Game of Thrones travel guide: Filming locations around the world

Croatia

Producers made excellent use of Croatia's stunning Dalmatian Coast, where Dubrovnik's medieval streets provided the perfect setting for King's Landing. Here, you'll also find UNESCO World Heritage site Minceta Tower, which served as the House of the Undying in the city of Qarth in Season 2.

For a trip to the exotic city of Meereen, where Daenerys Targaryen and her dragons ruled from Season 4, head to Kils Fortress near Split and marvel at the dramatic landscape, historic stone architecture and glittering blue seas.

England

Since HBO's relocation of production for the House of the Dragon series to Hertfordshire, scenes taken straight from the Middle Ages have been spotted all over the country. Colourful tents, ancient carts and weapons were spotted by fans in Caesar's Camp, an Iron Age hill fort in Surrey that's a haven for wildlife, boasts spectacular views of the Bourley lakes and makes for an idyllic countryside walk.

Further north, stars including Matt Smith, who plays the Targaryen prince Daemon, were pictured wearing medieval costumes in the beautiful Peak District village of Castleton. Surrounded by hillsides and overlooked by 'the shivering mountain' Mam Tor and the ancient Peveril Castle, it's no wonder HBO chose to film here. Enjoy a hike, visit the show caves and discover the Garland Day procession that could be taken straight out of a Game of Thrones episode in this historic conservation area.

Matt Smith was spotted again, this time with co-star Emma D'Arcy who plays Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen, on the golden sands of Holywell Bay on Cornwall's dramatic coastline. Just around the corner from Newquay, this beach is just as good for relaxing and enjoying the waves as it is for plotting to take the Iron Throne.

Elsewhere in Cornwall, discover the distinctive rock formations and white sandy beach of Kynance Cove in the Lizard Peninsula, where an armoury was spotted on set fit with spears and banded shields. Or, explore St. Michael's Mount in Marazion, a mythical island castle run by the National Trust. Be on the lookout for dragons, as large shrouds of smoke were seen coming from the island, and the seahorse sigil of House Targaryen appeared on top of a mysterious stone archway.

Iceland

The Lake Myvatn region of northern Iceland provided the perfect setting for scenes set beyond the Wall in Season 3. The thick blizzard Sam Tarly battles through in Episode 1 was actually produced by warm sulphuric steam vents in Hverir, one of Iceland's largest geothermal fields, while the volcanic lakeside of Dimmuborgir and Höfði hosted Mance Rayder's Wilding camp.

Further south, UNESCO world heritage site Thingvellir National Park was frequently in the show. The rocky canyon near the dramatic Oxararfoss waterfall was used as the Bloody Gate, which guards the Vale of Arryn.

For spectacular views of the Hekla volcano, visit Thjorsardalur valley. Here, you'll find the impressive Haifoss waterfall, one of the country's largest waterfalls, plenty of hot springs to relax in and Iceland's largest lava flow. Fans will recognise many eye-catching locations in the valley from Season 4. Discover the Thjodveldisbaer, a historically-accurate reconstruction of a Viking-era farmstead that featured as Olly's village, and the picturesque valley of Gjáin, which provided the perfect backdrop to Arya and the Hound's scenic hike.

Malta

While harsh winds and sea currents sadly brought down the Azure Window (the spectacular natural arch where Khal Drogo and Daenerys Targaryen were married in Season 1), there are plenty of stunning spots in Malta that fans will recognise. The extraordinary mix of medieval and baroque architecture in Mdina set the scene for much of King's Landing in Season 1 and makes for a fascinating cultural escape.

In nearby Rabat, a charming town steeped in history, look for St Dominic's Priory, a magnificent church that featured as the Red Keep Garden in Season 1. Marvel at Roman architecture and fortifications while enjoying delicious Maltese food from one of the many cafes and restaurants in the town.

Morocco

The Ounila valley and Aït-Ben-Haddou, an ancient fortified village, represented the fictional city of Yunkai in Season 3. Nestled in the red-hued foothills of the High Atlas mountains, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a favourite of Hollywood movie-makers too.

On the west coast, there's yet another World Heritage Site with links to Essos. Essaouira, a charming and famously windy fortified seaport that dates back to the late 18th century, was transformed into Astapor, home of the infamous Unsullied.

Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland's awe-inspiring rural landscape, historic buildings and stunning coastline set the backdrop for much of the fantasy drama, and it's here where you'll get closest to the action on the Game of Thrones Studio Tour. Stay in a top Belfast hotel and follow in the footsteps of your favourite characters as you explore memorable sets from across the Seven Kingdoms. Sit on the Iron Throne and discover how the show was made at Linen Mill Studios, one of the show's main filming locations.

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While in County Down, pay a visit to Castle Ward, an 18th-century mansion you may know as Winterfell, the ancestral home of House Stark. Close by, you'll find Inch Abbey, a 12th-century Cistercian monastery which provided the setting for the Riverlands, and Tollymore Forest Park, a magical woodland that features Ned Stark in the very first episode.

There's plenty to see in County Antrim too. Discover the hauntingly beautiful Dark Hedges, the beach tree-lined road that led to King's Landing, and Sallagh Braes, which is part of the Antrim Coast and Glens Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and provides the setting for the Riverlands in Season 6.

If a day at the beach is more your thing, head to Downhill Strand in County Londonderry. Nestled beneath Mussenden Temple and close to the Umbra Nature Reserve, fans will instantly recognise Northern Ireland's longest beach as the location for Dragonstone in Season 2.

Portugal

Eagle-eyed fans discovered filming had begun for the House of the Dragon series at the Castle of Monsanto, a medieval fortress fit for a dragon to roam. The rocky landscape and crumbling Roman ruins add to the city's mythical charm.

Once named the 'most Portuguese village in Portugal', this unique village offers little in the way of tourism. Instead, expect an authentic insight into the life of a town unique in heritage and culture. Plus, you can drive here in 2 hours from another House of the Dragon filming location, Cáceres, in western Spain's Extremadura region.

Spain

The historic city walls, winding streets and wonderfully preserved Jewish Quarter in Girona make it a fascinating city to visit and a perfect Game of Thrones filming location. You may recognise Girona Cathedral as the Great Sept of Baelor, the religious centre of King's Landing, and the cobbled streets of the Old Town as the Free City of Braavos.

Further south, Seville became the kingdom of Dorne for Season 5. Stunning locations include the Real Alcázar Palace of Seville, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and official Seville residence of the Spanish royal family, which featured as the magnificent Dorne Palace and gardens.

And it seems the producers loved filming in Spain so much that they went there again to film for House of the Dragon. The UNESCO World Heritage City of Cáceres was used sparingly as the streets of King's Landing and the Old Town in the original series, but now plays a bigger role as plenty of sets were spotted popping up across the city. Expect stunning architecture and plazas filled with buzzing bars from this culturally diverse city.