Ready the dragons – Game of Thrones is back. Well, almost. HBO has created a hotly anticipated new prequel set hundreds of years before our favourite TV series. Released this August, we expect House of The Dragon to have the same level of drama, politics, intrigue, action – and most importantly – gorgeous filming destinations scattered around the globe.
If you’re wondering where was House of The Dragon filmed, then step right this way. From Portugal to Spain to the UK, come behind the velvet curtains to hear about the filming destinations in the new fantasy series.
Three long years after the last Game of Thrones aired, House of The Dragon takes us back to George RR Martin’s fantasy world. Here fighting tribes and fire-breathing dragons star in the prequel, based on his 2018 novel, Fire & Blood. This story follows the events that finished the Targaryen dynasty. We’re expecting loads of dragons and an impressive cast, with Paddy Considine, Matt Smith and Emma D’Arcy as Targaryens, Olivia Cooke and Rhys Ifans as the Hightower family, and rivals the Velaryons including Eve Best and Steve Toussaint.
Cáceres, Spain
While Game of Thrones famously shot the majority of the Kings Landing scenes in dreamy Dubrovnik, this time the Spanish city of Cáceres gets the spotlight. This lesser-known medieval city is one of the key House of The Dragon filming locations. You might have spotted the UNESCO heritage city when it popped up as Kings Landing in past seasons. And with charming cobbled streets, creepy gargoyles and otherworldly vibes, you too can step back in time when you visit Cáceres.
Monsanto, Portugal
This breathtakingly beautiful village set high in the hills of Portugal will be seeing more traffic after being used as a location for House of The Dragon. Awarded ‘most Portuguese village in Portugal’ in the early 20th century, Monsanto is dotted with giant, unmovable boulders that villagers built their houses around in a whimsical way. At the top lies an ancient castle and stone fortress said to pre-date the Romans. Walking around the castle walls you’ll see why HBO chose this spot for the new series. There’s no need for special effects… except to add a dragon or two.
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Cornwall, England
Underrated England isn’t known for its beaches, but the dramatic coastline of Cornwall gives southern Europe a run for its money. Off the coast here House of The Dragon made use of a brilliant tidal island castle called St. Michael’s Mount. The castle and building here date back to the 12th century and for more than 300 years it has been home to Lords St Levan, who lease it from the National Trust. House of The Dragon used it as Driftmark, home to House Velaryon, in Blackwater Bay. Filming also took place at Holywell beach and Kynance cove. If you make it over this way for a vacation, expect gorgeous scenery, surf and plenty of Cornish pasties.
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Peak District, England
The dramatic rolling hills of the Peak District were put to work as the House Targaryen battle it out in the latest series. If you’re a fan of nature, this National Park is home to gorgeous moorlands, lush hillsides, valleys and lakes. That’s perfect for filming a new HBO series or simply for enjoying fresh air and stunning scenery. The new prequel made use of Cave Dale (a skinny limestone valley), Eldon Hill (which looks like an ancient amphitheatre due to quarrying), and the famous Mam Tor (the site of a Bronze Age fort).
Surrey, England
Yes, another location in the UK – and with good reason. Much of House of The Dragon was filmed in the Warner Brothers Studios in Leavesden in Hertfordshire (yes, the same ones where Harry Potter was filmed). That meant the UK was quite convenient for real-life locations too. Surrey had its moment in the spotlight with its charming villages and country homes, meadows and natural woodlands put to use. Apparently the cast and crew shot a tournament scene here.
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Trujillo, Spain
And finally, the sixth scenic location for the new House of The Dragon series takes us back to medieval Spain. The town of Trujillo is home to some of the best Roman ruins in the country and homely, humble Spanish cuisine. A half-hour drive from the Spanish city (and fellow filming location) of Cáceres, Trujillo is topped with stunning medieval castles
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Are you excited to watch House of The Dragon, and have you visited any of these filming locations? Let us know in the comments below…