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 having concluded like the Death Star over Scarif, fans wonder: 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?
So, where is Andor filmed? While it may take place in a galaxy far, far away, its filming locations are very much Earth-bound. The Andor show took full advantage of real-world locations to create some of the most immersive settings in Star Wars history.
While the Andor Season 1 filming locations were primarily in the UK, in Season 2, Andor filming locations expanded to sunny Spain, in addition to Season 1’s Andor filming locations in the UK.
So, 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 the standout filming spots worth mentioning:
#1. Scotland: The Planet Aldhani
Where was Aldhani filmed? 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!
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.
Cruachan Dam
Where Hydropower Meets the Dark Side
Yes, the real-life hydroelectric power station that doubled as the Empire’s Aldhani garrison. Its unique design — particularly the dam and cavernous underground station — was chosen for its uncanny resemblance to Darth Vader’s helmet and the Empire’s cold, brutalist vibe.
Apparently, even in Star Wars, oppressive regimes love their architecture as intimidating as their leadership. Visitors to the Cruachan Power Station Visitor Center can descend into the mountain’s core — no lightsaber required — to see how the Force (okay, water) is harnessed to power Scotland.
It’s a rare chance to tour a facility that’s both an engineering marvel and a cinematic villain’s lair. Come for the sci-fi bragging rights, stay for the surprisingly thrilling lesson in renewable energy.
Glen Tilt
Scenic Beauty With a Side of Imperial Paranoia
This breathtaking stretch of the Scottish Highlands had us ready to lace up our boots and disappear into the wilderness — until we remembered the Empire has a bad habit of leaving stray TIE Fighters tucked between the trees.
With its lush valleys and cinematic sweep, Glen Tilt looks like it was handcrafted for rebel escapes, dramatic stand-offs, or just brooding in the rain like a galaxy-weary Cassian.
Just watch your step — the scenery’s epic, but so is the potential for an unexpected encounter with the Empire’s landscaping department.
#2. London: Coruscant, Capital of the Galaxy
Andor filming locations in both seasons gave us a deeper look at Coruscant (London), minus the organized government (or the cool floating billboards).
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’ Beach Resort
In Andor Season 1, Episode 7 (“Announcement”), Cassian Andor gets arrested on the tropical resort planet Niamos, the Empire’s version of a spring break gone wrong.
For the beachfront location at Niamos, Andor’s filming location was 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:
-
- 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 & Kenari
Black Park, a go-to Star Wars filming site near Pinewood Studios, brought Ferrix and Kenari to life in Andor. Ferrix’s bustling scrapyard — where Cassian Andor cut deals and dodged trouble — was a custom-built set, but the park’s rugged terrain made it feel truly lived-in.
Its muddy paths and dense foliage gave Ferrix that perfect “grimy industrial planet” vibe, proving that Star Wars thrives on a speck of dirt and rust. Beyond Ferrix, Black Park also stood in for Kenari’s abandoned mining site, the eerie, overgrown ruins of Cassian’s childhood.
Left to decay after an Imperial disaster, this ghost town of a planet set the stage for Cassian’s survival instincts and future rebellion. Ferrix and Kenari feel familiar because Black Park has also played host to Harry Potter, James Bond, and Batman, so it’s Hollywood’s favorite dystopian playground.
While you won’t find a Rebel hideout or a crashed starship, a walk through Black Park might just make you feel like a rogue operative, minus the Imperial arrest warrant!
#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.
In Andor Season 2, Episode 5, Saw Gerrera’s hideout is located on D’Qar, a rugged planet with a rocky, bunker-filled terrain, also filmed in Winspit Quarry.
Nestled along the rugged Jurassic Coast, this eerie, windswept location perfectly captures 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.
Known for his extreme tactics and… ahem… fuel-sniffing habit that probably isn’t covered by most galactic health plans, Saw’s base is the perfect setting for his brand of chaotic rebellion, where he also delivered some of the most memorable lines from Andor Season 2:
“Revolution is not for the sane. Look at us: unloved, hunted, cannon fodder. We’ll all be dead before the republic is back, and yet… here we are. Where are you, boy? You’re here! You’re not with Luthen. You’re here! You’re right here, and you’re ready to fight! We’re the rhydo, kid. We’re the fuel. We’re the thing that explodes when there’s too much friction in the air. Let it in, boy! That’s freedom calling! Let it in! Let it run! Let it run wild!”
Between the hidden bunkers and Saw’s questionable decisions, it’s clear: the Resistance might want to keep an eye on his fuel intake. 🤔
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. Pinewood Studios: Narkina 5 & Ghorman
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. The real-world location combines CGI and a water tank in the UK’s Pinewood Studios.
In Andor Season 2, the scenes from Ghorman were filmed on the Pinewood Studios backlot in the UK, where they built an elaborate set with streets, plazas, and even Imperial balconies — because apparently, the Empire really loves a good balcony for their speeches.
The place looks so meticulously designed that you’d almost expect Saw Gerrera to be yelling, “I have friends everywhere… and a good sense of direction around these streets!”
With its grand set pieces, Pinewood turned Ghorman into a tragic yet stylish location — and let’s face it, if the Empire’s going to massacre you, they’ll do it in style.
#9. Watlington, Oxfordshire: Mina-Rau’s Rye Fields
Tucked into the countryside of Watlington, Oxfordshire, the golden fields of Mina-Rau give Andor Season 2 some serious Rebel Moon vibes.
This ancient rye grain wasn’t just a happy accident — it was planted specifically for the show, taking a full year to grow into the wild, weathered landscape perfect for hiding out from the Empire.
It’s the kind of place where Cassian, Bix, Brasso, Wilmon, and our favorite loyal droid B2EMO could easily vanish into the horizon.
Honestly, it’s hard to tell if you’re about to stumble onto a secret rebel camp or the set of a moody space opera — either way, it’s pure cinematic gold.
#10. Montserrat, Spain: The High Ground of Chandrilan Weddings
The Montserrat mountain range, northwest of Barcelona, steps into the galactic spotlight as the breathtaking setting for the Mothma estate.
Perched high in the jagged mountains of Catalonia, Montserrat served as the ethereal backdrop for Mon Mothma’s serene yet politically charged Chandrilan wedding scenes in Andor Season 2.
The ceremonial walk before the wedding of Leida Mothma and Stekan Sculdun winds dramatically up the mountain, setting the stage for a splendid — if emotionally complicated — wedding ceremony.
The wedding party turned out surprisingly lively for the ever-composed Mon Mothma. A rare burst of joy in a galaxy drowning in gloom and betrayal. Let’s face it, if you’re stuck navigating ambition and shady in-laws, you might as well do it somewhere with spectacular views.
This sacred site mirrors the stoic elegance of the senator herself — calm on the outside, turbulent within. With its jagged, pinnacled formations, Montserrat is the perfect backdrop for tense political negotiations, awkward arranged marriages, and just a hint of family rebellion.
#11. Valencia, Spain: The Galactic Senate’s Elegant Front
In Andor Season 3, Episode 6, the City of Arts and Sciences — that hypermodern architectural marvel in Valencia, Spain that looks like a Jedi’s fever dream after binge-watching Star Wars and Project Runway — boldly doubles as the exterior of the Imperial Senate.
With its sweeping curves and space-age elegance, the City of Arts and Sciences practically screams, “Democracy is dying in style.” The sleek lines. The futuristic domes. And enough glass to make a stormtrooper nervous.
It’s the perfect stand-in for the Imperial Senate, where galactic politics and covert agendas collide. Preferably in slow motion. Under moody lighting. With a swelling score that all but announces: someone’s getting betrayed today.
The City of Arts and Sciences also moonlights as the lavish estate of Davos Sculdun, where power lunches come with a side of quiet threats and designer robes.
With its sweeping curves, reflective pools, and sleek, futuristic architecture, it’s less “mansion” and more “Bond villain lair with excellent taste.”
It’s the perfect setting for Sculdun’s brand of refined menace — a man who negotiates like a mob boss but hosts like a five-star concierge.
If corruption had an interior designer, it would look exactly like this.
#12. Castell de Xàtiva, Spain: A Taste of Imperial Brutality
The historic Castell de Xàtiva in Spain is stunning in Andor Season 2, Episode 10, as the dramatic setting for a flashback sequence that blends tourist kitsch with Rebellion grit.
In the scene, a younger, scrappier Luthen and an idealistic Kleya are hawking trinkets. Business is booming… until the Empire arrives, not for souvenirs, but for subjugation.
The flashback reveals a chilling early glimpse into the brutality of Imperial occupation, as Kleya bears witness to a ruthless massacre that sparks the first embers of their rebellion, and Luthen somberly reminds her:
“All you know now is how much you hate. You bank that. You hide that. You keep it alive until you know what to do with it.”
Shot at the Castell de Xàtiva, a sprawling twin fortress perched in the mountains of Valencia, the location lends an air of ancient gravitas to the scene. Known for its layered history of conquest and resistance, the castle is a perfect stand-in for a galaxy far, far away.
It’s got everything a Star Wars location needs — epic stone archways, crumbling walls with secrets, and the distinct feeling that a Sith Lord could dramatically sweep through at any moment.
#13. Tikal, Guatemala: Return of Yavin 4’s Rebel Base
In Andor Season 2, the Rebel base on Yavin 4 makes its triumphant return — and yes, it’s still rocking that ancient temple-meets-secret-resistance-HQ aesthetic.
Filmed once again among the towering Mayan ruins of Tikal in Guatemala — the same iconic site used in Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope — the location is so steeped in galactic history that it practically hums with John Williams’ score.
Cassian Andor drops in during Episode 7, navigating rebel chaos with the frazzled charm of a man who’s been double-crossed, shot at, and emotionally compromised before his caf kicks in.
The jungle may be thick, but the tension’s thicker — because when you’re hiding from the Empire, nothing says “low profile” like parking your starships next to a 1,200-year-old temple. If those ruins had Wi-Fi, Mon Mothma would’ve turned it into a conference center.
3-Day Andor Filming Locations Itinerary (UK)
Day 1: The Highlands of Aldhani
- Morning: Explore Glen Coe & Loch Leven – Walk through the breathtaking landscapes that brought Andor’s Aldhani to life. These dramatic mountains and valleys were the setting for Cassian’s tense heist mission.
- Afternoon: Hike or Sightsee – Take in the stunning views, hike short trails, or capture cinematic photos. Enjoy a meal in a local Highland village to soak in the atmosphere.
- Evening: Stay Overnight Nearby – Book a cozy stay in Fort William or Glencoe to rest up for the journey south.
Day 2: Travel & Imperial Encounters
- Morning: Drive from the Highlands to Lancashire. Start the 5.5-hour journey toward Cleveleys Beach. Stop for a scenic break along the way.
- Afternoon: Arrive in Cleveleys (Niamos). Visit the iconic Sea Wall, where Cassian was arrested, and walk along the beach that became Andor’s resort planet.
- Evening: Relax & Stay Overnight. Enjoy a classic British fish and chips dinner and rest in a Lancashire hotel.
Day 3: Rebel Hideouts & ISB Strongholds
- Morning: Visit Black Park (Ferrix & Kenari). If time allows, travel south to Black Park, Buckinghamshire, where Ferrix’s scrapyard scenes were filmed.
- Evening: Wrap Up in London – End your Andor adventure with a visit to the Barbican Centre or Canary Wharf, which doubled as Coruscant in the show.
This 3-day itinerary of Andor filming locations allows for a mix of breathtaking landscapes, cinematic history, and immersive experiences, without feeling like you’re rushing through hyperspace!
A perfect itinerary for any Star Wars fan wanting to step into the world of Andor — minus the constant Imperial surveillance!
3-Day Andor Filming Locations Itinerary (Spain)
Day 1: Mon Mothma’s Majestic Retreat
Location: Montserrat Monastery & Mountain, Catalonia
What to See & Do:
- Visit the spectacular Montserrat mountain range, whose jagged peaks and mystic atmosphere were the perfect setting for the privileged elite of the galaxy.
- Explore the 11th-century Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey, where elegance meets spiritual grandeur — think Chandrila with incense.
- Spend the night at the Hotel Abat Cisneros Montserrat, right next to the monastery, and enjoy the stunning views.
- Take the funicular ride up for sweeping cinematic views worthy of a Coruscanti drone shot.
Experience Bonus:
- Pack a formal robe for some cosplay-worthy photos among the cliffs and the abbey. Optional: rehearse your best “I do… for the cause.”
Day 2: The Galactic Senate’s Elegant Front
Location: City of Arts and Sciences, Valencia
What to See & Do:
- Wander through the ultra-modern architectural complex designed by Santiago Calatrava, used as the Galactic Senate’s sleek exterior in Andor Season 2.
- Key spots include:
- L’Hemisfèric – The eye-shaped building (very “Empire’s watching”).
- Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia – The Senate never looked so chic.
- Umbracle – A lush promenade perfect for plotting rebellion… or selfies.
Experience Bonus:
- Grab a café con leche at a terrace café while you argue Star Wars politics like a true senator. Bonus points if you can work “Mon Mothma” into a toast.
Day 3: Echoes of Imperial Might
Location: Castell de Xàtiva, Valencia Province
What to See & Do:
- Explore the fortified twin castles that doubled as the site of a haunting flashback in Season 2, Episode 10, where a young Luthen and Kleya witness the Empire’s violence firsthand.
- The castle’s labyrinthine layout and commanding hilltop views make it easy to imagine stormtroopers patrolling the ramparts — or a covert rebel meeting in the dungeons.
Experience Bonus:
- Hike up the hill as if escaping a TIE fighter raid.
- Bring a pair of replica kyber crystals or “souvenirs” to recreate Luthen and Kleya’s early hustle (just don’t expect to sell them for credits).
🌌 Bonus Tips:
- Transportation: Rent a speeder (or just a car). These sites are hours apart, but worth the intergalactic mileage.
- Stay: Choose a boutique hotel in Valencia as your base — halfway between the galaxy’s past and its future.
- Pro Tip: Watch Andor Season 2 episodes the night before each location visit to prime your rebel senses.
May your journey be filled with awe, rebellion, and just enough espionage. And remember… the Force isn’t required — but comfy shoes definitely are.
Now that Andor Season 2 is done airing, fans are raving about the razor-sharp writing and gut-punch moments — none more haunting than Mon Mothma’s bone-chilling monologue on sanctioned genocide.
Throw in the return of fan-favorite droid B2SO, back with sass, loyalty, and just enough trauma to make him the most emotionally complex piece of scrap metal in the galaxy, and it’s clear: the rebellion is getting real.
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 Andor Season 2 wrapped, one thing became clear: wherever Cassian went, it was visually stunning, politically charged, emotionally brutal, and steeped in existential dread.
And now’s the perfect time to rewatch Rogue One — because, as Diego Luna teased, after Andor, you’d never see it the same way again.
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.
- Best Places To Visit In Europe for First‑Timers, Couples, & Christmas - June 10, 2025
- Ultimate Travel Packing List For Every Vacation + Packing Tips - June 8, 2025
- What Is a Thru-Hike? Through-Hiking Top Trails in the USA - June 7, 2025
Discover more from Ahoy Matey Blog
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.