutes from Woking town center.
- By Bus: Woking’s local bus services operate routes near the McLaren facility, but a taxi or car is the easiest option.
While you may not be able to storm the ISB headquarters like a rebel spy, you can still admire the Andor-approved futuristic architecture from a distance!
#7. Winspit Quarry, Dorset: Saw Gerrera’s Hideout
The dramatic rocky terrain of Winspit Quarry in Dorset served as the hidden base of Saw Gerrera, the ever-paranoid Rebel extremist portrayed by Forest Whitaker in Rogue One and Andor Season 1.
Nestled along the rugged Jurassic Coast, this eerie, windswept location perfectly captured the essence of a covert, battle-worn outpost, fitting for a man who trusts no one — not even his own allies.
Once a real stone quarry, Winspit Quarry has a long history of being repurposed for sci-fi settings. It previously appeared in Doctor Who, proving that its rugged cliffs and cavernous interiors are ideal for portraying dystopian, abandoned hideouts.
The raw, unpolished look of the quarry, combined with clever set dressing, made it the perfect place for Saw Gerrera’s tense, paranoia-fueled meetings with Luthen Rael, featuring some of the show’s most intense dialogue.
How to Get to Winspit Quarry:
- By Car: From London, take the M3 motorway towards Southampton, then follow the A31 to Wareham. Continue onto the B3069, following signs for Worth Matravers, the nearest village to the quarry. Park in the Worth Matravers car park and prepare for a scenic 20-minute walk to the quarry.
- By Train & Bus: Take a train to Wareham Station, which has direct connections from London Waterloo. From Wareham, board the Purbeck Breezer Bus (Route 40) to Swanage, then take a taxi or local bus to Worth Matravers.
- By Foot: From Worth Matravers, follow the well-marked coastal footpath for a 1-mile walk to Winspit Quarry. The route is stunning but can be steep and rocky — sturdy footwear is recommended.
While you won’t find Saw Gerrera plotting his next move there, you’ll still get an unforgettable view of one of Andor’s most intense Rebel strongholds — and perhaps a touch of his paranoia while exploring the abandoned caves!
#8. Valencia, Spain: Potential Andor Season 2 Location
While Andor Season 2 has yet to air (cue impatient rebel sigh), filming crews have been spotted in Valencia, Spain — possibly expanding Cassian Andor’s ever-growing list of terrible life choices.
Specifically, the City of Arts and Sciences — a hyper-modern architectural wonder — will likely stand in for another part of Coruscant or an entirely new Star Wars world.
The Andor Season 2 premiere arrives on Disney+ on April 23, 2025. With release date buzz at Star Wars: Andor levels, fans await new filming locations.
Now that two official Andor Season 2 trailers have dropped, fans are dissecting every frame for new filming locations and plot hints.
#9. Pinewood Studios: Narkina 5’s Infamous Prison Break
The Andor filming locations beach scene in Andor Season 1 (Episode 10, to be exact) gave us one of the most heart-pounding moments of the series.
The prison break on Narkina 5, featuring Kino Loy’s unforgettable line, “I can’t swim,” left us emotionally devastated and wondering where this scene was filmed.
Answer: The real-world location is a mix of CGI and a water tank in the UK’s Pinewood Studios.
The Rebellion Begins in Beautiful Places
From the rugged landscapes of Scotland to the brutalist Barbican in London and the sunlit beaches of Cleveleys, Andor proved that real-world locations can make Star Wars feel more tangible than ever.
As we gear up for Andor Season 2, one thing is certain — wherever Cassian goes next, it’ll be visually stunning, politically intense, emotionally devastating, full of existential dread, and absolutely worth the wait.
And that, fellow rebels, is the way of the Rebellion. May the Force be with you… always.
Andor and Star Wars are the property of Disney/Lucasfilm Ltd. No copyright infringement is intended.
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