Andor Star Wars Filming Locations Tour: A Practical Guide for Fans

Introduction

If you’re planning an Andor Star Wars filming locations tour, you’ve picked a good show to base it on. Unlike the more CGI-heavy entries in the franchise, Andor leaned hard into practical sets and real-world locations. That makes visiting these spots genuinely interesting—you get to see where the Rebellion’s gritty underworld was actually filmed.

This guide is for Star Wars fans, location spotters, and anyone in the UK who wants a practical plan. These aren’t theme park recreations. They’re working reservoirs, private estates, and Victorian industrial buildings. Access varies from site to site, and weather plays a big role in how much you’ll enjoy yourself. I’ll cover the main UK filming locations, how to get to them, what you’ll actually see, and how to organize a day trip or a longer weekend.

Why Visit Andor Filming Locations?

If you watched the series, you know Andor felt different from the polished worlds of the prequels or the nostalgia-heavy The Mandalorian. It was dirty, lived-in, industrial. That look wasn’t just lighting—it came from real locations.

Little Marlow stood in for Ferrix. Glenfeshie Estate became the Aldhani arc. Crossness Pumping Station turned into the Imperial Security Bureau complex. These places give you a tangible link to the show. You stand where prisoners marched, where Cassian made deals, where the Empire’s machinery ran. It’s more interesting than staring at a green screen.

The scenery varies a lot too. You get woodland, steep Scottish hillsides, and ornate Victorian brickwork. A tour covering several sites offers real diversity. That mix of show relevance and real-world access makes a trip worth planning.

The Main Andor Filming Locations in the UK

Little Marlow (Ferrix)

This is the most iconic and probably the easiest to visit. The industrial landscape of Little Marlow—a gravel works and reservoir site in Buckinghamshire—stood in for the streets of Ferrix. You can see the distinctive chimney and the open area where most of the street-level action happened.

Practical note: The site is active industrial land and parts are private. You can’t walk onto the sets. But the public footpath along the River Thames and the surrounding area give you solid views. Park in Little Marlow village and walk down. It’s free, though it gets muddy after rain.

Glenfeshie Estate (Aldhani)

For the Aldhani heist arc, the production went to the Cairngorms. Glenfeshie Estate in the Scottish Highlands provided the dramatic landscapes that stood in for the planet Aldhani. The estate’s glens and hills create the visual backdrop for the whole sequence with Stellan Skarsgård’s Luthen Rael.

Practical note: This is a working estate. No set pieces remain. The land is open for hiking, but you need to be ready for remote terrain. Access is seasonal—bird breeding and deer stalking can restrict areas. Check the Glenfeshie Estate website for current access before you go.

Crossness Pumping Station (Imperial Complex)

In southeast London, Crossness Pumping Station is a stunning piece of Victorian engineering. The ornate interior—cast-iron columns and a cathedral-like engine house—was used for the Imperial Security Bureau headquarters. It’s a striking contrast to the industrial grit of Ferrix.

Practical note: The pumping station is a museum but isn’t open daily. Check their opening times for public tours. You can see the exterior from the grounds without a ticket, but to really appreciate the scale and detail that made it on screen, book a tour. Parking is on-site. It makes a good half-day trip from central London.

Other Notable Sites

Pinewood Studios in Iver, Buckinghamshire, near Little Marlow, is where many interior scenes were shot. You can’t do a backlot tour, but the area is worth exploring for the Star Wars connection. Runnymede (Thames flood meadows) and some London government buildings were also used for scenes. They’re less iconic but doable if you’re already in the area.

How to Plan an Andor Filming Locations Tour: Step by Step

1. Decide on your base. Most locations cluster in the South of England (Little Marlow, Crossness, Pinewood area). London is the obvious base, giving you trains and car hire options. If you’re adding Glenfeshie, you need a separate base like Aviemore or Inverness.
2. Determine your travel method. Public transport to Glenfeshie and Little Marlow is limited. A car gives you flexibility. If you’re not driving, consider a guided tour that handles local transport, especially for the Scottish sites.
3. Check access permissions. Don’t assume a site is open. Crossness runs tours on specific days. Glenfeshie can have trail closures. Always check official websites or visitor info before you go.
4. Plan your itinerary based on daylight. UK daylight varies a lot. In winter, you might get only seven hours of usable light for outdoor locations. In summer, you have until 9 or 10 PM. That impacts how many sites you can visit in a day.
5. A rough 2-day southern itinerary: Day 1—Little Marlow in the morning, then drive to Crossness after lunch. Day 2—Explore the Pinewood area and Runnymede. That’s a relaxed pace with room for bad weather or closures.
6. For the full experience, allow 4 to 5 days. One day for London-based sites, one for Little Marlow and surroundings, and two days for travel to and from Glenfeshie.

Self-Drive vs. Guided Tour: Which is Best?

Self-Drive

Driving yourself gives you full flexibility. You can spend as much time as you want at each spot, stop for photos, and adjust plans on the fly. The upfront cost is lower, especially for a family or small group.

Best for: Independent travelers, small groups, and anyone comfortable on UK roads (including narrow Highland ones near Glenfeshie). It takes more research—you’ll need to check access, plan routes, find parking. Navigation and timing are on you.

Guided Tour

Guided tours handle the logistics. You get transport, a schedule, and commentary. The guide can point out details you’d miss on your own—which tree line or bridge was in a specific shot. Tours run on a fixed schedule and cost more per person.

Best for: Solo travelers who don’t want to drive, people with limited planning time, and those who value context over cost. You lose flexibility—if you want to linger somewhere, you can’t. But you gain certainty that you’ll hit everything efficiently.

There’s no universal right answer. It comes down to your budget, how much planning you want to do, and whether a guide’s insights matter to you.

Common Mistakes When Visiting Star Wars Filming Locations

• Assuming open access: Some sites are private or need permits. Little Marlow’s gravel works isn’t a public park. Glenfeshie is a working estate. Check before you go.
• Underestimating travel time: London to Glenfeshie is about a 9-hour drive or a 7-hour train with a car rental at the end. Not a day trip.
• Visiting without checking seasonal restrictions: Glenfeshie may close sections for grouse shooting or deer stalking from August to October. Crossness may be closed for private events. Look ahead.
• Expecting set pieces or props: Nothing remains at these locations. No blasters, no uniforms, no Cassian’s gear. The value is in seeing the physical environment, not leftover props.
• Going with inadequate footwear: These aren’t well-maintained paths. Mud is common at Little Marlow. Scottish hillsides are rocky and wet. Walking boots or sturdy shoes are essential. Travelers dealing with muddy conditions on a tight schedule may want to keep a spare pair of shoes handy, or consider a reliable pair of waterproof hiking boots that can handle the terrain.

Best Times of Year to Visit Andor Locations

Late spring (May–June) and early autumn (September) are the sweet spots. You get moderate temperatures, longer daylight hours, and fewer crowds than during school holidays. July and August are busiest, especially at Crossness and tourist hubs like Aviemore.

For Scottish sites, skip December through February unless you want snow specifically. Roads near Glenfeshie can be tricky in winter. Some paths may be closed. The estate also has a stricter access policy during stalking season (August to October). Check their published access calendar.

For Crossness, check the tour schedule. They run special openings on summer weekends and around Christmas. Little Marlow is accessible year-round but muddiest from November through March.

Where to Stay for an Andor Locations Trip

Where you stay depends entirely on which sites you prioritize.

For southern locations: London is the most convenient base. Find budget options near Paddington for easy access to the M4 corridor toward Little Marlow and Pinewood. Or try a hotel along the M4 itself—around Maidenhead, Slough, or Beaconsfield. That gets you closer to the Buckinghamshire sites and is cheaper than central London. For Crossness, staying near Abbey Wood or Woolwich gives direct access without the city premium.

For Glenfeshie: Stay in Aviemore or nearby villages like Kincraig. Aviemore has lodges, B&Bs, and hotels. Book early for peak months (May–September). Accommodation near the estate is limited, so plan ahead.

If you’re combining southern and northern sites, you’ll need two separate bookings. Trying to do both from one base isn’t practical. Consider a hotel search tool to compare options in each area.

What to Pack for a Star Wars Location Road Trip

• Waterproof walking boots: You’ll hit mud, wet grass, and uneven terrain at nearly every site. A good pair keeps feet dry and ankles stable.
• Portable phone charger: You’ll use GPS, take photos, and look up location info all day. A 10,000 mAh power bank is a solid investment. A reliable portable charger can keep your devices running during long days out.
• Binoculars: At Glenfeshie, you might not want or be able to hike every ridge. Binoculars let you scout the landscapes used in the show from accessible spots.
• Waterproof jacket: UK weather shifts fast. A breathable rain jacket is better than an umbrella, especially on windy hillsides. A packable option from Rab or Patagonia works well. For frequent travelers, a lightweight waterproof jacket can be a versatile choice.
• Dry bag or zip-lock bags: For keeping your phone, map, and snacks dry during sudden downpours. Seriously. Don’t skip this.

Nearby Attractions and Other Star Wars Sites Worth Adding

Once you’re in the area, you can easily combine your Andor trip with other relevant stops.

Little Marlow area: You’re 15 minutes from Pinewood Studios. No public tour is available, but the nearby village of Iver Heath has a few film-related landmarks. The Pinewood Studios shop carries merchandise and sometimes offers glimpses of the lot. Also consider Black Park in Iver—a large woodland area used for filming across multiple productions, including some Star Wars scenes.

Crossness area: After the pumping station, explore the Thames Path along the river. Crossness Reserve is a nature area worth a short walk. If Victorian industrial history interests you, the pumping station is a major attraction beyond its Star Wars connection.

Glenfeshie area: The Highland Folk Museum in Newtonmore gives a feel for Scottish rural life and has been used in period dramas. You’re also close to Cairngorm National Park for hiking and scenery. The Strathspey Railway in Aviemore is a fun heritage railway experience if you have extra time.

For broader Star Wars, note that Skellig Michael (used in The Force Awakens) is in Ireland and requires a separate trip. Don’t try to combine it with your UK Andor tour—it’s a full day’s travel each way.

Final Tips for Your Andor Filming Locations Tour

1. Check access before you go. Websites change. Events close places. Always confirm a site is open on the day you plan to visit.
2. Allow more time than you think. Travel between sites will take longer than your map app estimates, especially in the Highlands or M25 traffic around London. Build in buffer time.
3. Bring proper footwear and layers. The weather can shift from sunny to sleet within an hour. You’ll be more comfortable and enjoy the trip more if you’re prepared.
4. Keep a flexible itinerary. If a site is closed or the weather turns, have a backup plan. Flexibility reduces disappointment and makes the trip better.
5. Respect the land and local regulations. These are real, working environments. Don’t trespass, don’t litter, and don’t interfere with estate operations. This isn’t a theme park. Respecting the rules keeps these locations open for fans in the future.

And book your accommodation early. Popular bases like Aviemore and London’s outer suburbs fill up fast during peak seasons. A bit of advance planning gets you the best options and prices.

Book Your Andor Location Experience

Ready to turn your interest into an actual trip? Start with a hotel search for your chosen base—whether that’s London, Aviemore, or a midlands stopover—and secure your stay early. From there, plan your route with the practical details above and make it a proper film location adventure.