From Belfast: Game of Thrones Winterfell Locations Tour

If you’re a Game of Thrones fan planning a trip to Northern Ireland, you’ve probably considered a tour that takes you behind the scenes of the iconic series. This 10-hour immersive experience offers a chance to walk through real filming locations, try on Stark cloaks, and hear stories straight from someone who was part of the show. It’s a solid way to connect with the series beyond just binge-watching episodes.

What we love about this tour is how it combines beautiful scenery and authentic filming sites with engaging storytelling. The fact that you get to wear costumes, hold swords, and take photos at actual locations like Winterfell or Robb Stark’s camp makes the experience memorable. Plus, the reviews consistently praise the knowledgeable guides, which really enhances the whole day.

One thing to keep in mind is the full day of outdoor walking and some travel time, so it’s not ideal if you’re looking for a very relaxed, sit-down experience. Also, this tour isn’t suited for very young children or those with mobility issues, so be prepared for a fair amount of walking and standing.

This is a great pick for die-hard fans wanting an authentic, behind-the-scenes peek at the show’s filming locations. It’s also ideal for those who enjoy scenic drives and learning about local history intertwined with their fandom. If you’re after a fun, informative, and active day out, this tour delivers.

Key Points

• Authentic Locations: Visit real filming sites like Winterfell’s courtyard and Robb Stark’s camp, adding an immersive feel.
• Engaging Guides: The guides, often former extras, bring insider knowledge and stories that deepen your appreciation.
• Beautiful Scenery: The tour covers stunning spots like Tollymore Forest Park and Inch Abbey, perfect for photos.
• Full Day Experience: Expect a well-paced schedule with visits, walks, and a pub lunch; comfortable shoes are a must.
• Family-Friendly? Not really—it’s geared more toward serious fans and those comfortable with outdoor walking.
• Great Value: Reviewers often mention that the experience feels worth the price, especially considering the personal touches and scenery.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Experience in Detail

Starting Point and Logistics

The tour kicks off early at the Leonardo Hotel Belfast, formerly known as Jurys Inn, at 7:30 AM. From there, you’ll spend about 1.5 hours on a comfortable coach, heading toward your first stop. The guide, often someone with real on-set experience, is ready to share plenty of behind-the-scenes insights throughout.

First Stop: Old Castle Ward

This location is the highlight for many — it’s where Winterfell’s courtyard and castle scenes were filmed in season one. Walking through the actual grounds, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into Westeros. The guide will point out how the show’s production adapted this historic estate for the series, and you’ll get plenty of time for photos and wandering the area.

Robb Stark’s Camp and Walder Frey’s Twins

After exploring Winterfell, you’ll trek through the estate to visit Robb Stark’s camp in the Riverlands, a location that often appears in key scenes. Your guide will tell stories about the filming and the filming tricks used to bring these places to life on screen. Walder Frey’s Twins — the two castle ruins — are also part of the tour, giving you a tangible sense of the show’s architecture.

Lunch Break at a Local Pub

Midday, you’ll stop at a charming pub for lunch. You can pre-order a hot pub meal through the menu or bring along a packed lunch — a flexible option that keeps you energized for the afternoon. The pub experience is relaxed and offers a chance to chat about the morning’s sights.

Inch Abbey: The King in the North

Post-lunch, the tour visits Inch Abbey, a 12th-century ruin that doubled as the site where Robb Stark was declared King in the North. Here, the guide supplies wool Stark cloaks, direwolf banners, swords, and shields, creating perfect photo opportunities and adding a fun, tactile element to the experience.

Tollymore Forest Park: The Haunted Forest

The final stop is Tollymore Forest Park, a truly breathtaking location. It’s where the Night’s Watch first encounters White Walkers, and where the Stark children find the direwolf pups. The forest’s natural beauty and atmospheric setting make it a perfect spot for a walk, with plenty of chances for photos and soaking in the scenery.

Return to Belfast

After a full day of exploring, you’ll hop back on the coach for the ride back to the hotel, arriving around 6 PM. The overall pace is comfortable, but be prepared for some outdoor walking and uneven terrain at certain sites.

What Sets This Tour Apart

Authentic Filming Locations — Unlike some generic tours, this one emphasizes real filming sites used during production, giving fans a tangible connection to the series.

Expert Guides with Behind-the-Scenes Knowledge — Multiple reviews highlight how guides like Richard and Rob share fascinating stories, often from personal experience, enriching the visit.

Beautiful Landscapes and Historic Sites — You’re not just visiting film locations; you’re also exploring scenic forests, historic abbeys, and castles that add context and visual appeal.

Photo Opportunities Galore — The tour supplies costumes and props, making it easy to take fun, memorable photos that genuinely feel like part of the series.

Good Value for Money — Considering the full day, guided storytelling, costumes, and scenic stops, many reviewers feel it’s worth the price.

Possible Drawbacks and Considerations

While most reviews are glowing, some travelers note that certain parts of the Winterfell site might be closed or not as extensive as hoped, and the tents in the courtyard could be a minor distraction. Also, if you’re not a fan of outdoor walking or have mobility issues, this might not be the best fit. The day is quite active, with a fair amount of walking, so comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are essential.

Plus, the tour is not suitable for children under 18, pregnant women, or individuals with certain health concerns, so it’s best to plan accordingly.

Is This Tour Right for You?

If you’re a dedicated Game of Thrones fan eager to stand where the series was filmed, this tour offers a compelling mix of scenery, storytelling, and hands-on fun. You’ll get to wear costumes, see iconic locations, and hear behind-the-scenes stories that bring the series to life.

If you’re looking for a relaxing, sit-down day with minimal walking, this might not be ideal. The tour’s outdoor elements and full schedule make it more suited to fans who don’t mind a bit of active sightseeing.

For those interested in history and landscape alongside their fandom, this experience balances both beautifully. It’s particularly well-suited for travelers who value authentic locations and engaging guides over purely crowded or commercialized options.

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FAQ

What time does the tour start and end?
The tour departs at 8 AM sharply from Leonardo Hotel Belfast and returns around 6 PM, making it a full day of sightseeing.

Is pre-booking necessary?
Yes, booking in advance is recommended to secure your spot, especially during peak times. The experience offers flexible cancellation up to 24 hours before.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are essential since you’ll be walking outdoors. Food inside the vehicle isn’t allowed, so plan accordingly.

Can I bring my own lunch?
Absolutely. You can bring a packed lunch if you prefer, or you can order a hot pub lunch at the stop, which is not included in the ticket price.

Is this tour suitable for families?
It’s mainly geared toward fans and those comfortable with outdoor walking. It’s not recommended for children under 18 or those with mobility issues.

What kind of guide will I have?
Most guides are knowledgeable, some with real experience on the show, offering insights and behind-the-scenes stories that enrich the experience.

Is the tour accessible for people with mobility impairments?
No, the tour involves considerable walking and uneven terrain, so it may not be suitable for those with mobility challenges.

Final Thoughts

For fans of Game of Thrones who want to see and feel the locations that brought Westeros to life, this Belfast tour hits the mark. It’s a well-organized, scenic, and engaging day out that offers much more than just a bus ride — it’s an interactive journey into the world of the series. The combination of authentic filming sites, knowledgeable guides, and beautiful Irish landscapes makes it a rewarding experience for those eager to connect with their favorite saga in a meaningful way.

While it’s not perfect for everyone — especially if you prefer a more relaxed pace or shorter outings — for serious fans and outdoor enthusiasts alike, this tour delivers plenty of memorable moments. Expect to leave with photos, stories, and a deeper appreciation of the show’s production magic.

If you’re after an authentic, well-paced, and fun way to explore Northern Ireland’s Game of Thrones filming locations, this tour is definitely worth considering.

You can check availability for your dates here: