HBO's House of the Dragon has returned for another series, charting the Targaryen civil war known as the Dance of the Dragons. Set 200 years before Game of Thrones, the prequel adapts George R.R. Martin's Fire & Blood. Fans can visit many filming locations across the UK and Europe this summer.
Production Moves to England
HBO relocated production from Northern Ireland to Warner Bros. Leavesden Studios in England. Exterior scenes were shot in Wales, Cornwall, Devon, Spain, and Portugal. Kevin De La Noy, executive producer, said the cast and crew were "delighted" to return to Wales, describing it as a landscape that "adds such visual power and vibrant dimension to the storytelling."
Welsh Filming Locations
North Wales provided dramatic backdrops. Dinorwig Quarry, once the world's second-largest slate quarry, was used for Harrenhal Castle. Beaumaris Pier on Anglesey, Craig Yr Undeb in Gwynedd, and Ffynnon Llugwy in Eryri National Park also featured. Penmon Point Beach, with its black-and-white lighthouse, was used for the second series. Llanddwyn Beach in Anglesey appeared in series two. Ogwen Valley and Ffynon Llugwy stand in for the Vale of Arryn and the Riverlands.
Cornwall and Devon
Kynance Cove on the Lizard peninsula was a filming location, with its serpentine rock formations and white sand. The coastal path from Lizard Point offers dramatic views. St Michael's Mount, a tidal island, was used in the first series, with a set showing the House Velaryon sigil. An eco-friendly café at Kynance Cove sells Cornish pasties and cream teas. Accommodation near these spots books up quickly during peak season.
European Locations
Cáceres, Spain, a UNESCO World Heritage city, stood in for King's Landing. Filming locations include Arco de la Estrella, Plaza de Santa María, Cuesta de la Compañía, and Plaza de las Veletas. The city's blend of Roman, Islamic, Gothic, and Renaissance architecture replaced Dubrovnik, Croatia, for the prequel. Cáceres is less than two hours from Monsanto, Portugal. Monsanto's medieval village features granite boulders incorporated into architecture. Scenes were filmed at the Castle of Monsanto, a medieval fortress with arched gates and walled courtyards. The Portuguese government limits tourism to preserve heritage, so no official Game of Thrones tours are available; visitors can explore independently by car.
