The Yorkshire locations used to film the original Blake's 7, as reboot plans are confirmed

With Peter Hoar (the Emmy-nominated director behind hits like The Last of Us and Doctor Who) set to reimagine Terry Nation’s dystopian masterpiece for 2026, fans are looking back at the gritty, low-budget charm that made the original 1970s series a cult classic.

For those unfamiliar with the original, Blake's 7 plunged viewers into a grim, totalitarian future where a small band of rebels fights against the oppressive Federation.

Often cited as a precursor to shows like Firefly and even Star Wars, its enduring appeal lies in its complex characters, moral ambiguity, and surprisingly sophisticated storytelling. While much of the show was famously "shot in a quarry" down south, the production team made a memorable move to Yorkshire for Series 3, using our rugged landscapes and bold architecture to bring alien planets to life.

These locations often provided a stark, authentic backdrop that perfectly complemented the show's dark themes.

If you’re considering a trip to check out these iconic spots for yourself, here is our guide to five essential filming locations in and around Yorkshire—teleport bracelets not included.

The Yorkshire locations used for the original production of Blake’s 7

Almscliffe Crag (Obsidian)

Known in the series as the volcanic planet Obsidian from the episode Volcano, Almscliffe Crag is a striking gritstone outcrop that looks like "rocks in a field in the middle of nowhere." The different shades and higgledy-piggledy shapes of the rocks make it easy to see why the production team chose this for a hostile alien world. The episode saw characters Tarrant and Dayna navigating its treacherous surface.

You enter the field through a stile and head uphill. It’s popular with climbers, but you can easily find the flat, level spaces near the ground where the camera crew once stood, almost exactly matching screenshots from the show. Be careful at the top, as the wind can pick up and the rocks are smooth but uneven due to years of erosion.

Thruscross Reservoir (Auron)

This dramatic site doubled as the planet Auron in the episode Children of Auron, with the most iconic shot featuring the Liberator crew running across the dam’s massive stone steps while explosions go off around them. The sheer scale of the dam makes it instantly recognisable to fans.

You can take a peaceful circular walk around the reservoir, enjoying varied terrain from shaded trees to open water's edge. The "Auron" steps are located specifically just down from the main car park entrance. While some paths near the dam may be partially closed for safety, the view of this imposing structure remains a must-see for fans.

How Stean Gorge (Chenga)

Used in the episode ‘Powerplay,’ this dramatic limestone ravine served as the planet Chenga, where Vila finds himself stranded. It’s a rugged, adventurous location that requires a bit more physical effort than the others, offering deep crevices and narrow walkways.

This is a paid attraction (entry approximately £7). You'll be provided with a map and a hard hat – essential, as the gorge is slippery and features low-hanging rocks and narrow bridges. Hunting for "Vila’s Rock" requires keen eyes, as the environment has changed over the decades with plant growth. Expect a thrilling, if challenging, exploration.

Plumpton Rocks (Chenga)

Also used for the planet Chenga in Powerplay, Plumpton Rocks offers a slightly more serene environment than the gorge, though no less alien. It features towering gritstone rock formations and a tranquil man-made lake, which were utilized for wider, establishing landscape shots of the planet’s surface.

These are private parklands located just a short 15-minute drive east of Almscliffe Crag. Famously described by Queen Victoria as "the most beautiful rocks in the world," it provides a more accessible yet still visually stunning "alien" landscape.

The Brunswick Building (Auron)

The "Auron cloning plant" was perhaps the most famous Leeds city-centre location used in Blake's 7, its brutalist, futuristic architecture providing the perfect backdrop for the Federation's cold, technological might.

Sadly, this iconic building was demolished in 2009. Its striking design, though a marvel of 1970s concrete architecture, made way for new developments. If you want to pay your respects to this piece of sci-fi history, the site is located right near where the First Direct Arena stands today.

Looking for some distinctly Yorkshire television shows to keep you occupied while we wait for the Blake’s 7 reboot? Check out our gallery of programmes with links to the region and to the city.