The stunning locations featured in House of the Dragon serve as a cinematic journey through history. Although the series, a prequel to Game of Thrones based on George R.R. Martin’s Fire & Blood, is set in a fantastical realm, its filming takes place in real, centuries-old European cities. As the show dives into the intense drama and political intrigue of House Targaryen 172 years before Queen Daenerys’s rise, the crew has explored four European countries: England and Spain for both seasons, Portugal for the first, and Wales for the second. While the show’s art department works its magic to transform these locales into Westeros, viewers get to experience a slice of history preserved in these ancient settings.
Castleton, Derbyshire, England
Castleton, nestled in the high peaks of Derbyshire, is home to one of England’s oldest lead mines and doubled as The Vale of Arryn in Game of Thrones’ first season. Fans will recognize it as the setting for House Arryn and the Eyrie, the castle with the infamous moon door. This picturesque village, originally settled by Celts, showcases classic English charm and is surrounded by the stunning Peak District National Park, which features the dramatic Cave Dale limestone valley.
St. Michael’s Mount in Mount’s Bay, Cornwall, England
St. Michael’s Mount, a rugged tidal island in Cornwall, is home to a medieval church from the 12th century and a charming community. It’s connected to Marazion by a causeway that becomes walkable when the tide is low. In House of the Dragon, the island’s castle stands in for Driftmark, the home of House Velaryon, depicted as sitting on Blackwater Bay. This location also made an appearance in Game of Thrones during the Battle of the Blackwater. Nearby, Kynance Cove graces the east side of Mount’s Bay with its stunning beaches, turquoise waters, and white sands. Its picturesque setting serves as the backdrop for a Velaryon camp in House of the Dragon.
Monsanto, Portugal
Nestled in central Portugal, Monsanto—meaning “Holy Mountain”—doubles as Dragonstone, the ancestral home of House Targaryen, in House of the Dragon’s first season. This remote hill town is renowned for its striking prehistoric rock formations, medieval clock tower, and lush greenery. The village’s granite cottages are perched between massive boulders, and its steep, cobbled streets climb up the Mons Sanctus hill.
As one of Portugal’s 12 historical villages, Monsanto is close to the Spanish border and has been shaped by human hands for over 500 years. Voted the most Portuguese town in Portugal in 1938, Monsanto retains its classic charm with strict building regulations that preserve its unique, timeless aesthetic. The town is characterized by its vibrant burnt red and orange roofs, infusing with the surrounding rock formations.
Cáceres, Extremadura, Spain
Tucked away in Western Spain, the province of Cáceres is like stepping into a time machine. Its centuries-old architecture spans Roman, Moorish, and Gothic styles, preserving the charm of bygone eras. The province served as a backdrop for Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon, with King’s Landing scenes filmed in several of its historic cities. Plasencia made an appearance in the first season, Trujillo in the second, and Cáceres was featured in both series. Cáceres’ Old Town, founded by the Romans in 25 BC, boasts medieval cobblestone streets that transport visitors back in time. With its rich history and architectural legacy, it earned UNESCO World Heritage status in 1986. While Dubrovnik, Croatia, was previously used, Cáceres became the go-to for King’s Landing in the final seasons of Game of Thrones and for House of the Dragon. The city even celebrates its role with an annual festival, attracting fans eager to immerse themselves in the world of Westeros.
North Wales, United Kingdom
North Wales might not be on every North American’s travel radar, but its stunning landscapes are pure Hollywood gold. With its ancient castles, dramatic coastal cliffs, and lush grasslands, it’s a natural wonder. In the second season of House of the Dragon, North Wales’ rugged terrain stood in for the Vale, the Riverlands, and Dragonstone. The area’s old quarries doubled as the majestic Dragonstone and Harrenhal castles. While exact locations haven’t been officially confirmed, fans believe the Trefor and Dinorwic quarries in Gwynedd county were used. There’s also chatter about the crew filming on Anglesey’s picturesque beaches, like Llanddwyn, Beaumaris, and Penmon Point.
Bourne Wood in Farnham, England
Bourne Wood may seem like just another forest, but it’s a hidden gem for movie buffs. This lush woodland has starred in a slew of blockbusters, from the epic opening of Gladiator to scenes in Harry Potter and Avengers: Age of Ultron. If you’re a fan of action and fantasy, this forest is a must-see on your cinematic map!