Ever since "Game of Thrones" ended, fans have been looking for another chance to return to Westeros. "House of the Dragon," now in its third season, does exactly that. Set nearly 200 years before the events of the original series, the prequel follows the rise and fall of House Targaryen and the devastating civil war known as the Dance of the Dragons.
While dragons, castles, and kingdoms may belong to fantasy, many of the show's breathtaking landscapes are very real. From the rugged coastline of Cornwall and the mountains of Wales to medieval towns in Spain and Portugal, the series brings George R. R. Martin's world to life using spectacular locations across Europe. Here's where "House of the Dragon" was filmed.
Wales Is The New Heart Of Westeros
Wales takes centre stage in Season 3, with filming spread across Anglesey, Conwy and Gwynedd. The production makes full use of the region's dramatic coastline, mountains and lakes to bring Westeros to life.
Some of the standout filming locations include Beaumaris Pier, Craig Yr Undeb (Union Rock), and Ffynnon Llugwy in Eryri National Park (Snowdonia). These striking landscapes form the backdrop for the escalating conflict between Queen Rhaenyra's Blacks and King Aegon II's Greens.
Wales also featured heavily in Season 2, where its ancient slate quarries and countryside doubled as Dragonstone, Harrenhal, the Riverlands, and the Vale.
Dragonstone Was Filmed In North Wales
Dragonstone is one of the most recognisable places in the series. Although the castle itself is largely created using CGI, the landscapes surrounding it are very much real.
Much of Dragonstone was filmed in Gwynedd, where old slate quarries became the island's volcanic terrain. Nearby lakes, rocky mountains and sweeping valleys helped create the dramatic setting of House Targaryen's ancestral home. Many of these locations lie within Eryri National Park, one of Wales' most scenic national parks, known for its hiking trails and spectacular mountain views.
Driftmark Comes Alive In Cornwall
The home of House Velaryon is represented by St Michael's Mount, a tidal island off the coast of Cornwall near Penzance. Connected to the mainland by a stone causeway during low tide, the medieval castle perfectly captures the grandeur of one of Westeros' wealthiest families.
Cornwall appears several times throughout the series. Kynance Cove, with its white sand, turquoise waters and dramatic rock formations, became part of the Stepstones. Holywell Beach near Newquay was also transformed into the pirate-infested islands, while nearby Hartland Quay provided dramatic coastal scenery with its towering cliffs and crashing waves.
Spain Became The New King's Landing
Unlike "Game of Thrones," which famously used Dubrovnik in Croatia as King's Landing, "House of the Dragon" shifted much of the capital to Spain.
The medieval city of Cáceres serves as the main stand-in for King's Landing. Its narrow cobbled streets, historic buildings, and fortified towers create the perfect setting for the political intrigue unfolding inside the capital.
Trujillo also features throughout the series, with its castle and squares adding to the city's medieval look. Both locations returned in Season 2 as King's Landing continued to dominate the story.
In addition, the Castillo de La Calahorra in Granada appears as another impressive fortress, while the Gardens of Santa Clotilde in Lloret de Mar provide elegant sea-facing gardens that bring a softer, more refined look to the series.
Portugal Also Makes An Appearance
One of the show's lesser-known filming locations is Monsanto in Portugal.
Often called the "Village of Stone," Monsanto is famous for its giant granite boulders, medieval streets, and hilltop castle. Its unusual landscape feels like it belongs in Westeros, making it a natural fit for the world of "House of the Dragon."
Although it only appears briefly, it adds another memorable location to the series.
England Also Plays A Starring Role
Several English locations appear across the first two seasons.
Bourne Wood in Surrey was used extensively in Season 2, particularly for battle scenes and military camps, including the Battle at Rook's Rest.
Season 1 also made use of the Peak District in Derbyshire. Filming took place around Castleton, Cave Dale, Eldon Hill and Mam Tor, where dramatic limestone valleys and rolling hills helped recreate the landscapes of Westeros.
Meanwhile, Caesar's Camp in Hampshire became the setting for the grand Heir's Tournament in the very first episode. The tournament, organised by King Viserys I to celebrate the birth of his expected heir, is remembered for its brutal jousting matches and for introducing the rivalry between Prince Daemon Targaryen and Ser Criston Cole.
Can You Visit These Filming Locations?
The good news is that almost all of the filming locations featured in "House of the Dragon" are open to visitors.
You can walk across the causeway to St Michael's Mount, hike through the mountains of Eryri National Park, wander the medieval streets of Cáceres and Trujillo, explore the Peak District, or visit Portugal's picturesque village of Monsanto.
Whether you're a "House of the Dragon" fan or simply planning a trip through the UK, Spain, or Portugal, these destinations offer the chance to step into the real-life landscapes that brought Westeros to life.
FAQs
Q1. Where was House Of The Dragon filmed?
House Of The Dragon was filmed across Wales, England, Spain, Portugal and Cornwall, with many locations standing in for Westeros.
Q2. Where was Dragonstone filmed?
Dragonstone was primarily filmed in Gwynedd, North Wales, including Trefor Quarry and landscapes within Eryri National Park (Snowdonia).
Q3. Which location was used as King's Landing?
The medieval city of Cáceres in Spain serves as the primary filming location for King's Landing.
Q4. Where was Driftmark filmed?
St Michael's Mount in Cornwall represents Driftmark, the ancestral seat of House Velaryon.
Q5. Can fans visit the House Of The Dragon filming locations?
Yes. Most filming locations, including St Michael's Mount, Eryri National Park, Cáceres, Trujillo, Monsanto and the Peak District, are open to visitors.
