How To Visit HBO's “House of the Dragon” Stunning Filming Locations

After a two-year hiatus, the “House of the Dragon” has returned for its second series, and House Targaryen’s rule over the Seven Kingdoms is just as tumultuous and breathtakingly beautiful as ever. Rival factions are vying for the Iron Throne in this HBO fantasy series, which is also a precursor to “Game of Thrones”, which debuted on Monday, June 17 and runs for eight episodes.

The magnificent filming sites for “House of the Dragon” offer a cinematic equivalent of a passport. Although the prequel to “Game of Thrones” is based on George R.R. Martin’s 2018 novel Fire & Blood, it is set in a different world, and the cast and crew traveled to actual centuries-old locations throughout Europe to film the series. The show, which is currently in its second season, tells the story of the political unrest, battle, and familial drama that surrounded the House Targaryen of Dragonstone 172 years before Queen Daenerys Targaryen was born.

The crew has now visited four distinct European nations: Wales, Portugal, Spain, and England. Make sure to add these places to your bucket list of places to see in Game of Thrones when the history of the Targaryen dynasty and the civil war that split them apart is revealed in the upcoming episode.

Caceres, Spain

Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn for mild weather and fewer crowds.

Transportation Options: Accessible via train or bus from Madrid, and car rentals are available for more flexibility.

What Scenes: The fortified palaces and Renaissance architecture of Caceres doubled as parts of King’s Landing.

Dubrovnik, the capital of Westeros, was surpassed by the fortified palaces, Renaissance architecture, and cobblestone alleys of Caceres in western Spain. A 15th-century Gothic cathedral and some appropriately gargoyle-adorned Plaza de Santa Maria served as the backdrop for scenes shot in the Unesco World Heritage Site, which also included the Old Town. Caceres’ medieval ambiance was a perfect fit, surpassing even Dubrovnik, the previous stand-in for King’s Landing. Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the hilly terrain and historic sites.

Things to Do: Visit the Caceres Museum, the Palacio de los Golfines de Abajo, and the Bujaco Tower.

Where to Eat: Atrio Restaurante Hotel for fine dining, La Minerva for local cuisine.

Where to Stay: Parador de Caceres, a historic hotel offering luxurious accommodations.

Trujillo, Spain

Best Time to Visit: Spring and early summer for pleasant weather.

Transportation Options: Reachable by car from Madrid or Caceres, with bus options also available.

What Scenes: Trujillo’s main square and medieval architecture featured as parts of King’s Landing.

King’s Landing’s first season also featured scenes from the medieval era in Trujillo’s main square. It’s not surprising that the village of Terracotta Stone was included in an earlier episode of Game of Thrones, given the area’s well-preserved Roman remains and Moorish hilltop castles immediately east of Cacares.

Things to Do: Tour the Trujillo Castle, visit the Pizarro House Museum, and explore the Church of Santa Maria la Mayor.

Where to Eat: Corral del Rey offers traditional dishes, Restaurante El 7 de Sillerias provides a variety of local flavors.

Where to Stay: Eurostars Palacio de Santa Marta, set in a historic building with modern comforts.

Santa Clotilde Gardens, Lloret de Mar, Spain

Best Time to Visit: Spring and summer for the best floral displays and weather.

Transportation Options: Accessible by bus or car from Barcelona.

What Scenes: The botanical gardens served as the Red Keep’s grounds.

With sweeping views of the Mediterranean Sea, the botanical gardens of Santa Clotilde in Lloret de Mar, Catalonia, served as the Red Keep’s grounds. Constructed in 1926 in the Italian Renaissance style, the Gironagardens are a year-round public garden featuring a labyrinth of staircases, well-manicured lawns, and lush vegetation.

Things to Do: Explore the beaches, visit the Maritime Museum, and take a boat tour along the coast.

Where to Eat: Restaurante Freu for gourmet cuisine, Can Bolet for seafood specialties.

Where to Stay: Hotel Santa Marta, offering luxury accommodations with sea views.

Gaztelugatxeko, Bay of Biscay

Best Time to Visit: Late spring to early autumn for the best weather.

Transportation Options: Accessible by car or bus from Bilbao.

What Scenes: The stairs leading to the Dragonstone stronghold.

The stairs to the Dragonstone stronghold is located on the islet of Gaztelugatxeko, which is part of Spain’s northern coastline. The 241 steep stone steps of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe lead to a modest church in real life, but in fiction, they create a stunning entrance to the Targaryens’ ancient home.

Things to Do: Hike along coastal trails, visit nearby Bermeo, and explore the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve.

Where to Eat: Eneperi Jatetxea for Basque cuisine, Asador Cannon for grilled specialties.

Where to Stay: Hotel Gaztelugatxe, offering comfortable lodging with scenic views.

Monsanto, Castelo Branco, Portugal

Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn for comfortable temperatures.

Transportation Options: Accessible by car or bus from Lisbon or Porto.

What Scenes: Portrayed as the ancestral home of House Targaryen.

Medieval Monsanto is portrayed as the ancestral home of House Targaryen. The Portuguese Dragonstone, recognized by Unesco as a “City of Stone,” is marked with boulders without any dragons.

Things to Do: Explore the Monsanto Castle, visit the Chapel of Sao Miguel, and hike the trails around the village.

Where to Eat: Petiscos & Granitos for traditional dishes, Adega Típica O Cruzeiro for local flavors.

Where to Stay: Monsanto GeoHotel Escola, offering a blend of modern amenities and historical charm.

St Michael’s Mount, Cornwall, England

Best Time to Visit: Late spring to early autumn for pleasant weather and accessible causeway.

Transportation Options: Accessible by car, train to Penzance, and then a short bus or taxi ride. What Scenes: Served as High Tide Castle and Driftmark’s High Tide Castle.

St. Michael’s Mount, a beloved Cornish postcard, served as both High Tide Castle and Driftmark’s High Tide Castle in House of the Dragon. The tidal island in “Blackwater Bay” became the residence of the Velaryon household, who received visits from figures such as Princess Rhaenrya and King Viserys.

Things to Do: Tour the castle, visit the gardens, and explore the island’s village.

Where to Eat: The Island Cafe for casual dining, The Godolphin Arms for sea views and local cuisine.

Where to Stay: Marazion Hotel, offering comfortable accommodations close to the island.

Holywell Beach, Cornwall, England

Best Time to Visit: Summer for beach activities and warm weather.

Transportation Options: Accessible by car or bus from Newquay.

What Scenes: Depicted the Stepstone Islands.

The Stepstone Islands, which connect Westeros and Essos between the “Narrow Sea” and the “Summer Sea,” provided a sandy backdrop for the Targaryens’ visits to Cornwall’s serene Holywell Beach.

Things to Do: Surfing, coastal walks, and exploring nearby Newquay.

Where to Eat: The Treguth Inn for traditional pub food, The Bowgie Inn for seafood.

Where to Stay: The Lewinnick Lodge, offering stylish accommodations with sea views.

Kynance Cove, Cornwall, England

Best Time to Visit: Late spring to early autumn for the best weather and accessibility.

Transportation Options: Accessible by car from Helston.

What Scenes: Provided the backdrop for the Valyrian camp and battle scenes.

Cornwall’s Kynance Cove on Asparagus Island provided a backdrop of grass-wrapped granite stacks, white beach, and turquoise waves for the Valyrian camp prior to the War of the Stepstones for the first major fight scenario of the season.

Things to Do: Hiking the coastal paths, swimming, and enjoying the scenic views.

Where to Eat: The Kynance Cove Cafe for light bites and refreshments.

Where to Stay: Mullion Cove Hotel, offering luxury accommodations with sea views.

Gwynedd, Wales

Best Time to Visit: Spring and summer for pleasant weather and outdoor activities.

Transportation Options: Accessible by car or train to Bangor, then local transport to specific sites.

What Scenes: Featured as the façade of Dragonstone.

The fantasy series set in North Wales’ valleys and quarries brought Snowdonia’s Westeros to life. From the striking Dinorwig Quarry, which was formerly among the biggest slate quarries globally, to the majestic Yr Eifl Granite Quarry, Gwynedd convincingly mimicked the façade of Dragonstone. The series also highlighted the remarkable geology, hiking trails, and waterfalls of the ethereal Ogwen glacial valley in the Eryri National Park. Afterward, the 17th-century Penmachno Roman Bridge, located south of Betws-y-Coed, had a central role during scenes depicting the aftermath of a fight.

Things to Do: Hike Snowdon, visit the National Slate Museum, and explore Caernarfon Castle.

Where to Eat: The Peak Restaurant for fine dining, Caban Cafe for casual meals.

Where to Stay: Plas Dinas Country House, offering luxurious accommodations with historical charm.

Anglesey, Wales

Best Time to Visit: Spring and summer for the best weather and outdoor activities.

Transportation Options: Accessible by car or train to Holyhead, then local transport to specific sites.

What Scenes: Featured rowing scenes and other key moments filmed near Trwyn Du Lighthouse, Llanddwyn Beach, and Porth y Cwch coves.

The series also features the craggy coastline, coves, and beaches of the Isle of Anglesey. Supporters noticed rowing scenes being recorded close to the famous Trwyn Du Lighthouse at the well-liked Penmon Point beach. Llanddwyn Beach and Porth y Cwch coves are thought to frame the Sowing of the Dragonseeds, while cameras were also spotted getting ready for a cavalry charge on the beaches of Beaumaris.

Things to Do: Visit Beaumaris Castle, explore South Stack Lighthouse, and enjoy water sports at Rhosneigr Beach.

Where to Eat: The Marram Grass for locally sourced cuisine, Dylan’s for seafood dishes.

Where to Stay: Tre-Ysgawen Hall in Wales, a historic hotel with modern amenities.

Bourne Woods, Farnham

Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn for mild weather and beautiful foliage.

Transportation Options: Accessible by car or train to Farnham, then a short taxi ride.

What Scenes: Used for battle scenes amidst the dense forest.

The crew also traveled to Bourne Woods, a popular film location in Farnham for battle scenes amidst the thick undergrowth and tall green trees. This area was formerly the setting for the Battle of Austerlitz in Napoleon and the opening fight in Gladiator. Wear comfortable hiking shoes and bring insect repellent.

Things to Do: Visit Farnham Castle, explore the Museum of Farnham, and stroll through Farnham Park.

Where to Eat: The Wheatsheaf Pub for traditional British fare, Brasserie Blanc for French cuisine.

Where to Stay: The Bush Hotel, offering historic charm and modern amenities.

Peak District

Best Time to Visit: Spring and summer for the best weather and outdoor activities.

Transportation Options: Accessible by car or train to various towns within the Peak District.

What Scenes: Used for various locations, including Cave Dale, Castleton, and Eldon Hill Quarry.

Production used the archetypal English Peak District for locations in and around the southern Pennine Mountains. The acolytes of the crab kings sought refuge in Cave Dale, a dry valley and walking hotspot, while the quaint Derbyshire village of Castleton reappeared as the Vale of Arryn and the home of House Arryn. Eldon Hill Quarry, a 470-meter limestone hill in the National Park, was also depicted on screen as the backdrop of Prince Daemon’s previous residence.

Things to Do: Visit Chatsworth House, hike Kinder Scout, and explore the Blue John Cavern.

Where to Eat: The George in Hathersage for hearty meals, The Old Hall Inn for traditional dishes.

Where to Stay: The Peacock at Rowsley, offering luxury accommodations with historical significance.

Caesar’s Camp, Aldershot

Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn for mild weather and fewer crowds.

Transportation Options: Accessible by car or train to Aldershot, then a short taxi ride.

What Scenes: Featured as a battlefield and rural vistas.

At Ceasar’s Camp in Hampshire, the ruins of an Iron Age hillfort served as both a backdrop for the battlefield featuring a collection of vibrant tents and the rural vistas of House of the Dragon life. Wear sturdy shoes for hiking and bring a picnic to enjoy the views.

Things to Do: Visit Aldershot Military Museum, explore Manor Park, and enjoy local shops and cafes.

Where to Eat: The Queen Hotel for pub food, Mimosa for a variety of cuisines.

Where to Stay: Potters International Hotel, offering comfortable accommodations and modern amenities.