A guide to the filming locations of House of Dragon, the prequel to the smash hit Game of Thomes
House of the Dragon is an epic fantasy television series that serves as a prequel to the critically acclaimed and hugely popular Game of Thrones.
Set in the rich and turbulent world of Westeros, the series delves into the history of House Targaryen, chronicling the events leading up to and during the Targaryen civil war known as the Dance of the Dragons. Based on George R.R. Martin’s Fire & Blood, the show explores the complex political dynamics, fierce rivalries and legendary battles that defined the era.
Where is House of the Dragon filmed?
House of the Dragon was filmed in some of the UK’s most beautiful natural locations, including Cornwall, Wales and The Peak District.
Although a lot of the original Game of Thrones universe was brought to life in Ireland, George R. R. Martin’s prequel series House of the Dragon has come to the UK, with both series one and the new series two filmed across many locations in England and Wales.
Caesar’s Camp, an an Iron Age hill fort near Aldershot, is the very forest where the court celebrated the second name day of King Viserys Targaryen’s first born son, Prince Aegon.
The setting featured many grand tents for the lords and ladies as well as plentiful forests for wild boar and deer spotting, where you can trace Princess Rhaenyra’s footsteps in the woods (although sightings of the white stag are not guaranteed).
Kynance Cove on the Lizard Peninsula provided the stunning backdrop of a Velaryon army camp in the Stepstones, where Daemon and alike talked battle tactics.
St. Michael’s Mount stepped up as the impressive setting for Driftmark in Blackwater Bay, home to House Velaryon. This eye-catching island, which can be visited either on foot or by boat depending on the tide, is full of history, and the grounds can be explored on a leisurely afternoon – but be sure not to miss the boat and be caught out at high tide.
Trefor Quarry in Caernarfon, Wales, was the location used for the exterior of the impressive Dragonstone, Rhaenyra Targaryen’s stronghold at the end of series one.
And that’s not the only Caernarfon quarry featured. Dinorwig Slate Quarry is rumoured to be the backdrop for several Harrenhal scenes, showcasing many features including caves, lakes and waterfalls.
Walk here before heading off to Llanddwyn Beach, where a small tidal island surrounded by a pine forest was apparently the set for Rhaenyra’s “Sowing of the Dragonseeds” – tryouts for new Targaryen dragon riders in series two.
Porth y Cwch is reportedly where an emotional scene for Rhaenyra was filmed, and the calm, idyllic beach proved an ideal setting for juxtaposing the sentiments felt by all the Westerosi households at the end of series one.
A dozen heavy armoured cavalry, all wearing the golden-dragon sigil of Aegon II Targaryen were spotted near Beaumaris, a picturesque Welsh town.
Nant Ffrancon mountain pass in Ogwen Valley in Gwynedd, doubled up as The Vale of Arryn, while Penmachno Roman Bridge is the scene for a major battle in series two. Situated in a lush forest, the location has a particularly mystical feel to it, fitting for dragons and knights.
Matt Smith was seen filming around magnificent Mam Tor in the Peak District. Why not visit and climb to the top and enjoy the incredible view? It’s well worth the one to two-hour walk up.
Nearby is Cave Dale, a dry limestone valley with rocky inclines, that provided another backdrop for Matt Smith’s Prince Daemon, and exudes an ideal atmosphere for the ancient world of House of the Dragon.
You can watch House of Dragon on NowTV
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