Andor – Niamos Beach

Andor – Niamos Beach served as a pivotal filming location for the Disney+ Star Wars series Andor, transforming a quiet English seaside spot into the vibrant, tropical resort planet of Niamos. In episode 7, “Announcement,” this beachfront promenade becomes the backdrop for Cassian Andor’s fleeting moment of relaxation amid Imperial oversight, blending everyday leisure with underlying tension. The production team’s choice highlighted the area’s unique architecture and coastal charm, later commemorated by local authorities to boost tourism. Fans now pilgrimage here to retrace steps from the show, spotting subtle landmarks that survived the transformation.

The Scene

In Andor episode 7, Niamos Beach emerges as a sun-drenched paradise where Cassian Andor, played by Diego Luna, enjoys a rare holiday after fleeing Imperial forces. He lounges amid diverse alien species basking under gazebos, vendors hawking wares, and a lively promenade buzzing with vacationers. Tension builds as he learns of his mother’s death via a broadcast, then spots fellow fugitives from Narkina 5 prison. The idyllic setting shatters when Shoretroopers arrest him dramatically on the beach, with droid assistance subduing him amid protests. Cinematographer Damián García framed the Andor-Melshi parting as a visual nod to Rogue One‘s sunset beach farewell, underscored by Nicholas Britell’s “Niamos! (Galaxy Mix).” Aerial shots reveal Mary’s Shell sculpture, emphasizing the planet’s resort allure under occupation.

The Real Filming Location

Niamos Beach was filmed along the North Promenade in Cleveleys, Lancashire, England, on the Fylde Coast, with coordinates approximately 53.879778, -3.047655. Local Café Cove stood in for Arkie’s, the curved café adorned with alien stencils, pod stalls, and facades hiding public toilets; nearby, The Venue served as production headquarters. Filming occurred from late April to May 11, 2021, closing sections of the promenade. Wyre Council installed a brass marker in 2025, funded by £1,952 from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, celebrating the site’s Star Wars legacy. A 2024 bus station mural references Andor, and Mary’s Shell remains visible from aerial perspectives. The area, 30 minutes by train from Blackpool, retains its wave-like concrete structures and turbines, minimally altered post-production.

Why This Location Was Chosen

Location Manager Jason Allen, a Cleveleys local who attended nearby school and scouted for films like Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children in Blackpool, recommended the site for its exotic beachfront matching the script’s resort vibe. Production, based in London, sought UK spots for new planets, and Cleveleys’ distinctive promenade—curved café, gazebos, and coastal sweep—required little modification beyond stenciling and props. Industrial Light & Magic enhanced it with VFX for tropical flair and KX-droids. Allen’s familiarity ensured logistical ease, with positive local relations; thank-you letters followed filming. The choice aligned with Andor‘s grounded aesthetic, evoking a believable vacation world while callbacks to Rogue One influenced framing.

Visiting the Location

Cleveleys North Promenade welcomes visitors year-round, ideal for Star Wars fans recreating scenes—stand at Cassian’s arrest spot overlooking the beach, relax under gazebos where fugitives appeared, or sip at Café Cove, still recognizable. Spot the brass marker detailing the Andor connection, Mary’s Shell sculpture, and promenade views. Public transport from Blackpool takes 30 minutes; ample parking at The Venue site. Wyre Council promotes film tourism, noting sixth-highest North West footfall growth in April 2025. Free access, family-friendly with cafés and strolls; check tides for beach walks. Locals cherish the legacy, with YouTube channels like Fylde Coast offering bystander footage.