Game of Thrones turned a bunch of real castles into household names. Before the show aired, most people had never heard of Castle Ward or knew where Dubrovnik was on a map. Now these places are packed with fans recreating their favorite scenes.
This guide breaks down six of the most iconic filming locations from the series. Not every castle is worth the trip depending on what kind of traveler you are: Some are perfect for families who want activities and amenities. Others are better suited for adventurous types who don’t mind a bit of effort to reach something special.
So, if you’re planning a full Game of Thrones pilgrimage or just want to add one memorable stop to a bigger trip, here’s what you need to know about each place.
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Game of Thrones Filming Locations: Real Castles Worth Visiting
These locations were chosen because they already looked the part. No one had to build fake towers or paint backdrops. Fort Lovrijenac has been perched on that cliff since the 11th century. The Royal Alcázar in Seville has been stunning visitors with its gardens and tilework for hundreds of years. Let’s check these locations out:
Castle Ward: The Heart of Winterfell
Castle Ward near Strangford in Northern Ireland was the main filming location for Winterfell. The estate’s grounds and distinctive architecture made it perfect for the Stark family home, and you can walk through the same courtyard where key early scenes took place.
Why this place: This is where Winterfell actually came to life. You can stand in the exact spots where the Starks gathered and where Bran learned archery. The estate also offers hands-on archery experiences that let you channel your inner Stark.
Who this place is best for: Game of Thrones fans will love it, but it also works for families wanting interactive activities and anyone interested in historic Irish estates. Even without knowing the show, the grounds are worth exploring.
Pros and cons: The main pro is walking through real filming locations plus the activities available. The con is summer crowds when tour buses arrive, making it harder to enjoy peacefully.
Location: Castle Ward is near Strangford in County Down, about an hour from Belfast.
Best time to visit: Spring or early summer gives you good weather and smaller crowds. The grounds look best when everything is green and you can actually get photos without fighting through people.
Fort Lovrijenac: The Iconic Red Keep
Fort Lovrijenac sits just outside Dubrovnik’s western wall and doubled as the Red Keep in several Game of Thrones scenes. Built in the 11th century, this fortress offers stunning views over the Adriatic Sea and has protected the city through centuries of actual battles before it ever appeared on screen.
Why this place: This is where some of the most memorable King’s Landing moments were filmed, including Joffrey’s name day tournament. Beyond the show connection, the fortress itself is impressive with real military history and those views alone make the climb worthwhile.
Who this place is best for: Fans of the show will recognize it instantly, but history lovers and anyone who appreciates medieval architecture will find plenty to enjoy. If you’re already exploring Dubrovnik, it’s an easy add to your itinerary.
Pros and cons: The pros are the incredible coastal views and the chance to explore genuine historical fortifications. The con is the 200-step climb to reach it, which can be tough in summer heat or for anyone with mobility issues.
Location: Fort Lovrijenac is right outside Dubrovnik’s western wall, so you can walk there easily if you’re staying in the old town area.
Best time to visit: Spring and fall offer pleasant weather and fewer tourists. Summer gets packed and hot, which makes both the climb and the crowded walkways less enjoyable.
Royal Alcázar: A Dornish Palace
The Royal Alcázar in Seville served as the Water Gardens of Dorne in Season 5. This sprawling palace complex features intricate Moorish tilework, lush courtyards and gardens. It’s been a royal residence for centuries and remains one of Spain’s most stunning examples of Mudéjar architecture.
Why this place: The Alcázar is breathtaking even without the Game of Thrones connection. The gardens and elaborate tilework create an almost dreamlike atmosphere that perfectly captured Dorne’s exotic feel in the show. It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage site with layers of history spanning multiple civilizations.
Who this place is best for: Game of Thrones fans will love recognizing the filming spots, but this place appeals to anyone interested in architecture, gardens or Spanish history. It’s a must-see if you’re visiting Seville regardless of the show.
Pros and cons: The pros are the stunning visuals and rich historical significance. The main con is that it’s incredibly popular, so expect long lines especially during peak season. Booking tickets in advance helps but doesn’t eliminate the crowds inside.
Location: The Alcázar sits right in the heart of Seville’s old town, walking distance from the cathedral and other major attractions.
Best time to visit: Spring or fall offers mild weather and the gardens look best then. Summer gets extremely hot in Seville and the crowds are at their worst, making it harder to enjoy the experience.
Aït Benhaddou: The Yunkai Film Site
Aït Benhaddou is an ancient fortified village in Morocco that stood in for Yunkai in Season 3. The earthen clay buildings stacked against the hillside create a striking silhouette that’s appeared in countless films, but Game of Thrones brought it back into the spotlight for a new generation of travelers.
Why this place: The ksar’s unique architecture and desert setting make it unlike anywhere else on this list. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site with centuries of history, and the climb to the top rewards you with panoramic views over the valley.
Who this place is best for: Game of Thrones fans and photography lovers will have a field day here. It also appeals to anyone interested in traditional Moroccan architecture.
Pros and cons: The pros are incredible photo opportunities and a genuinely unique landscape. The cons include tourist crowds during peak hours and aggressive souvenir sellers who can make the experience less peaceful than you’d hope.
Location: Aït Benhaddou is about 30 kilometers from Ouarzazate in southern Morocco, making it accessible as a day trip or stopover between Marrakech and the desert.
Best time to visit: Spring and fall offer comfortable temperatures for exploring. Summer heat can be brutal and winter nights get surprisingly cold, so plan accordingly.
Doune Castle: The Courtyard of Winterfell
Doune Castle in central Scotland served as Winterfell in the Game of Thrones pilot and early Season 1 episodes before production moved to Northern Ireland. Built in the late 13th century, this medieval fortress has a rich history beyond the show and famously appeared in Monty Python and the Holy Grail decades earlier.
Why this place: The castle’s authentic medieval architecture gave Winterfell its initial look and feel. The Monty Python connection adds another layer of pop culture history that makes it appealing beyond just Game of Thrones.
Who this place is best for: Fans of either show will enjoy it, and the castle itself is impressive enough for anyone interested in Scottish history or medieval architecture. It’s also conveniently located between Edinburgh and Stirling.
Pros and cons: The pro is experiencing genuine medieval spaces that shaped how Winterfell looked on screen. The con is that peak season brings heavy crowds.
Location: Doune Castle sits in central Scotland, roughly 30 minutes from Stirling and an hour from Edinburgh.
Best time to visit: Spring or early fall gives you decent weather and thinner crowds. The Scottish weather is unpredictable year-round, so bring layers regardless of when you go.
Castle of Zafra: The Tower of Joy
Castle of Zafra in central Spain served as the Tower of Joy in Season 6, where one of the show’s biggest revelations about Jon Snow’s parentage unfolded. Built between the 12th and 13th centuries, this remote fortress sits on a rocky outcrop and looks exactly like the kind of place where secrets would be kept.
Why this place: The castle’s isolated location and dramatic setting make it feel genuinely mysterious. It’s one of the less crowded Game of Thrones sites because getting there requires effort.
Who this place is best for: This one appeals to adventurous travelers who don’t mind remote destinations and rougher access roads. Hardcore fans who want to see a pivotal filming location will appreciate it, but casual visitors might find it too out of the way.
Pros and cons: The pros are the unique architecture, historical significance and the fact that it’s not overrun with tourists. The con is the dirt road access that’s not suitable for all vehicles, so you’ll need to plan transportation carefully.
Location: Castle of Zafra is located in central Spain near Guadalajara, a few hours’ drive from Madrid.
Best time to visit: Spring or fall offers the most pleasant weather for exploring. Summer can get hot and winter weather might make the access road even more challenging than usual.
Iconic Game Of Thrones Castles
These castles are worth visiting even if you’ve never seen the show. Pick the ones that match how you actually like to travel. Castle Ward and the Alcázar work well if you want structure and facilities. Fort Lovrijenac has those dramatic views everyone posts on Instagram. Castle of Zafra and Aït Benhaddou reward you for putting in extra effort to reach them.
Check opening hours before you go because some close randomly or have weird seasonal schedules. Booking tickets online helps at the popular ones, otherwise you’ll spend half your visit standing in line.
