As we eagerly await season two of ‘House of the Dragon’ to fill that fantasy-sized hole in our hearts, you can bring the magic to your own life and holidays by visiting the set. These ‘House of the Dragon’ filming locations are scattered throughout the UK and Europe, and you can visit them all.
Visit the Cave Dale, where the gruesome crab kings' acolytes take shelter, or the ancestral seat of House Targaryen at Dragonstone, also known as Monsanto, Portugal. We’ve got 12 great spots lined up for you, all of which will look awfully familiar to your TV or laptop screen!
Photo by Scott Fisher on Cornish Drone Photography.
Where was ‘House of the Dragon’ filmed?
‘House of the Dragon’ is one of the many ‘Game of Thrones’ spin-offs commissioned by HBO after the raging success of the original show. Based on ‘Fire & Blood,’ a history book accompanying the ‘A Song of Ice & Fire’ series by George R. R. Martin, it takes place one thousand years before we meet Danaerys Targaryen, and focuses on her ancestors.
While ‘Game of Thrones’ was filmed in Northern Ireland, Croatia and Iceland, its successor is largely filmed in England and Wales, among other places. So where was ‘House of the Dragon’ filmed? Let’s find out!
1. Surrey, England
Let’s start right here in the UK in the tranquil hills of Surrey. This is a place steeped in history, as the Magna Carta was signed here around 900 years ago, so it’s the perfect location for the story of the Targaryens. This was used as the location of the tournament in the first episode, among the natural woodlands, idyllic meadows, and cosy country houses. You might not have noticed the background among all the bloody conflicts happening on-screen, so you can get a good look when you visit this time round.
2. Cáceres, Spain
While King’s Landing was mainly shot in Dubrovnik, Croatia, occasionally they used a lesser-known city: Cáceres in Spain. It’s such an incredible location that show creators decided to use it as one of the main filming spots for ‘House of the Dragon.’ Not only is it one of Spain’s most beautiful cities, but it literally takes you back in time. This medieval city is filled with ancient walls, cobbled streets, turrets topped with creepy gargoyles, and pointed roofs. It's the perfect backdrop for any fantasy show.
3. Cornwall, England
You don’t have to travel far from home for this ‘House of the Dragon’ filming location! In Cornwall, the Stepstones scenes were filmed at the beloved Holywell Beach and Kynance Cove, some of our favourite unbelievably un-English-looking spots on the Cornish Coast. An island castle known as St. Michael’s Mount was previously featured in ‘Game of Thrones’ for the Battle of the Blackwater, and now it is Driftmark, home to House Velaryon. Explore these beautiful locations and then treat yourself to a Cornish pastie or some freshly caught seafood for dinner — as the Targaryens surely would!
Photo by Scott Fisher on Cornish Drone Photography.
4. Trujillo, Spain
It makes sense that a town known for its well-preserved Roman ruins would make an excellent filming location for a fantasy series. But what is surprising is that Trujillo isn’t better known, but that makes it perfect for filming a popular series… or visiting on holiday. You’ll quickly spot familiar medieval castles situated on hilltops from the show.
5. Monsanto, Portugal
Welcome to the ‘most Portuguese village in Portugal,’ also known as Monsanto. This UNESCO World Heritage Site will look awfully familiar to you, with its giant boulders, mountain–top fortress and crumbling walls, and that’s because it’s the ancestral seat of House Targaryen. It might be a little disjointing to see Dragonstone without all the dragons, but you’ll still get to enjoy incredible views.
6. Peak District, England
Despite ‘House of the Dragon’ not taking place in the North, they did head up north for filming, over to the rolling hills of the Peak District. The Peak District National Park provided many scenic backdrops for episodes. In particular, Cave Dale was used as the location of the crab kings' acolytes in scenes that required a lot of stage makeup.
7. Gaztelugatxeko, Spain
The Dragonstone fortress is impressive in itself. But it’s the narrow, stone stairway with a sheer drop to the ocean on either side that truly turns the ancient home of the Targaryens into a mysteriously magical sight. The beauty is that there’s nothing magical about it! This magnificent walkway exists in real life, and you can walk in the footsteps of all the Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon actors who dared cross it. You’ll find the stairway on the peninsula of Gaztelugatxeko on the northern shoreline of Spain, not far from the city of Bilbao. It won’t lead to a dragon or a throne, but a beautiful little church instead. Don’t forget to ring the bells!
8. Catalonia, Spain
In episode two, when Lord Corlys and Princess Rhaenys are suggesting the king marry their 12-year-old daughter and unite their houses further, they’re actually wandering through the regal botanical gardens of Santa Clotilde. You can also stroll through the tall hedges and winding gravel paths, maybe even hold illicit conversations of your own. This stunning garden is located in the quaint seaside town of Lloret de Mar, perfect for a long weekend getaway.
9. Surrey, England
Season two of ‘House of the Dragon’ took us back to Surrey, but to a different location this time. The Bourne Woods are already a magical location, covered is mossy trees, thick foliage, and the promise of folklore in the air, and now they’ll be home to an epic battle scene. We’d expect nothing less from the makers of ‘Game of Thrones.’ We won’t know how the battle ends just yet, but for now, you can stroll through these woods and prepare for the devastation to come.
10. Granada, Spain
Granada is already a popular city, thanks to its stunning medieval architecture and location on the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. This medieval architecture dates back to the Moorish occupation and is exactly why it was selected as one of the season two ‘House of the Dragon’ filming locations. It was the perfect setting for Pentos, one of the most important cities in the show. Scenes were shot in Castillo de La Calahorra, a stunning 14th-century castle that looks fit for the royal Targaryens.
11. Gwynedd, Wales
Wales is a country steeped in fantasy and myth, so it makes sense that HBO would choose it for ‘House of the Dragon’ season two filming locations. It also plays an important part in our Harry Potter road trip itinerary. This time we’re headed to Gwynedd, which was featured as the rugged exterior of Dragonstone. Head to Trefor Quarry to feel like you’re right there with the Targaryens as they fight for the throne. The rolling planes of the Vale were filled with horsemen, and you can imagine it all by the narrow strait of Menai.
12. Castleton, England
Welcome to Castleton, although you might know it better as the Vale of Arryn. The charming streets of this little Derbyshire town have been transformed into Prince Daemon’s home in House Arryn, and we’ll get to see his side of the story through these scenes. In particular, head to Cave Dale, Market Place and Eldon Hill Quarry.
13. Anglesey, Wales
We’re going back to Wales but heading further northwest to the gorgeous island of Anglesey. We’re obsessed with this island, and we recommend turning your trip into a complete Anglesey road trip if you have three or four days to spare. It’s particularly beloved for its beaches, which is exactly why HBO chose it. Penmon, Beaumaris, Llanddwyn Beach and Porth y Cwch were all used as filming locations, filled with dunes, crystal blue waters, and waving beachgrass. Rumour has it that battle scenes were filmed here, so prepare yourself to see these stunning golden sands turn red!
Are you ready to explore these incredible ‘House of the Dragon’ filming locations? Whether you’re team black or green, you can bring the magic of your favourite show to your next holiday by heading to some of the ‘House of the Dragon’ season two filming locations. That can be in the form of a staycation closer to home or heading to Portugal or Spain; either way, these are the perfect destinations to add to your must-visit list!
You could also combine these with visiting destinations that look like the ‘Dune’ filming locations or explore real-life Disney destinations in Europe.
