From Belfast: Game of Thrones Winterfell Locations Tour

The From Belfast: Game of Thrones Winterfell Locations Tour offers a thrilling 10-hour journey through Northern Ireland’s most iconic filming sites from the beloved series. Starting from Leonardo Hotel Belfast, this fully guided experience takes you to real locations used in the show, including the Winterfell courtyard, Inch Abbey, Audley’s Castle, and Tollymore Forest Park. With a passionate guide—often a former Game of Thrones extra—you gain behind-the-scenes stories, authentic costumes, and stunning scenery. The tour is designed for fans eager to see where key scenes unfolded, with the added bonus of walking through real historic sites.

This tour garners a high rating of 4.8 out of 5 based on 51 reviews, highlighting its popularity and the quality of the experience. It’s well-suited for those who enjoy outdoor exploration, appreciate historical settings, and want an authentic Game of Thrones adventure. However, note that participants should be comfortable walking and be prepared for weather changes, as some locations involve trekking through forests and ruins. The tour excludes children under 18 and is not suitable for pregnant women or individuals with certain mobility or health issues.

Key Points

• Real filming sites include Winterfell’s courtyard, Inch Abbey, Audley’s Castle, and Tollymore Forest Park.
• Guided by a former extra, with detailed behind-the-scenes stories and insights.
• 10-hour day trip from Belfast, starting at 7:30 am at the Leonardo Hotel.
• Includes a stop for lunch at a local pub; pre-order available or bring your own.
• Visit historic locations such as the 12th-century Inch Abbey and the medieval Audley’s Castle.
• Suitable for fans of the series who enjoy outdoor walking and scenic landscapes.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Starting Point and Schedule at Belfast’s Leonardo Hotel

The tour departs promptly at 8 am from outside the Leonardo Hotel (formerly Jurys Inn) on Great Victoria Street. Travelers are asked to arrive by 7:45 am. The guide will be waiting outside, ready to lead the group on this full-day exploration. After a brief introduction, the journey begins with a 1.5-hour coach ride to the first stop, Old Castle Ward, where Winterfell’s castle and courtyard appeared in season one.

The itinerary balances travel, sightseeing, and breaks. The group spends about 105 minutes at Castle Ward, allowing ample time to explore key filming locations, including Walder Frey’s Twins and Robb Stark’s Camp in the Riverlands. Following this, a one-hour lunch break at The Barn Bar & Country Kitchen is available, with an option to pre-order a hot pub meal or bring a packed lunch (not included in ticket price).

Visiting Winterfell at Castle Ward

Castle Ward serves as the primary filming location for Winterfell in the series. Here, the tour offers 105 minutes of exploration, providing opportunities to see the castle’s courtyard where many early episodes were shot. The setting’s authentic medieval architecture makes it a favorite for fans wanting to walk where Jon Snow and the Stark family once stood. The guide shares stories about how the location was transformed for filming, adding depth to the visual experience.

The site also features famous twin towers that appeared in Walder Frey’s Twins scenes. While some parts of the filming locations are accessible, the tour notes that certain areas might be closed, which can slightly limit the full experience. Still, the overall visit is immersive, with plenty of photo opportunities and insights into the series’ production.

Robb Stark’s Abbey and the ‘King in the North’ Moment

Next, the tour visits Inch Abbey, a 12th-century ruin where Robb Stark’s character was crowned King in the North. The visit lasts around 30 minutes, offering a chance to walk among medieval ruins that evoke the series’ historic feel. The guide provides real wool Stark cloaks, direwolf banners, and metal swords and shields for photo opportunities, enhancing the medieval atmosphere.

This location’s historic significance and connection to Robb Stark make it a key highlight. Visitors appreciate the combination of filming scenery and ancient architecture, making it easy to imagine the series’ epic battles and royal moments unfolding here.

Audley’s Castle as Walder Frey’s Twin Towers

Audley’s Castle features prominently as one of Walder Frey’s Twins in the series. The tour dedicates time to explore this medieval castle ruin, which offers scenic views and a true sense of history. The guide explains its role in the show, enriching the visual experience with storytelling. While the site is smaller compared to other stops, its authentic medieval vibe makes it a worthwhile visit for fans eager to see more filming locations.

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Trekking Through Tollymore Forest Park

The final major stop is Tollymore Forest Park, where the Night’s Watch first encounters White Walkers and where the Stark family finds the dead direwolf and her litter of pups. The visit lasts about 2 hours, during which the group treks through the woodland trails that served as the Haunted Forest north of the Wall.

Expect scenic walks and wooded landscapes that capture the mysterious and eerie atmosphere of the series. The guide shares behind-the-scenes stories, including how some scenes were shot, and explains the significance of the various trees and settings. The forest’s natural beauty and connection to pivotal series moments make this stop a favorite among fans and outdoor lovers alike.

Practical Details: Transport, Lunch, and Pacing

The tour features a comfortable coach with a total travel time of approximately 4 hours across the day, with scheduled stops and breaks. After the morning exploration, the group heads back to Belfast for lunch. Pre-ordering a hot pub lunch at the lunch stop is possible, or travelers can bring their own packed lunch. Note that food in the vehicle is not permitted.

The tour is designed to balance sightseeing with manageable walking, though participants should wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for weather changes. It is not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, mobility issues, or heart conditions. The locations involve walking through ruins and wooded areas, so physical readiness is important.

The Experience Guide and Customer Satisfaction

Multiple reviews praise the tour’s knowledgeable guides, often former series extras, who provide insider stories and filming tips. Hosts like Richard and Andrew are noted for their enthusiasm and ability to share behind-the-scenes insights, making the locations come alive for fans.

Reviewers consistently mention the stunning scenery, good value for money, and the fun atmosphere created by guides who dress in Stark cloaks and share series anecdotes. One reviewer highlights that even in adverse weather conditions, the guide’s enthusiasm kept the experience enjoyable. The length and pace of the tour are appreciated, with some noting that the time at each location is sufficient to explore and photograph.

Final Thoughts: A Must for Series Fans

The From Belfast: Game of Thrones Winterfell Locations Tour offers an authentic and scenic look at the series’ filming sites, led by guides passionate about sharing their knowledge. With real castle ruins, medieval abbeys, and woodland treks, it appeals strongly to fans who want to walk through the landscapes that brought Westeros to life.

This tour boasts high reviews for guiding quality, location authenticity, and overall value. The full-day schedule allows plenty of time to enjoy each site without feeling rushed. While physical activity is involved, the walkable nature of the stops makes it accessible for most outdoor enthusiasts.

In short, this tour is an excellent choice for Game of Thrones aficionados and those interested in Irish medieval history alike. It provides a memorable mix of scenery, storytelling, and series lore—a day well spent exploring the landscapes behind one of television’s most iconic series.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts 10 hours, starting at 7:30 am and returning to Belfast around 5:30 pm.

Where does the tour depart from?
It departs from outside Leonardo Hotel (formerly Jurys Inn) on Great Victoria Street in Belfast.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included in the ticket price. Travelers can pre-order a hot pub lunch at the lunch stop or bring their own packed lunch.

What filming locations are visited?
Stops include Winterfell’s courtyard at Castle Ward, Inch Abbey, Audley’s Castle, and Tollymore Forest Park.

Is the tour suitable for children or those with mobility issues?
The tour is not suitable for children under 18, pregnant women, or individuals with mobility, back, or heart problems.

Are costumes or props available?
Yes, during the visit to Inch Abbey, the guide provides wool Stark cloaks, direwolf banners, and metal swords for photos.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance.

How many people are in each group?
The data does not specify group size, but the tour is designed for a typical guided experience, likely small to medium groups for personalized attention.

What is the guide expertise?
Guides are often former Game of Thrones extras or highly knowledgeable locals, passionate about sharing series insights and filming stories.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing to stay comfortable during outdoor walks and explorations.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby