Recently updated on January 20th, 2020 at 06:49 pm
Travel is all about escapism. But when it’s not a country you want to discover, but a different world, time or planet, what’s a fan boy (or girl) to do? Happily for lovers of fantasy and science fiction, even the most far-flung destinations are in reach, whether you’re a hankering for Hogwarts, Westeros, or even Middle-Earth.
Game of Thrones
Adapted from George R.R Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire, HBO’s Game of Thrones has been taking the world by storm for the past five years. A trip to the fictional lands of Westeros and Essos might seem like an impossible dream, but with scenes filmed in Croatia, Morocco and Ireland, the world of the Starks, Daenerys and The Hound is closer than you think.
Nestled on the sun-drenched shores of the Adriatic, the walled city of Dubrovnik combines ancient history with unparalleled natural beauty. But for GoT fans, it offers much, much more. Not only are the medieval walls the setting of King’s Landing, the city is also home to the Rector’s Palace and Sponza Palace – used as the backdrop to the wheeling and dealing of the Spice King of Qarth.
The Benedictine monastery on Lokrum Island serves as his palace, while the menacing Fort Lovrijenac played host to the celebrations for Joffrey’s name day. The city is also home to the terrifying House of the Undying – the creepy fortress where Daenerys was held captive – was filmed in Minceta Fort.
In Season Three, you’ll find the yellow-brick city of Yunkai – or should we say Ait Benhaddou in Morocco. This Unesco World Heritage Site and fortified city is located along the old caravan route between Marrakech and the Sahara, and is one of the best examples of this type of earthen architecture. If it looks familiar to you, it may be because this location has also graced the silver screen in numerous films including Lawrence of Arabia, The Living Daylights, Gladiator, The Last Temptation of Christ and The Mummy.
And for fans of less sunny climes, there are the lush landscapes and glittering lakes of Ireland. From the Dark Hedges of Country Antrim, Northern Ireland – setting of the Dark Hedges of Armoy and the Kings Road, to the Stangford Castle Ward Estate in Country Down, which doubles as Winterfell, home of the Starks, the country is the perfect destination for all things Westeros.
Outlander
Lovers of the historical fantasy novels, Outlander, can trace the footsteps of Claire Beauchamp Randall, Jamie Fraser and the evil Black Jack Randall in Scotland. The cobbled streets of the Old Town can be found in Edinburgh. It’s also the spot where Claire and Jamie were reunited after years of separation. Another Outlander must is Clava Cairns, an ancient stone circle famous for its mysterious beauty, and where you can easily imagine Claire’s wonder as she stepped into history through the magical Craig na Dun.
But if your interest is more history than mystery, you can move from magic and mischief to bloodshed and heartbreak, with a trip to Culloden Battlefield, the setting of the last war on British soil. It’s also the scene of Claire and Jamie’s melancholy goodbye. What’s more, you can follow the path trod by the newlyweds with a drive along the alpine forests, misty moorlands and tranquil lochs of the Great Glen and Caledonian Canal.
The Lord of The Rings
From moorlands to mountains, the epic film adaptation of The Lord of the Rings trilogy has a little of both, and it all lies waiting to be discovered in New Zealand. With more filming locations than you could shake a wizard’s staff at, it’s hard to decide which to visit first.
Geology enthusiasts could start by exploring Mount Ruapehu on the North Island. The setting of the dragon Smaug’s secret lair, it’s located in the stunning Tongariro National Park and is one of the most active volcanoes in the world. The glistening waters of Lake Taupo are also just a stone’s throw away. Used to film Bilbo’s watery escape from the Elvenking’s Halls in the Desolation of Smaug, the lake is known as Forest River by Hobbit enthusiasts.
At the edge of the North Island lies Wellington, the capital of New Zealand and home to the Miramar Peninsula, the scenic setting for Hobbiton. Then it’s just a short hop over to the South Island, where you’ll discover the startling natural beauty of Te Anau. Home to the magical glow worm grotto, the epic tranquillity of Milford Sound and Mount Aspiring National Park, it’s also the setting of the Vales of Anduin and the Great River of Wilderland.
Harry Potter
Not to be outdone, the biggest selling children’s book series of all time has worked its way into the hearts and imaginations of a fair few adult fans as well. The world of wizards, wands and Weasleys can be experienced for real, not least in one of the world’s most iconic cities – London. Whether you’re dreaming of joining Harry and friends at the magical platform 9 ¾ at King’s Cross for a glimpse of the Hogwarts Express, or stepping into the red telephone box as you wait for your descent to the Ministry of Magic, the UK’s capital city is the perfect destination for Potter fans.
Venture north and you’ll find Alnwick Castle. Seat of the Duke of Northumberland, it is one of the largest castles still occupied as a residence in the UK. But more importantly for Potter fans, it was the setting for Hogwarts, the magical school where Harry and his fellow sorcery apprentices hone their spell casting skills and indulge in a ferocious match of Quidditch.
If a sunnier clime is more your style, jump on your hippogriff (or plane) and head to the ‘city of bridges’ – Porto, in Portugal. From the engineering feats of the Dona Maria Pia and Sao Joao Bridges to the Baroque Church of St Francis, the city has lots to explore. But it’s the  that will ring a bell with Potter fans. With its spectacular neo-Gothic façade, rich colours and carved interior, it’s rumoured to be one of J.K Rowling’s main inspirations for the world of Harry Potter.
Looking to experience all of these destinations of magic and mystery? See www.trafalgar.com for details.