As the eagerly-anticipated eighth and final season of Game of Thrones is set to return to our screens on 14 April 2019, we uncover otherworldly places to visit, awe-inspiring filming locations and epic experiences that could be straight from the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros.
When creating his fantasy epic, author George R. R. Martin immersed himself in medieval history. For a fist-thumping show of knightly heroism, head to Warwick Castle for everything from medieval banquets to horseback battles, with jaw-dropping special effects – as well as the stunning castle interiors including the Great Hall and chapel.
Live action shows are held throughout the year. During the 40-minute Wars of the Roses spectacle – based on a bloody conflict between the houses of Lancaster and York from 1455 to 1485 – visitors can watch armour-clad stunt riders as they joust and battle it out by sword. They’ve even created a 2,000-person arena for the occasion.
Tickets cost from £14 ($18) where you’ll get entry to the experience, plus standard day entry to Warwick Castle, where Richard Neville, 16th Earl of Warwick, once lived. A powerful schemer during the Wars of the Roses, he was dubbed the Kingmaker and manipulated the fortunes of rival kings Edward IV and Henry VI.
To soak up more brutal medieval history, pay a visit to the creepy Tower of London, where so much of England’s gory past was played out.
King Henry VI was one of many royals to be imprisoned and murdered in The Tower. As well as royal ghosts it’s home to the infamous ravens, with legend dictating that if they leave The Tower, it will fall. Unlike the three-eyed raven that appeared to Bran Stark in his dreams, these feathered beasts only have two eyes.
With a whopping 25 Game of Thrones filming locations, Northern Ireland is a mecca for fans. Take a hike to stunning Binevenagh Mountain in County Londonderry – this is where the Dothraki captured Daenerys Targaryen at the end of season five.
The Dark Hedges, in County Antrim, can be recognised as the Kingsroad, where Arya Stark started her journey north disguised as a boy after escaping King’s Landing. The glorious tunnel of intertwined beech trees dates back to the 18th century, when it was planted by the Stuart family. It took the crew two days to take down the fences and coat the tarmac with dirt, in preparation for filming.
Visit Castle Ward Estate in County Down, where the Castle Ward tower was used as the exterior of Winterfell, seat of the Starks. Bran Stark's devastating fall from the tower and King Robert’s arrival at Winterfell were just two of the many scenes filmed here. For £29.50 ($37.50) Winterfell Tours offers an archery experience, which involves learning to shoot arrows at the replica Winterfell archery range. It also includes a set tour and the chance to dress up in character costumes.
There are abundant Game of Thrones themed trips in this area of Northern Ireland. Winterfell Tours offers a 1.2-mile cycle trail that takes in Audleys Castle – where Jaime Lannister was held captive – and fabulous views over Strangford Lough, the biggest sea inlet in the British Isles. Hire a canoe and explore the waters where Brienne of Tarth brought Jaime ashore to King's Landing.
For a sunnier Game of Thrones experience head to Seville, in Spain. The glorious Alcázar of Seville, originally a Moorish royal palace, was the setting for the Dornish capital of Sunspear and its water gardens. The architecture is so magnificent, it’s designated a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Immerse yourself in the labyrinthine gardens. As you wander through the ornate arches, past water features and orange trees, it’s easy to see why Myrcella Baratheon was only too happy to be kept hostage here.
These are the gardens where Ellaria and her daughters plotted retribution for Prince Oberyn’s death, and where Jaime Lannister tried to convince his illegitimate daughter Myrcella to let him rescue her. In true Game of Thrones style, she met an untimely end when Ellaria Sand poisoned her with a venomous kiss.
Until recently Osuna was a sleepy Andalusían town, but it’s been revived by a steady influx of tourists since the bull ring, or Plaza de Toros, was used as the setting for the Fighting Pits of Meereen.
It’s here, during epic scenes shot in the Plaza de Toros, that Daenerys is nearly ensnared by the sinister golden-masked Sons of the Harpy. Just as it seems her time is up, she’s rescued by her loyal dragon, Drogo, and swept up into the sky.
They may not breathe fire or fly, but Indonesia’s Komodo Dragons are the nearest you’ll get to the mythical beasts. At almost 10 feet long and weighing up to 14 stone, these formidable reptiles can fell a water buffalo with their venomous bite.
Audley travel offers a trip to Komodo Island as part of their Highlights of Indonesia adventure. Travellers arrive by boat from the nearby island of Flores and tour the Komodo National Park in search of dragons.
Fans courageous enough to venture north of The Wall should explore Vatnajökull National Park in Iceland. Like Westeros, it’s an otherworldly land of ice and fire, with frozen glaciers, steaming sulphur springs and black volcanic sands. Although producers used fake snow in season one, they’ve wisely filmed here since.
From June to August (the summer months) travellers can drive snowmobiles on the glacier. From November to March you can explore the naturally formed ice caves or watch for the mesmerising Northern Lights. Follow the example set by the Wildlings and dress in fur (faux, of course) to ward off the chill.
With its formidable ramparts towering above a sweeping stretch of sand, it’s easy to see why producers decided to film in Essaouira. Perched on Morocco’s Atlantic coast, it provided the perfect setting for the city of Astapor, in Slaver’s Bay. This is where Daenerys bought and freed the 8,600 eunuch warriors, the Unsullied.
Explore the ramparts, still complete with cannons, before shopping for rugs, pottery and spices in the maze-like souks. Essaouira is infinitely less crowded and more relaxing than big sister Marrakesh.
Essaouira’s Atlantic coastline is also ideal for horse riding. Make like a Lady of Westeros and thunder across the sands at a gallop, or take a trek along the desert coast. The Ranch de Diabat offers everything from one-hour long lessons to eight-day hiking trips into the Atlas Mountains.
No Game of Thrones pilgrimage – or set jet as they're known – is complete without a trip to Croatia’s Dalmatian coast. The stunning city of Dubrovnik, with its familiar red-roofed skyline, plays host to King’s Landing, the Lannister stronghold and home to the Iron Throne.
Several scenes have been shot at picturesque Pile Harbour, known to fans as Blackwater Bay. Cersei also stood here as she eagerly awaited the return of her daughter Myrcella, only to make the devastating discovery that she’d died on board the ship.
Visit the Jesuit Staircase in the Old City, which doubled as the Great Sept of Baelor in King’s Landing.
This is where Queen Cersei Lannister set off on her infamous naked walk of shame, before later wreaking her apocalyptic revenge when she had the Great Sept of Baelor – and everyone in it – blown up using wildfire.
Climb the 175 steps to Lovrijenac Fortress, the 11th-century castle which towers 121 ft above Blackwater Bay. This is where Joffrey’s name day tournament took place, with a hapless knight being mercilessly chucked over the castle walls. For £44 ($56) Viator offer three-hour walking tours of the city’s filming locations.
The sixth season came to a thrilling climax when Daenerys Targaryen set sail for King’s Landing, leading an armada and, of course, her three loyal dragons. For an awe-inspiring sailing experience of your own (minus the dragons), head to a tall ship regatta.
This summer a fleet of tall ships will battle it out in Tall Ships Race in the North Sea. Between 3 July and 4 August 2019 they’ll race between Norway and Denmark, resting at ports along the way. At each stop, thousands of boat lovers will descend upon the harbours for the chance to clamber on board, meet the sailors and watch the majestic yachts parade.
Any would-be sailors aged 15-25 can apply to become a trainee on board a tall ship. Most vessels are privately owned and they all run their own training courses. Locations vary, with clusters sailing in the North Sea, America and Canada. For more info see Sailonboard.
It doesn’t matter if you’ve never set foot on a boat before. Trainees will learn to set sails, climb the mast, pull ropes and clean the deck. Mobile phones and wi-fi are left firmly on shore, encouraging everyone to absorb the power of the ocean and the wonder of the sparkling night skies.
Thanks to its medieval architecture the island of Malta – sandwiched between Italy and North Africa in the Mediterranean sea – has appeared in many episodes. The capital, Valletta, has often doubled as King's Landing with Fort Ricasoli used as the Red Keep.
Now read about other awesome filming locations you can visit.
Away from the hustle and bustle of Valletta there's plenty to excite GoT fans. Mdina, a beautifully preserved medieval hilltop fortress that was once Malta's capital is another filming location. It's a quiet and compact place to while away a morning or afternoon getting lost around the narrow alleys.
Even muggles can visit these Harry Potter locations around the world.
You might recognise this courtyard, which is used as the exterior of luxurious den of debauchery, Littlefinger's Brothel. It's where Ned Stark and Jaime Lannister fight a duel in the first season. If you don't hire a car getting around Malta is easy thanks to the network of frequent buses. Or Viator offer a whole day's organised tour taking in Malta's key locations from seasons one and two from £54 ($69).
From Breaking Bad to Narcos, check out where these other TV favourites were filmed.