Midwinter Break is an upcoming drama film directed by Polly Findlay. The story is written by Bernard MacLaverty and Nick Payne. The film stars Lesley Manville, Ciarán Hinds, and Julie Lamberton in key roles.
This movie tells a quiet and emotional story about love, memory, and faith. Below is a complete and easy guide to the filming locations used in Midwinter Break.
Midwinter Break follows a long-married couple who take a trip to Amsterdam. During this journey, old memories return and force them to face emotional and spiritual questions from their past.
The film is set to release on February 20, 2026. The movie is produced by Family Affair Films, Film4, and Shoebox Films.
Table of Contents
When and Where Was Midwinter Break Filmed?
| Film Name | Midwinter Break |
|---|---|
| Genres | Drama |
| Filming Locations | Scotland, United Kingdom & Amsterdam, Netherlands |
| Filming Dates | Spring 2024 – June 2024 |
| Cinematography by | Laurie Rose |
| Release Date | February 20, 2026 |
Midwinter Break was filmed mainly in Scotland, with additional scenes shot in Amsterdam, Netherlands. The filmmakers chose real locations instead of studio sets to keep the story natural and emotional. Filming started in spring 2024 and finished in June 2024.
📍Glasgow, Scotland
Many important scenes of Midwinter Break were filmed in Glasgow, which served as the main filming base. The city’s calm streets and historic buildings helped create the film’s quiet and thoughtful mood. Glasgow was chosen because it offers a strong sense of realism and emotional depth that fits the story of a long-married couple reflecting on life.
📍Kelvinside Hillhead Parish Church, Glasgow
Several key scenes were filmed at Kelvinside Hillhead Parish Church in the Hyndland area of Glasgow. For filming, the church was dressed with artificial snow and winter decorations, including Christmas trees near the altar. These scenes reflect the film’s winter setting and its focus on faith, memory, and reflection.
📍Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam plays an important role in the movie as the couple’s travel destination. The city appears as a contrast to the quieter Scottish locations. Its busy streets, historic buildings, and canals help show the emotional shift in the couple’s journey.
Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, is a vibrant metropolis famous for its historic UNESCO-protected canal ring and iconic narrow gabled houses. Often called the “Venice of the North,” the city is built on over 11 million wooden piles and features more than 1,200 bridges connecting a network of 90 islands. Today, it is a global hub for art and culture, housing world-class institutions like the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum alongside a famously liberal and bike-friendly atmosphere.
📍Spui Plaza, Amsterdam
Scenes featuring conversations and walking moments were filmed at Spui Plaza, a well-known public square in Amsterdam. The open space and surrounding historic buildings help show the couple’s connection and inner thoughts during their trip.
📍Rijksmuseum Area, Amsterdam
The Rijksmuseum area appears in exterior shots in the film. These scenes highlight Amsterdam’s cultural beauty and give the movie a sense of history and importance without taking focus away from the personal story.
📍Begijnhofkapel, Amsterdam
Filming also took place at Begijnhofkapel, one of Amsterdam’s oldest religious sites. This location fits closely with the movie’s themes of belief and moral questioning. The peaceful setting adds emotional weight to the scenes filmed here.
The Begijnhofkapel is a historic “hidden church” located within the serene courtyard of the Amsterdam Begijnhof, originally built to serve the Catholic Beguines after the Reformation. Since public Catholic worship was banned in the 17th century, the chapel’s modest exterior was designed to blend in with the surrounding houses to avoid detection. Today, it remains a tranquil place of worship known for its beautiful stained-glass windows and its role in honoring the Miracle of Amsterdam.
Midwinter Break Behind the Scenes
The filmmakers focused on real locations to keep the story honest and grounded. Instead of using studio sets, they filmed in actual churches, streets, and historic places.
Behind-the-scenes moments and filming photos have appeared in promotional material and trailers. More filming details may be shared as the release date gets closer.
Is There Any Trailer Available for Midwinter Break?
Yes, the official trailer for Midwinter Break has been released on YouTube, which you can see here:-
Midwinter Break is set to be released on February 20, 2026, by Focus Features.
FAQs
Q1: Where was Midwinter Break filmed?
A1: Midwinter Break was filmed mainly in Scotland, with additional scenes shot in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Q2: What church was used for filming in Scotland?
A2: Kelvinside Hillhead Parish Church in Glasgow was used and decorated to look like a winter church.
Q3: Were real locations used in Amsterdam for Midwinter Break?
A3: Yes, scenes were filmed at real locations such as Spui Plaza, Rijksmuseum, and Begijnhofkapel.
Q4: When did filming for Midwinter Break end?
A4: Filming wrapped in June 2024.
Q5: Is Midwinter Break based on a book?
A5: Yes, the film is based on Bernard MacLaverty’s 2017 novel of the same name.
Midwinter Break uses beautiful and meaningful real-world locations to support its emotional story. From quiet churches in Scotland to historic streets in Amsterdam, each filming location adds depth to the movie. As the release date approaches, this film is expected to leave a strong emotional impact on viewers who enjoy thoughtful drama stories.
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