Thanks to Peter Jackson’s iconic film series, Lord Of The Rings will be forever associated with New Zealand.

However, the second series of the upcoming Amazon Studios series will move from New Zealand (where it filmed the first series) to the UK.

The untitled drama will follow the Second Age of Middle-earth’s history, thousands of years before The Hobbit and The Lord Of The Rings books.

It is reportedly the most expensive series ever made – with a budget said to be $465 million (£336 million) – and will debut in September 2022.

(Instagram/@lotronprime)

Lord Of The Rings is known for sweeping vistas and incredible terrains, all filmed in New Zealand – until now.

Amazon Studios will no doubt be looking for similarly staggering landscapes in the UK, and there are plenty of places to choose from right here in the North West.

Here are five places on our doorstep that would make the perfect backdrop for Middle Earth in the new series:

  1. Whiteless Pike, Lake District, Cumbria

For moody mountains, look no further than Whiteless Pike in England’s Lake District.

Not only is the Pike itself pretty stunning to look at, but at 660m tall, it gives you pretty incredible views of the surrounding fells and lakes.

If you time your visit right, you’ll be able to see bluebells carpeting the sides of the mountain.

  1. Stonyhurst, Clitheroe, Lancashire

In Lancashire’s Ribble Valley lies the stunning area of Stonyhurst.

Tolkien himself regularly stayed  at a guest house in the grounds with his wife and children- it’s here that Tolkien is said to have penned the novels.

He is also thought to have been inspired by the beauty and nature of the grounds.

A number of names in The Lord of The Rings are similar to those found locally, such as Shire Lane in Hurst Green.

There is even a Tolkien walking trail in the area which explores the Ribble Valley which may have inspired him.

  1. Crompton Moor, Oldham

Crompton Moor in Oldham has an eclectic range of wildlife and landscapes- which would make it the perfect filming backdrop for the new Lord of the Rings series.

There is grassland, woodland, dry heath, wet bog and heather; there is even an impressive waterfall which flows into Pingot Quarry.

  1. Forest of Bowland, Lancashire

The Forest of Bowland has been named as an areas of outstanding beauty- and for good reason.

According to the Forest of Bowland website, the area is filled with “quiet lanes, ancient woodlands, distinctive and attractive villages to flower-filled hay meadows, open moorland.”

It’s quite easy to picture a hobbit trekking through this landscape on an adventure.

  1. Alderley Edge, Cheshire

Apparently, there are a lot of magic, myths and legends surrounding the quaint Cheshire village of Alderley Edge.

This, coupled with the scenic views of the surrounding countryside, could make it a very interesting filming destination for the new Lord of the Rings installment.

There is even a Wizard Walk over on the National Trust’s website, which allows you to explore the countryside and also discover a local legend which dates back to the 1750s.

Where do you think the new series should be filmed?

 

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