Game of Thrones

Game of Thrones

1. Winterfell/Castleward
Our first stop was the setting for Winterfell which was in Castleward, a beautiful Manor house on large grounds. To set the scene, Susanna played two videos from Game of Thrones post-production companies showing before and after the addition of special effects. There was the option of hiring costumes from the Game of Thrones and we received a sales pitch upon arrival. There was also the option of archery but this meant missing out on the walk. Susanna took us on a walk through the grounds pointing out scenery from Game of Thrones. These are clearly marked though and they appear to have a cycle trail around the grounds to DIY it. It took about 50 minutes and it was a bit rushed as we had been late arriving due to traffic and lunch was due for 1.30. I enjoyed the walk and the scenery and it built up an appetite for lunch. Lunch was soup and sandwiches followed by cake and tea/coffee. I found it a little disappointing as the sandwiches were on the stale side. Also the girl serving us informed us that we were only allowed one piece of bread and one cake per person which felt a little mean and inhospitable. The function room itself was dark and dreary looking but as it was so sunny, she opened the door onto the courtyard so we could sit in the sunshine.

2.House of greyjoy / Dunluce Castle
Sitting on the shore of Strangford Lough, Audley’s Field has set the scene for plenty of Game of Thrones’ drama, including Robb’s camp, the capture (and release) of the Kingslayer, and Talisa tending to the wounded.
A medieval and 17th century castle, is located in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, perched on basalt cliffs 100 feet above the ocean. In addition to the beauty of its location, it is situated in an important spot for defence, which is no surprise since it’s a castle

3.Time for lunch

4.Pike, The Iron Island/ Ballintoy Harbour
Hard to believe this sleepy little harbour and beach could morph into the Iron Islands for Theon’s homecoming scene, and some areas around Dragonstone. But the makeover was seriously impressive. When standing on the stone walls staring out to sea, just think that it was at this very place that Theon was baptised in the name of the Drowned God.
Ballintoy is situated in one of the most picturesque parts of North Antrim between the Giants Causeway and Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge and looks out to Rathlin Island and beyond to Scotland. As you come over the Knocksoghey Brae from Ballycastle or in from Whitepark Bay you are greeted by spectacular views, each one featuring Ballintoy Church. This stunning seaside location has been used for exterior Pyke shots and as the Iron Islands.

5.The Stormlands / Cushendun Caves
Storm’s End, or to be exact, the spot where Davos Seaworth and Lady Melisandre landed, and birthplace of the shadow baby…these swirling caves are where it all happened.

6.The Kings Road / Dark Hedge
Nature did HBO location scouts a huge favour when they found The Dark Hedges a striking avenue of arched beech trees near Armoy. In the world of Westeros, this moody trail becomes the treacherous King’s Road, where Arya disguised herself as a boy to avoid capture on the road to Winterfell.
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