Fantasy and science fiction often takes inspiration from the natural world around us with southern beaches and northern wilderness across Britain used as stand-ins for otherworldly locations. The dragon-filled world of Westeros is no different, with three UK locations used along with European countries.
Game of Thrones prequel House of the Dragon begins on Monday, August 22 here in the UK and fans might find some areas of the fantasy world look suspiciously familiar. While lots of filming does take place in the studio, shooting on location is still a major part of creating the Thrones world.
Fans can even visit these locations as part of their staycation holidays this year. Whether a die-hard fan or just looking for inspiration, these are the House of the Dragon filming locations.
Read more: When is the House of the Dragon start date and how to watch it
England was host to three different locations for the TV show, outside of the studios, and those are Cornwall, the Peak District and Surrey. With King’s Landing returning for House of the Dragon, familiar locations in Spain were brought back for continuity.
Cáceres and Trujillo, Spain
The Spanish town of Cáceres hosted the cast and crew of original show Game of Thrones, taking on the identity of Westeros’ most revered and feared city - King’s Landing. The old town once again became home to the Iron Throne for this new spin-off show.
The town is perfect for Westeros’ capital as it has a variety of architectural influences such as Roman and Northern Gothic. This blend and Spain’s climate makes it ideal for the tumultuous King’s Landing.
Nearby Trujillo is thought to have been used as a Targaryen stronghold, although it is not known where in Westeros this is. Filming took place last year, with many actors spotted in costumes reminiscent of those worn in the original show.
Cornwall
Another major filming location was Cornwall in the south of England, where actors Matt Smith and Emma D’Arcy were spotted. The pair play Prince Daemon and Princess Rheanyra Targaryen, who spark the Dance of Dragons with their plans for the throne.
Photos emerged of the two at Holywell Bay Beach, a National Trust site in the north of Cornwall. The beach is most famous on the screen for its use in BBC’s Poldark, while in real life it provides great views of the Gull Rocks.
Other locations in Cornwall include St Michael’s Mount, which is rumoured to double as the House of Valaryon’s seat Driftmark, as well as Kynance Cove and Penhale Camp near Newquay. These sites are all accessible to the public at various times of the year and are worth a visit if you’re planning a trip to Cornwall.
Surrey
Another UK based location was on the border of Surrey and Hampshire, in Caesar’s Camp, Aldershot. This was not confirmed as a filming location but a medieval camp was set up at the Iron Age hill fort.
HampshireLive reported that a Warner Bros van was photographed at the scene, although they never confirmed it was House of the Dragon filming. A fan tweeted a picture appearing to show that there were Targaryen sigils, displaying a three headed dragon, outside the tents.
In the tradition of Game of Thrones, this spin off will also include epic battles, this time with extra dragons, so battle encampments are expected throughout the show. It is unknown how far into the story this season will go but fans are likely to be treated to some fire and blood, as is the Targaryen house motto.
Peak District
The Peak District also played host to Smith's Prince Daemon Targaryen. Derbyshire’s village of Castleton is thought to have doubled as a Westeros location.
This wasn’t the only location in the area used though as videos emerged of Cave Dale with a film crew. Eldon Hill Quarry and the Market Place, all near Castleton, were also reportedly used for House of the Dragon filming.
Many of these locations are new for the show as we are introduced to two new house seats which have fallen by the wayside 200 years later in Game of Thrones. The House of Velaryon is a major new addition to the world of Westeros on screen.
Monsanto, Portugal
Once voted the “most Portuguese village in Portugal”, Monsanto has also become part of Westeros, although it is not known where it will double as. The landscape is full of gigantic boulders, impressive rocky outcrops and even more stunning views.
There is a castle nearby at Penha Garcia, which has a small village nestled below it. In July 2021 it was rumoured that filming had begun in both Monsanto and Penha Garcia Castle, although once again nothing was confirmed by Warner Bros.
House of the Dragon begins airing on August 21, 2022 and is available on Sky Atlantic and Now in the UK from Monday, August 22. There will be 10 episodes in the first season, with a second season yet to be greenlit.
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