House of the Dragon Filming Locations: Explore the UK and Europe Sites by Train

Journey Through Westeros: Must-See House of the Dragon Locations Accessible by Rail

The production of House of the Dragon spanned several stunning locations across the UK and Europe. Luckily for avid fans, many of these are easily reachable by train, offering a unique and sustainable way to immerse yourselves in the world of the Seven Kingdoms. Here are some key destinations you won't want to miss:  

Cornwall, UK (Various Coastal Scenes): The rugged beauty of Cornwall's coastline provided the dramatic backdrop for several key scenes in House of the Dragon, particularly those involving the Velaryon family and their stronghold of Driftmark.  

Getting There by Train: Take a train to major Cornish towns like Penzance, St Ives, or Newquay. From there, local buses or taxis can take you to specific filming locations such as St Michael's Mount (which bears a striking resemblance to Driftmark), Holywell Bay, and Kynance Cove. Imagine standing on the same sands where pivotal moments of the series unfolded!  

While You're There: Explore the charming fishing villages, enjoy coastal walks, and sample delicious Cornish pasties.  

Peak District National Park, UK (Various Westerosi Landscapes): The stunning and varied landscapes of the Peak District in England offered a versatile backdrop for various Westerosi settings, including hunting scenes and open country.  

Getting There by Train: Major towns bordering the Peak District, such as Sheffield, Manchester, and Buxton, have excellent rail connections. From these towns, you can access the National Park via local bus services or by hiring a car for a day trip to explore more remote areas. Picture the characters traversing these very hills and valleys!  

While You're There: Enjoy hiking, cycling, and exploring the picturesque villages and historic houses within the National Park.

Castillo de La Calahorra, Spain (Likely served as Dragonstone): While not officially confirmed as Dragonstone, the imposing and isolated Castillo de La Calahorra in Andalusia, Spain, bears a striking resemblance to the ancestral seat of House Targaryen. Its dramatic architecture and remote location evoke the same sense of power and isolation.  

Getting There by Train: Take a high-speed train to Granada. From Granada, you can either rent a car for the approximately one-hour drive to La Calahorra or look into local bus services, though these may be less frequent. Imagine the Targaryen dragons soaring above this formidable fortress!  

While You're There: Explore the historic city of Granada, including the Alhambra palace, a masterpiece of Moorish architecture.  

Trujillo, Spain (Likely served as parts of King's Landing): The historic city of Trujillo in the Extremadura region of Spain, with its well-preserved medieval architecture, is strongly believed to have been used for filming parts of King's Landing. Its grand plazas and ancient walls provide an authentic Westerosi feel.  

Getting There by Train: Take a train to nearby cities like Cáceres or Plasencia. From there, you can take a local bus to Trujillo. Wander through the ancient streets and envision the bustling life of the capital city!

While You're There: Explore the rich history and architecture of Trujillo, including its impressive Plaza Mayor and the Alcazaba (Moorish castle).

Monsanto, Portugal (Likely inspired Dragonstone): While not a direct filming location, the unique and ancient village of Monsanto in Portugal, with its granite boulders integrated into the architecture, is believed to have heavily inspired the design of Dragonstone.  

Getting There by Train: Take a train to a larger city in central Portugal, such as Castelo Branco. From there, you will likely need to rely on local bus services or rent a car to reach Monsanto, as it is a more rural location. Even though it wasn't directly filmed, experiencing the atmosphere of Monsanto offers a tangible connection to the visual inspiration behind Dragonstone.

While You're There: Explore the fascinating architecture of Monsanto and enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding countryside.  

Planning Your Westeros Rail Adventure

Embarking on your House of the Dragon pilgrimage by train is an exciting prospect. Here are a few tips to help you plan your journey:

Research Train Routes and Book in Advance: Europe boasts an excellent rail network. Use resources like Rail Europe or local train operator websites to research routes, check timetables, and book your tickets in advance, especially for high-speed trains and travel during peak season.  

Consider a Rail Pass: If you plan on extensive train travel across multiple countries, a Eurail or Interrail pass might be a cost-effective option.

Factor in Local Transportation: While major filming locations might be accessible by train to nearby towns, you might need to utilize local buses, taxis, or even consider renting a car for shorter distances to reach the exact filming spots.

Accommodation: Book your accommodation in advance, especially in popular tourist destinations. Look for hotels or guesthouses conveniently located near train stations or with good access to local transportation.

Pack Accordingly: Be prepared for varying weather conditions, especially if you plan on exploring coastal or mountainous regions. Comfortable walking shoes are a must!

Embrace the Journey: Train travel offers a unique opportunity to soak in the scenery and experience the local culture as you journey between destinations.  

By choosing train travel, you're not only embarking on an unforgettable quest to witness the House of the Dragon filming locations but also contributing to a more sustainable way of exploring Europe. So, grab your metaphorical Valyrian steel sword (or just your camera!), book your train tickets, and prepare to be transported to the thrilling world of Westeros! This train travel adventure promises to be an epic experience for any fan of the series, allowing you to connect with the UK and Europe sites in a truly immersive way.