5 Game of Thrones filming locations you can visit today

Filming of Winterfell Castle involved some CGI enhancements, with some locations being a composite of a number of places. In the case of the Stark family’s home, it is a composite mixture of Castle Ward in Northern Ireland, pictured here, and Doune Castle in Scotland, pictured under No. 2.

The striking Doune Castle in Scotland is Winterfell Castle's "other half."

King’s Landing in Westeros was “played” by the Old Town of Dubrovnik in Croatia. Visitors also get the chance to recline on the Iron Throne wearing an appropriate costume while consuming a “dragon blood cocktail.” Yum!

“Game of Thrones” tours in Dubrovnik offer the chance to sail on the Karaka, the ship Daenerys Targaryen sailed on in the series.

No CGI was necessary when filming Dragonstone scenes. The long and winding staircase from Dragonstone beach up to the castle really exists. It is located in San Juan de Gaztelugatxe in northern Spain, close to Bilbao and San Sebastian. Once you have climbed the 241 steps which zigzag to the top, you will find a church. After ringing the bell at the door three times, you can make a wish. However, the custodians who look after the church really wish you wouldn’t! Enough, already!

“Winter is here” scenes, including the treacherous Frostfangs, were filmed in Hogoabrekka, near Vik in southern Iceland, and at the foot of the Myrdalsjokull glacier on the Katla volcano. The area was perfect for the sweeping icy scenes shown in “Game of Thrones.”