While most of us have been glued to our screens, eagerly binge watching the riveting series, House Of The Dragon and occasionally cursing the makers for not releasing the entire series all at once, I have come to realise something beyond the flamboyant battles, the spine-chilling dragons, and the unexpected plot twists. Ryan Condal’s exciting work of fiction offers a world of treasure for the travelers and adventure seekers within its audience.
The series showcases stunning landscapes and medieval charm from across medieval Europe, taking its viewers on a ride through the forests, hilltops, and valleys across the continent. As the series continue to hook most of its audience, we bring to you a list of some of the most enchanting locations from the series that you can actually visit to witness the beauty of these places.
Castle of Monsanto
Starting with one of the most magical locations that seems to be right out of fiction or a fairytale, the Castle of Monsanto, or as the Portuguese call it, Castelo de Monsanto, is a medieval castle that is situated in the civil parish of Monsanto e Idanha-a-Velha, in the municipality of Idanha-a-Nova, in the Portuguese district of Castelo Branco. The castle of Monsanto is a very renown landmark for all the Game of Thrones fans, and is recognisable from the Dragonstone. Situated atop the village of Monsanto, this castle is surrounded by Chapel of São Miguel and the Church of Santa Maria do Castelo, all of which are locations that Game of Thrones fans would be highly acquainted with. The castle is a small hike from the village of Monsanto and has a magical atmosphere.
Castleton, Derbyshire, England
In the first season of the show, Castleton, a village in high-peaked Derbyshire with one of the oldest lead mines, was transformed into The Vale of Arryn. (Those who watch Game of Thrones would recall this as the location of House Arryn and the Eyrie, a stronghold where adversaries can be driven to their deaths via a moon portal.) The region, which was once inhabited by Celtic people, is well-known for its traditional English hamlets and the limestone valley of Cave Dale, which is located inside the national park.
Bourne Woods, Surrey
These enchanting woods, which are only an hour from London and commutable from House of the Dragon’s studio lot, have been the location of innumerable epic battle sequences, ranging from Gladiator and Napoleon to The Witcher. Most recently, these woods hosted the intense battle at Rook’s Rest, which ended with the tragic burning of King Aegon and the death of Princess Rhaenys. Enjoy a satisfying roast in the nearby market town of Farnham after strolling along one of the paths intended for walking through the forest, where you can look up at the changing leaves and listen for birdsong.
La Calahorra, Granada, Spain
Reimagined as Pentos, one of the cities bordering the seas of Westeros, the imaginary continent at the heart of the world of Game of Thrones, is the municipality La Calahorra in eastern Granada. At the base of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, on the solitary hill in the region, lies a medieval fortress known as Castillo de La Calahorra, one of the region’s most iconic monuments. The exterior of the castle, which serves as the seat of House Targaryen on House of the Dragon, defies the rules of Gothic design, making it one of the first buildings in Spain to be influenced by the Renaissance between 1509 and 1512. Its exquisite split-level interior features a center courtyard, four corner towers, and marble.
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Cornwall, England
Cornwall is a county in the far southwest corner of England. With its stretches of golden beach, weather-beaten castles, and secret coves, Cornwall was an easy option for House of the Dragon’s filming location. As fans saw elaborate stage setups and costumes in multiple areas throughout the well-known peninsula, they flooded social media with photos of them.
If you’re looking for breathtaking images by the sea, Cornwall is a fantastic choice. In April 2021, HBO commenced filming in this location, utilizing Holywell Beach, Kynance Cove, and St. Michael’s Mount, an island stronghold. You should go there if you’re craving sceneries, surfing, and delicious food (Cornish pasties and ice cream are real), before fantasy-lovers from all over the world arrive.
Santa Clotilde Gardens, Spain
These perfectly manicured, sun-drenched gardens are located in Lloret de Mar, in the northeastern region of Spain. They are the beautiful gardens of the Red Keep, where King Viserys strolled with his then-12-year-old intended bride, Laena Velaryon, early in the first season of House of the Dragon. Situated on the Mediterranean coast, about 1.5 hours from Barcelona, these sites offer an amazing day trip experience. Enjoy the views of the water, then meander among the hedges to find hidden statues, fountains, and villas covered in ivy.
Caceres and Trujillo, Spain
Being a World Heritage City of Spain, Cáceres boasts incredibly well-preserved squares, palaces, and towers topped with gargoyles, making it the perfect setting for a fantasy epic.
Cáceres was also used to film scenes for the seventh season of Game of Thrones, which used it to represent King’s Landing, a fortress held by the Lannisters. Plaza de las Veletas, Arco de la Estrella, Plaza de Santa María, and Cuesta de la Compañía were among the venues used for filming this season. This ancient town, which served as the inspiration for the walls of King’s Landing in Game of Thrones, is teeming with Renaissance mansions and buildings.
Cave Dale, Peak District
Take a meander in this hazy limestone valley in Derbyshire, emulating Matt Smith’s Daemon Targaryen as he, well, gets rid of his first wife, Lady Rhea Royce, in the Vale in the fifth episode of the first season of House of the Dragon. After stopping for a pint in the quaint village of Castleton, go up Mam Tor, which is home to the undulating hills that Rhea rides across in her last moments on film.
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