Cumbria’s Calder Abbey, one of the county’s most atmospheric historic ruins, has featured in the first teaser trailer for the highly anticipated Peaky Blinders movie, bringing global attention to one of the region’s hidden heritage gems.
Fans of the gritty British drama were treated to a first look at Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man late last month, with Netflix and BBC Film releasing a dramatic teaser. The clip offers a powerful glimpse of Tommy Shelby’s return, set against the backdrop of World War II.
Among the striking visuals in the trailer are scenes shot at Calder Abbey, the 12th-century monastic site near Calderbridge in West Cumbria. The abbey’s atmospheric stone ruins play into the film’s moody wartime aesthetic, offering a perfect contrast to the urban grit of Birmingham that the Peaky Blinders story is best known for.
What is Calder Abbey?
Calder Abbey was founded in 1134 and later became a Cistercian monastery. It now stands as an evocative historic site near the village of Calderbridge in Cumbria’s coastal hinterland. Although not normally open to the public, its quiet stone cloisters and medieval remains have long drawn history lovers and photographers from across the UK.
The new trailer — viewed millions of times since its release — briefly shows scenes around the abbey’s ancient ruins, giving them a cinematic presence they have rarely enjoyed before. Local film watchers and Cumbria residents alike have been sharing screenshots and reactions on social media since the teaser dropped.
What Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man Is and When You Can Watch It
Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man continues the story of Birmingham’s notorious Shelby family after the end of the beloved BBC series. The movie is set in 1940, with Tommy Shelby (Cillian Murphy) drawn back into conflict as war grips the country.
The film will premiere in select UK cinemas on 6 March 2026 before its global Netflix release on 20 March 2026. Fans have reacted with excitement to both the release window and the dramatic tone of the trailer that hints at wartime stakes and personal reckonings for the Shelby clan.
Why the Cumbrian Sighting Matters
Although the Peaky Blinders series and movie are primarily set in Birmingham and other urban centres, the inclusion of Calder Abbey in the teaser highlights how filmmakers are turning to the landscapes and heritage sites of northern England for evocative, atmospheric backdrops.
For Cumbrian tourism, this is a boost. Sites like Calder Abbey already attract visitors interested in medieval history and tranquil rural scenery. Now, the abbey also has a place — however brief — in one of the UK’s most talked-about film releases of 2026.
What Locals and Visitors Are Saying
On local community pages and forums, residents near Calderbridge shared surprise and pride at seeing the abbey in the trailer. Some spotted extras and crew activity around the abbey last year when filming reportedly took place, adding to the buzz.
One post on a North West group noted that people had spotted Peaky Blinders production activity around Calder Bridge and Calder Abbey, with excitement building among residents as word spread about the location’s part in the movie.
Plan a Peaky Blinders-Inspired Trip to Cumbria
If you’re intrigued by the new film and its Cumbrian connection, planning a visit to Calder Abbey and the surrounding area could be a rewarding part of a Lake District itinerary. You could follow up a pilgrimage to the ruins with a scenic walk along nearby rivers, a visit to the historic village of Calderbridge, or a drive through the coastal landscapes that inspired parts of the shoot.
Whether you’re a fan of the Shelby saga or just love historic sites with a story to tell, Calder Abbey’s moment in the spotlight underscores Cumbria’s appeal not just for nature lovers but for film lovers too.
