From Newcastle: Game of Thrones Tollymore Forest Trek

Key Points

• Duration: 1.5 hours, covering 2 miles (3.2 km) in Tollymore Forest Park
• Location: Departs from Newcastle, UK, at the main car park near public toilets
• Highlights: Visit the wildling pit, Tyrion and Jon’s campfire, and the Stark’s dead Direwolf bridge
• Guide: Experienced host who appears as an extra on the show, providing insider insights
• Physical demands: Uneven terrain with steep descents, not suitable for those with limited mobility
• Age limit: Minimum age of 18 years, with no wheelchair accessibility

You can check availability for your dates here:

Explore Tollymore Forest: The Iconic Backdrop of Season 1 of Game of Thrones

The From Newcastle: Game of Thrones Tollymore Forest Trek offers a unique chance to walk through the forest where the opening scenes of Season 1 of Game of Thrones were filmed. This 1.5-hour adventure covers three famous locations within the forest, all steeped in the show’s history. The tour departs from Newcastle and takes you into the 800-year-old temperate rain forest of Tollymore, famous for its connection to the Wolfswood outside Winterfell and the haunted forest north of the Wall.

Led by a knowledgeable guide who has appeared as an extra in the series, this tour combines filming location insights with the natural beauty of the forest. The experience is designed for Game of Thrones fans and outdoor enthusiasts alike, offering a chance to relive key moments from the series amid breathtaking scenery. The tour’s high rating of 4.8 out of 5 based on 13 reviews attests to its popularity and quality.

Visiting the Exact Filming Locations in Tollymore Forest

This walking tour guides visitors through three iconic scenes from the series. The first stop is the “wildling pit,” where the Night’s Watch finds dismembered wildling bodies in the snow, directly from the opening of the first episode. This spot is particularly atmospheric, giving you a sense of the show’s dark tone right from the start.

Next, the tour visits a campfire site where characters Tyrion and Jon Snow share a conversation en route to the Wall. This location captures a moment of quiet camaraderie amid the wilderness, adding depth to the series’ storytelling.

The final stop is the bridge location, where the Starks discover the dead Direwolf and her pups. This scene is one of the most memorable in the series, and being there allows you to stand where key plot points unfolded. These sites are easily accessible on foot, but the terrain remains uneven, with some steep descents and ascents, making it unsuitable for those with mobility issues.

What to Expect During the Forest Trek

The 1.5-hour tour involves walking approximately 2 miles (3.2 km) through the forest’s uneven terrain. The guide will supply Stark wool cloaks at no extra charge, adding a fun, immersive element to the experience. You will join the 10:00 AM Winterfell coach tour group, making this a shared experience that enhances the lively atmosphere.

The tour includes a step-by-step exploration of key Game of Thrones filming sites, with insider insights and stories from the guide. The pace is moderate, but the steep descent into and climb out of the forest can be demanding, especially for those unaccustomed to uneven ground or steep inclines.

Practical Details: Meeting Point and Accessibility

The meeting point is in the main car park near the public toilets, with the coach easily recognizable by “Eamonn Rooney” written prominently on the side. The coordinates for navigation are 54.22453689575195, -5.94027853012085.

The tour requires comfortable outdoor footwear and weather-appropriate clothing, given the unpredictable Northern Irish weather. It is not wheelchair friendly and not suitable for those with limited mobility, pregnant women, or individuals with certain health conditions, including back or heart problems. The minimum age is 18 years.

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The Role of the Guide and Tour Atmosphere

Guests consistently praise the guide’s enthusiasm and expertise, highlighting Lar as an especially engaging host. The guide’s extra work as an actor in the series enriches the storytelling, making the experience more authentic and fun. Multiple reviews mention how the guide shares detailed anecdotes and explains the significance of each location, making the walk both informative and entertaining.

The group size is manageable, and the shared experience in Stark cloaks adds a playful, immersive element that many reviewers find memorable. Photos are shared via QR codes at the end, allowing visitors to capture moments dressed as their favorite characters.

Value and Booking Flexibility

The tour provides full flexibility with a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance. You can reserve now and pay later, making it easy to fit into flexible travel plans. The cost covers the guided walk, the Stark cloaks, and insider insights, representing good value for fans eager to visit the actual filming spots.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most?

This trek suits Game of Thrones fans, outdoor lovers, and those interested in filming locations. The stunning forest scenery combined with the series history creates a compelling experience. However, it’s essential to note the terrain challenges—the uneven ground and steep descents mean it’s best for those comfortable with light hiking and outdoor activity. The guide’s engaging storytelling enhances the visit, making it especially enjoyable for those who appreciate local insights and behind-the-scenes stories.

Final Thoughts on the Tollymore Forest Game of Thrones Trek

The From Newcastle tour offers a compact, immersive experience into the filming locations of the first series of Game of Thrones. The expert guide, who shares engaging anecdotes, elevates the walk beyond just scenery, giving visitors a sense of connection to the show’s history.

While the terrain demands a bit of stamina, most visitors will find the 2-mile walk manageable and highly rewarding. The stunning forest views and the chance to stand where key scenes were shot make this tour a memorable addition to any Northern Ireland itinerary, especially for fans eager to connect with the show’s iconic settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children or people with mobility issues?
No, the tour is not wheelchair friendly and not recommended for those with limited mobility, back or heart problems, or pregnant women.

What should I wear for the trek?
Comfortable outdoor shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are essential, given the uneven terrain and Northern Irish weather.

What locations will I visit in Tollymore Forest?
You’ll see the wildling pit, the campfire site where Tyrion and Jon talk, and the bridge where the Stark family discovers the Direwolf pups.

How long does the tour last?
The tour is approximately 1.5 hours long.

How far will I walk?
The total walking distance is about 2 miles (3.2 km).

When does the tour start?
The main departure time is at 10:00 AM, joining the Winterfell coach tour group.

Is there a dress code or costume?
The tour provides Stark wool cloaks at no extra cost to enhance the experience.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, full refunds are available if you cancel up to 24 hours before the tour.

How do I find the meeting point?
Meet in the main car park near the public toilets; look for the coach with “Eamonn Rooney” written on the side.

What makes this tour stand out?
The combination of filming location visits, the engaging guide, and the atmospheric forest scenery creates an experience especially appealing for fans of the series and outdoor explorers alike.

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