The war between the Greens and the Blacks has gotten off to a brutal start throughout House of the Dragon season two, resulting in tragic deaths, gruesome injuries, and an awful lot of scheming. The series, which sees the reign of Westeros heir Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D’Arcy) threatened by her half-brother King Aegon II Targaryen (Tom Glynn-Carney), has brought its battles to the shores of Cornwall, the forest of Bourne Wood, and the streets of Cáceres, Spain. Like its predecessor Game of Thrones, the fantastical HBO series has built its vast world using a combination of sets and real-world locations—with the help of CGI, of course.
As Rhaenyra struggles to maintain her claim on the kingdom and Dowager Queen Alicent Hightower (Olivia Cooke) spirals out of control, it’s hard to imagine a particularly desirable, quiet life in Westeros, despite its onscreen majesty. But fans of the show can take a vacation inspired by the onscreen locations, whether it’s to a castle-like hotel by the sea or a chic glamping tent in the woods. Drawing on House of the Dragon’s expansive portrayal of Westeros, we’ve rounded up some of the best places to stay if you want to seek out that Targaryen lifestyle—dragons and ruthless slaughter not included.
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Spain
Hotel NH Collection Cáceres Palacio de Oquendo
Although Dubrovnik stood in for King’s Landing in Game of Thrones for several seasons, House of the Dragon has shifted the Westeros city to Cáceres, Spain. The ancient Roman town, encircled by stone walls, evokes the Medieval opulence of the Targaryen stronghold in the NH Collection Cáceres Palacio de Oquendo. Built in a 16-century palace in Cáceres’ town center, the hotel pairs historic flourishes with contemporary comfort—including much-coveted air conditioning—in its 86 guest rooms. The restaurant, Restaurant Tapería de Yuste, overlooks Plaza San Juan, while the hotel also boasts a gym, perfect for anyone preparing for a jousting tournament.
Hotel Atrio Cáceres
The history of Cáceres is preserved in Hotel Atrio Cáceres, but the chic boutique hotel has also brought a modern touch to the stone architecture. The property is home to three Michelin-starred restaurant Atrio, which is helmed by chef Toño Perez and offers an expansive tasting menu inspired by avant-garde cuisine. The rooms and suites embrace a sparse elegance, with the “Gran Suites” ideal for travelers looking to live out their royal fantasies like a (kinder) Targaryen king or queen. Nearby, you can visit the Plaza de San Jorge, where large dragon statues were erected for the filming.
Las Meninas
Between Cáceres and Trujillo (another historic House of the Dragon stand-in for King’s Landing), discerning travelers can book 19th-century palace Las Meninas. The elegant estate, which can house up to 20 guests in 10 ornately-decorated bedrooms, embraces the royal lifestyle with a vast dining table, art-adorned walls, and breakfast included. Although the house is only a short walk from the nearby towns, it’s surrounded by green hills and lavender fields, offering the undeniable sense that you are the ruler of this kingdom—at least temporarily.
Wales
Palé Hall Hotel
Eryri National Park, also known as Snowdonia, has hosted the cast of House of the Dragon for several scenes, using the rocky quarries and valleys to create Dragonstone. Fans can experience the scenery for themselves when visiting the area, where Relais & Chateaux country house hotel Palé Hall Hotel is the perfect place to live a noble lifestyle. The Victorian mansion, set in Dee Valley, has 18 bedrooms and four suites, including turret rooms that best showcase the building’s historic features. Palé HallRestaurant serves a refined tasting menu on Wednesday through Saturday, and guests can also partake in a tasteful afternoon tea. Venture to see the 17th-century Penmachno Roman Bridge, where locals spotted prop bodies during filming.
Château Rhianfa
The picturesque Welsh island of Anglesey has provided numerous locations for House of the Dragon, including Penmon Point, Beaumaris Beach, and Llanddwyn Beach. Five-star Grade II listed hotel Château Rhianfa overlooks the Menai Strait near Beaumaris, allowing guests their own castle from which to explore the inspiration for the shores of Dragonstone. Château Rhianfa, built between 1849-1851 to conjure the castles of France’s Loire Valley, is home to 27 colorful bedrooms and suites. The hotel’s restaurant is called Le Dragon Rouge—a coincidence that may seem like a strike of luck to supporters of Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen. Elsewhere on the estate, travelers can relax in one of the opulent drawing rooms, explore the gardens, or indulge in the banquet hall, which was notably designed by acclaimed architect Alfred Waterhouse.
The Twitcher
The Welsh coastal town of Caernarfon is not specifically a shooting location for House of the Dragon, however the nearby Trefor Quarry has been used to capture the impressive Targaryen ancestral home of Dragonstone Castle. Visitors to the area can enjoy the scenery of Foryd Bay from The Twitcher, a cozy cottage that feels like a royal hunting lodge. It has a hot tub in an enclosed garden, four bedrooms, and a grand stone fireplace you’ll immediately want to light. It may not have the sheer majesty (or dragons) of Dragonstone, but it certainly has a similar antique allure with its wood beamed ceilings and intricate stonework.
England
The Headland Hotel and Spa
House of the Dragon took advantage of Cornwall’s expansive beaches to shoot both seasons, using locations like Holywell Beach and Kynance Cove. Enjoy your own cliffside sea views from The Headland Hotel and Spa in Newquay, a five-star resort hotel that opened in 1898. It’s known as the filming site of 1990 film The Witches, although the well-appointed rooms and suites are modern and bright, with coastal-inspired décor and color palettes. The Headland Spa is the perfect place to unwind—something the Westeros Greens and Blacks certainly haven’t had a chance to do—and the newly-renovated RenMor restaurant offers upscale casual dining with an emphasis on local catch.
Ye Olde Church House
Along the coast of Cornwall, near Penzance, eagle-eyed viewers will spot St. Michael’s Mount, a dead ringer for Driftmark. The historic castle is a big tourist draw in the area and can be visited on foot at low tide. Book into Grade II listed 17th-century home Ye Olde Church House, which houses 15 guests, to get as close as possible to St. Michael’s Mount. The stone house offers sea views, a walled garden, and light, airy spaces that are perhaps the opposite of the Castle Driftmark’s moody interiors. Marazion Beach, which overlooks St. Michael’s Mount, is a short drive away, as is Penzance and St. Ives.
Lime Cottage Glamping
Although it’s uncertain where exactly House of the Dragon filmed Alicent going camping in the penultimate episode of season two, fans who want to follow in her footsteps have a lot of choice in the English countryside. Near the town of Tisbury, those looking for a respite from daily life (or from their psychopathic Targaryen children) can book into this cozy shepherd’s hut. The one-bedroom hut, which has a wood stove, is paired with a bell tent as a second bedroom in case, like Alicent, you’ve brought along a guard. There’s also a separate building with a kitchen, bathroom, and shower. To seek out actual shooting locations, take a leisurely drive to Bourne Wood, the site of a memorable dragon battle.
Portugal
Old House
The city of Dragonstone looks uncannily similar to Monsanto, a hilltop village in Portugal known for its preserved granite houses. The town, which was a popular attraction before the premiere of the series, has few hotels, meaning it’s best to experience one of the historic homes instead. Old House, which dates back to the 15th century, can be found to the west of the city, with views overlooking the famous rooftops. It’s small and quaint, with two bedrooms and antique furnishings and décor from around Monsanto itself. Unlike Dragonstone, this charm-filled rental has air conditioning and a modern kitchen.
