Belfast: Game of Thrones Winterfell Locations Tour

If you’re a fan of Game of Thrones, a tour exploring the series’ filming locations in County Down offers a chance to step into the world of Westeros without leaving Northern Ireland. This particular tour, rated at an impressive 4.9 out of 5 based on 48 reviews, promises a full day of scenic sights, behind-the-scenes stories, and authentic costumes, all guided by a former Game of Thrones extra.

What truly sets this experience apart is the opportunity to visit real filming sites, such as the courtyard of Winterfell, or stroll through Tollymore Forest Park, known for its eerie White Walker scenes. We love the way this tour combines stunning landscapes with engaging storytelling, making it a hit for dedicated fans and curious travelers alike.

One thing to consider is the full-day commitment; at approximately 10 hours, it demands a fair bit of your time, but for many, the depth and authenticity of the experience outweigh the length.

This tour is ideal for anyone who appreciates series lore, enjoys scenic drives, or wants an authentic behind-the-scenes perspective. Fans of the series, history buffs, and travelers eager for a uniquely Northern Irish adventure will find plenty to love here.

• Authentic Filming Locations: Visit real sets like Winterfell’s courtyard and Inch Abbey where Robb Stark was crowned King in the North.
• Engaging Guide: Led by a former Game of Thrones extra, offering insider stories and costumes for great photo opportunities.
• Scenic Landscapes: Trek through Tollymore Forest Park and Old Castle Ward, offering some of the most beautiful natural scenes in Northern Ireland.
• Flexible Options: Pre-order a hot pub lunch or bring your own, allowing for personalized dining experiences.
• Well-Organized Itinerary: Detailed stops with sufficient time to explore, including Walder Frey’s Twins and the Haunted Forest.
• Excellent Reviews: Consistently high ratings with glowing comments about knowledgeable guides and the overall value.

Starting Point and Transportation

The tour begins at the Leonardo Hotel Belfast (formerly Jurys Inn), a central spot easy to find. The meeting time is early—arrive by 7:45 AM for an 8 AM departure—so you’ll want to set your alarm. From there, you’ll travel by comfortable coach for about 1.5 hours to your first stop. The organized transportation means you won’t need to worry about navigating yourself, and the group size tends to be manageable, fostering a more intimate experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

First Stop: Old Castle Ward – The Setting of Winterfell

The highlight for many is the visit to Old Castle Ward, the home of Winterfell in season one. We loved the way the tour immerses you in the show’s universe, walking through the actual courtyard and imagining the Great Hall of the Stark ancestors. It’s a real place with stone walls that have witnessed centuries of history, making it much more meaningful than a generic set.

The guide, a former Game of Thrones extra, shares fascinating anecdotes about filming and the series’ production. As one reviewer put it, “the guide has lots of knowledge about the city and enjoys sharing it,” which adds a layer of authenticity and entertainment. You’ll see Walder Frey’s Twins, a pair of ruins that doubled as parts of the Frey’s castle, and take photos in Robb Stark’s camp, all while hearing behind-the-scenes stories that make the series come alive.

Lunch Break at a Local Pub

After a morning of exploring, it’s time to relax and refuel. The tour offers a lunch stop at The Barn Bar & Country Kitchen, where you can pre-order a hot pub meal or bring your own packed lunch. Many travelers appreciate this flexibility—one reviewer noted, “the lunch was delicious and well-organized.” It’s a good chance to chat with fellow fans about the morning’s sights while enjoying hearty Irish fare.

Inch Abbey – A Royal Location

Post-lunch, the journey continues to Inch Abbey, where Robb Stark was crowned King in the North. This 12th-century ruin provides a dramatic backdrop for photos. The guide hands out authentic wool Stark cloaks, direwolf banners, and swords—not just for show but for creating a truly immersive photo opportunity.

This site is particularly meaningful for series fans—seeing the actual ruins where key story moments unfolded deepens the connection. As one reviewer said, “it was an excellent tour, and the guide’s storytelling made it even better,” highlighting how this stop’s atmosphere combines history and series lore.

Tollymore Forest Park – The Haunted Forest

The last major stop is Tollymore Forest Park, famous for its appearance as the Haunted Forest and the scene where the Stark pups are found. This walk offers a mix of moody woodland scenery and fresh air, perfect for a leisurely trek. The guide’s stories about the White Walkers’ first appearance and the series’ filming secrets make this segment especially engaging.

Travelers rave about this part: “the forest is stunning, and the stories about the White Walkers really brought the series to life,” according to reviews. It’s a perfect way to end the day with tranquil nature mixed with cinematic history.

More Great Tours Nearby

Return Journey and Final Thoughts

After Tollymore, the coach heads back to Belfast, arriving around 6:30-7 PM. The overall day combines beautiful landscapes, series insights, and fun photo opportunities, making it a rewarding experience for fans and visitors alike.

Considering the tour’s approximately 10-hour duration, it’s priced as a full-day experience. The fee includes entrance to Castle Ward and Tollymore Forest Park and access to costumes, swords, and banners—all of which enhance the experience. The fact that you’re guided by a former Game of Thrones actor adds a layer of authenticity and insider knowledge that many tours lack.

Many travelers believe the value lies in the quality of storytelling, the chance to see actual filming locations, and the opportunity to dress up and take memorable photos. As one reviewer noted, “Rob (the guide) was proactive and excited about sharing stories,” which makes the day even more enjoyable.

Practical Tips

• Bring comfortable shoes, as you’ll be walking and trekking through varied terrain.
• Weather can be unpredictable—dress in layers and be prepared for rain.
• If you want a hearty meal, pre-order or bring a packed lunch; the tour’s included options are popular.
• Arrive early to ensure a smooth start, especially since it’s a full-day trip.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This experience appeals most to dedicated series fans, but also to travelers who love scenic drives and historical sites. It’s especially good if you want an authentic, behind-the-scenes look at the series’ filming locations. However, it’s not suitable for young children, pregnant women, or those with mobility or health issues, given the length and walking involved.

This Belfast-based Game of Thrones Winterfell Locations Tour offers a sincere and entertaining way to connect with the series’ filming sites. The combination of stunning scenery, authentic costumes, and knowledgeable guides makes it a standout experience for fans eager to see Westeros come to life.

The tour’s high ratings and enthusiastic reviews underline its value—many call it “worth every penny,” and highlight the friendly, passionate guides as a key feature. It’s a chance to walk the grounds where your favorite characters stood, see real ruins that shaped the story, and hear insider tales that make the series even more immersive.

Whether you’re a die-hard fan or simply curious about the filming locations, this tour provides a well-organized, engaging, and memorable day out in Northern Ireland.

Do I need to pre-book this tour? Yes, it’s recommended to reserve your spot in advance, especially during peak seasons, to secure your place.

What is the start time? The tour departs at 8 AM, but you should arrive by 7:45 AM at the Leonardo Hotel Belfast.

What’s included in the price? Entrance fees to Castle Ward and Tollymore Forest Park, a guide who is a former Game of Thrones actor, and costumes, swords, and banners for photos.

Can I bring my own lunch? Yes, you can bring a packed lunch if you prefer, or opt for the pre-ordered hot pub meal, which many find delicious and filling.

Is it suitable for younger children? No, it’s generally not recommended for children under 18 due to the length and nature of walking involved.

How long is the tour? The full experience lasts about 10 hours, from departure to return.

Is transportation provided? Yes, a comfortable coach takes you between locations, allowing you to relax and enjoy the scenery.

What should I wear? Bring comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing, as the day involves walking and outdoor exploration in potentially unpredictable weather.

This detailed review aims to help you decide if this Game of Thrones tour fits your interests and travel plans. For fans eager to step into Westeros, it’s a day packed with scenery, stories, and a few surprises along the way.

You can check availability for your dates here: